Highlights In Today's Reading:
You will be fascinated with the details in Israel's great festivals (Feasts) since they reveal the many aspects of Christ's sacrificial love. As all the offerings are precisely initiated, a second generation, after 40 years, is ready to enter the promised land. Oh taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8).
All sacrifices, offerings, and ceremonies detailed in Numbers 28 and 29 were to lead the children of Israel to grateful acknowledgment of the mercies of God. The Lord spake unto Moses saying, Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, My offering, and My bread for My sacrifices made by fire, for a sweet savour unto Me, shall ye observe to offer unto Me in their due season (appointed time) (28:1-2).Worshippers were led to express their appreciation to the Lord for protecting them, for causing them to be victorious over their enemies, and for supplying their needs. Furthermore, the worshipper experienced the joy of fellowship with God.
Note the precious interest and care in which God involves Himself with His people. My offering and My bread for My sacrifices . . . for a sweet savour unto Me. God reveals the value He places upon acceptable gifts brought by those who love Him. Believers recognize that an acceptable gift is not primarily something we do for God, but foremost, it is that we be the person He created us to be.
The purposes of the sacrifice at the harvest festival (the Feast of Tabernacles) still remain. God's bountiful supply should deepen our appreciation for His goodness. The Feast of Pentecost (celebrating the summer harvest) was an acknowledgment of His faithfulness to Israel who gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness (Acts 14:17). This Feast (Numbers 28:26-31) was set apart for joyful acknowledgment of God's love. The Lord thy God hath blessed thee: And thou shalt rejoice before the Lord thy God (Deuteronomy 16:10-11).
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the Law of the Lord (Psalm 1:1-2).
Thought for Today:
We worship God by doing His will with love and appreciation.
Christ Revealed:
By the tabernacles (booths, temporary dwellings) (Numbers 29:12-39; Lev. 23:34,42-43). The Word (logos, i.e. the sayings of God) was made (became) flesh, and dwelt among us (John 1:14). The Greek word translated dwelt means to “tabernacle or live in a tent temporarily.”
Word Studies:
28:2 sweet savuor =pleasing fragrance; 28:3 spot =defect; 28:6 ordained =instituted by God; 28:13 several =separate; 28:18 holy convocation =sacred assembly; 29:2 sweet savour =pleasing fragrance; 29:6 month =new moon; 29:7 afflict your souls =b> have a day of solemn fasting, soul searching, prayer, and repentance of all known sin; 29:10 several =separate; 29:17 spot =defect; 29:35 solemn =sacred.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts sponsored by James M. Scott • Staff: Dan Murton • Government Official: Rep. Jim Gerlach (PA) • Country: Djibouti (447,000) in eastern Africa • Major languages: French and Arabic • Limited religious freedom • 91% Muslim; 7% Roman Catholic; .75% Eastern Orthodox; about 300 Protestants • Prayer Suggestion: Trust in the Lord and wait upon Him in your prayers, for He will hear you (Micah 7:7).
Optional Reading: Luke 12
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:6