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Bible Pathways - February 13, 2006


February 13, 2006

Read Numbers 3

In Today's Reading:

Census and duties of the Levites: the Kohathites, the Gershonites, and the Merarites; the redemption of the firstborn

Nadab and Abihu, Aaron's two oldest sons, had been greatly honored by being included with Moses and Aaron and 70 elders to go up Mount Sinai at the Lord's command (Exodus 24:1,9). They had been given national recognition and God-ordained spiritual leadership. But, all this did not protect them from the consequences of their disobedience. The newly ordained priests Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD, when they offered strange (unlawful) fire before the LORD (in His presence), in the wilderness of Sinai (Numbers 3:4). They presumed to burn incense, symbolic of the prayers of the people, with unauthorized fire, that is, fire not kindled by God on the Brazen Altar (Leviticus 9:23-24; 10:1-2).

Their unauthorized fire underlined the seriousness of departing from the Commandments of God. It points out that no one becomes so important or popular as a "spiritual" leader that God will overlook disobedience to His Word. To be a minister, or even to become a member of a church, with no intent to submit one's life to please Christ is hypocrisy.

The decision to ignore any command of God is sin. We are not to use circumstances to justify an exception to His Word. Neither is there a choice of what part of His Word we can neglect or reject, for all is God-breathed (inspired). The Word of God is the source for meeting the needs of the human heart; it is the final and only source of absolute truth (John 17:17).

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable (II Timothy 3:16). All New Testament doctrine is based on Old Testament principles. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the Truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful (terrifying) looking for of judgment. . . . He that despised (rejected) Moses' Law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer (more severe) punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant (agreement), wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto (insulted) the Spirit of grace? (Hebrews 10:26-29).

Word Studies:

3:10 wait on = care for; 3:12 matrix = womb; 4:3 all that enter into the host = those who qualify to enter the service; 4:6 staves = carrying poles; 4:10 bar = carrying frame; 4:24 burdens = to carry when moving.

Christ Portrayed:

By Aaron, the high priest, who was served by the Levites (Numbers 3:6). As a holy and royal priesthood, we serve Christ, our great High Priest (John 12:26; I Peter 2:5,9; Hebrews 4:14).

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in memory of Reverend Leonard P. Miller · The Arabic International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Agnes A. Shaeffer · Staff: Rick Hash · Government Official: Gov. Anibal Acevedo-Vila (PR) · Country: Indonesia (216 million) five large and 13,662 lesser islands in Southeast Asia · Major languages: Bahasa Indonesian (modified form of Malay) and English · Growing pressure from Muslim leaders to limit advances of Christianity by not renewing many of the missionaries' permits to stay in the country · 44% Muslim; 35% Islamic mixtures; 10% Protestant; 4% animist; 4% Roman Catholic; 2% Hindu; 1% Buddhist · Prayer Suggestion: Study and heed the instruction of the Word of God that your prayers may be heard (Proverbs 1:28-30).

Optional Reading: Mark 15

Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 12:14



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