“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” James 1:22
In today’s world, it isn’t very popular to obey God.
The admonition to serve God with all of our hearts, and not
to turn from His way, is very important for Christians. In order to follow God,
it is important to obey His Word. Obedience is extremely important to Him (and
this is repeated numerous times to His people). In order to obey God, we must
know what His Word says.
How can one know God’s Word? One must first seek after it and
hide it in their heart. How does God’s Word get into one’s heart? “10.
With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy
commandments. 11. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin
against thee” (Psalm 119:10-11). One must search after God, read the
Bible, and memorize His Word for it to be found in our heart.
Once we hide God’s Word in our hearts, we know what to do. We
can understand what God expects from us. However, the most important thing
comes next: we are not only to hear it, but also to do
it! “But be ye doers of the word,
and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (James 1:22). Notice if we just hear God’s Word and
do not do it, we deceive ourselves.
Read the following warning: “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his
servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience
unto righteousness?” (Romans 6:16). When one chooses to do what they
want over what God says to do, that person has yielded himself, or herself, to
sin. But, when one chooses to obey God, it is considered obedience unto
righteousness.
“Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” 1 Corinthians 10:11
God often reminded His people what He expected of them.
Before they were led into the land God promised to them, see what He told them:
“Ye shall not do after all the
things that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in
his own eyes” (Deuteronomy 12:8). He also told them: “… thou shalt hearken to the voice of the
LORD thy God, to keep all his commandments which I command thee this day, to do
that which is right in the eyes of the LORD thy God”
(Deuteronomy 13:18).
Not too long after the people were given these warnings, we
read about a particularly tragic time. It is recorded in the book of Judges. A
dominant theme is found within this book: “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right
in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25).
Notice that it doesn’t say they did wrong; they thought what they
were doing was right. Although it didn’t appear wrong to them, it was wrong in
God’s eyes. They did not obey the commands God had given them. We can read that
the Israelites had rejected God as their king. They chose to be friends with
the enemy nations. They also continually chose to turn to the enemy’s idol
worship. However, we understand that God never left His people. When the enemy
oppressed, God sent a judge (a champion) to deliver them from the hands of
their enemies. Gideon and Samson are probably the most familiar judges. The
book of Judges reveals some terribly vile things that took place. One
excessively despicable event even led to civil war within the nation, almost
annihilating one of the twelve tribes.
God’s people were supposed to reveal to the world the love of
God for those who follow and obey His Words. “1. And it shall come to pass,
if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe
and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the
LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: 2. And
all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt
hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God” (Deuteronomy 28:1-2). But
instead, they rejected God and His Word to do what they thought was right. “In
those days there was no king in Israel:
every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). Because of this, we read what God said
the consequences of not obeying the word of the Lord would be. “62. And ye
shall be left few in number, whereas ye were as the stars of heaven for
multitude; because thou wouldest not obey the voice of the LORD thy God. 63.
And it shall come to pass, that as the LORD rejoiced over you to do you
good, and to multiply you; so the LORD will rejoice over you to destroy you,
and to bring you to nought …” (Deuteronomy 28:62-63a). They were not a
light, revealing God in the world.
There are so many examples in the Bible of which we should
take notice. They are there to remind us of what happens when we cease to obey
God’s Word and choose our own path. “Now
all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our
admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come” (1 Corinthians
10:11). Jesus wants Christians to be
a light in this world. “14. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is
set on an hill cannot be hid. 15. Neither do men light a candle, and put
it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are
in the house. 16. Let your
light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your
Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16). When the Christians in
the churches cease to be obedient to God’s Word, it is much like a light that
is put under a bushel. Compromising Christians hurt themselves, their families
and their churches. Worse than that, they can also contribute to the decay of a
whole nation. We can see this pictured in the book of Judges.
Are you a compromising Christian, hurting loved ones and contributing
to the decay of a nation?
‘The Israelites sinned against God when they forsook Him
and worshiped creatures (golden calves, Baal, etc.). They also walked in the
ways of the heathen (the wicked and idolatrous nations around) instead of
walking in God’s Laws and statutes they had been taught. Notice that in the New
Testament, Paul preached to people in the same condition. He warned that the
wrath of God would fall upon those who knew the truth, but did not live it out in
their lives: “18. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all
ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19. Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath
shewed it unto them. 21. Because that, when they knew God, they
glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in
their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22. Professing
themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23. And changed the glory of the
uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and
fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24. Wherefore God also gave them up to
uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own
bodies between themselves: 25. Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and
worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for
ever. Amen” (Romans 1:18–19,
21–25).’
Notice that Paul portrayed a progressive departure from
the truth of righteousness they knew. It was not a sudden departure. Search
your heart to see if you are guilty of knowing the way of righteousness, yet
not living in the truth of it. This is an important question for each Christian
to consider!
‘What should we learn from Israel’s
obstinacy? Jesus should be our ultimate example. “21. … [B]ecause Christ
also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
22. Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 24. Who his own self
bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should
live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed” (2 Peter 2:21–22, 24).
When we know what is right, we should do it. “Therefore
to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James
4:17). Seek God if one is not sure —
remember Amos’ plea, “Seek the LORD, and ye shall live …” (Amos 5:6). We
should never sin away our lives — as Israel
did. For, “… There is a sin unto death …” (1 John 5:16).’
Have you chosen to do good and to seek the Lord?
Excerpts from The Biblical Path of Life, Year Two Quarter One, Lesson 10; Shallum – Hoshea. www.biblicalpath.com
“I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.” Job 42:5
God created all things. We can understand that He created all
things, including us, for his pleasure. “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for
thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created”
(Revelation 4:11). But have you ever
taken time to hear about God? How about trying to see Him?
What does it really mean when people say they have “seen”
God? Can anyone really “see” God? Some things you see without physical eyes.
This “seeing” is referring to the movement of God in one’s own personal life. A
few books in the Old Testament reveal men wanting to know God better – in a
personal way. Job, King David (in the book of Psalms), and King Solomon (in the
books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon) were such men. We also see
God move in the hearts and lives of these men. There is a great picture of this
in the life of Job.
Job opens with a behind-the-scenes event that Job never knew
about (a very important fact for us to consider!). Satan presents himself
before the throne of God. Remember; God knows all, see: “… for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and
understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts …” (1 Chronicles
28:9b). Yet we find that He asks Satan if he has set his heart upon Job. Read
how Job is described: “… a
perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth (turns away from) evil” (Job
1:8). Satan wants to “steal, kill, and destroy” (John 10:10). This fact is vividly portrayed in the book of
Job. Job lost all of his wealth, his ten children, and eventually even his
health. Yet through all of the adversity that Job endured, he never cursed God.
He sought his own heart, and he acknowledged God and who He is. When he did not
understand what it was that was happening to him, he appealed to God.
And God answered him.
Although Job never fully understood what happened, or why, we
can read about it for ourselves in the book of Job. Job’s faith and trust in
things of which he did not know is rather amazing. Yet through it all, Job’s
faith and trust in God grew. Even knowing how God described Job at the
beginning of the book, read what Job recognized about his own condition in the
presence of God. “5. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now
mine eye seeth thee. 6. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and
ashes” (Job 42:5-6).
These events give us much insight, if only we will receive
it. Although Job never knew that God allowed Satan to cause these events in his
life, we find that he trusted God. There is an important thing that we should
remember – God knew Job. He knew that Job could endure all of those things and
even grow in his faith and trust in Him. When we are faced with things, we
should understand that God won’t allow anything to happen to us that He doesn’t
already know we can handle. If we just will! “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but
God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are
able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be
able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Temptation
here means “putting to proof (by experiment [of good], or experience [of evil];
to try.” And the words to be tempted here mean “to test.” But my
favorite part: the words God is faithful. The word faithful here
means “trustworthy; faithful; true.” I can trust God because He is faithful
through it all! Job understood this before it was even written.
Have you trusted God to be faithful during your trying times?
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
‘Just as the Israelites were told of their sin and called
to repentance, the same call is extended to us today. “For all have sinned,
and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
All are guilty of sin, and there is a penalty to pay. “For the wages of sin is
death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”
(Romans 6:23). In addition, God
provided one who paid the penalty for us — if only we would receive. “But
God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ
died for us” (Romans 5:8). Just as God extended a call to the Israelites,
warning them before judgment would fall, God warns us today. “And as it is
appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). What response does God require? “8.
But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy
heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9. That if thou shalt
confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that
God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10. For with the heart
man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto
salvation” (Romans 10:8–10). What are we to do with that information? “Seek
ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near”
(Isaiah 55:6).’
Have you called upon the Lord while he is near?
Excerpt from The Biblical Path of Life, Year Two Quarter One, Lesson 9; God’s Enduring Love. www.biblicalpath.com
“Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent …” Revelation 3:3a
Do you remember anything you have learned from the Bible? It
is important to daily read God’s Word. If you do not read it, you will not
remember it. Remember is the key word. If we do not remember and hold fast to
what we learn from God’s Word, we will never grow in Christ. The more we learn
about God’s Word, the more we will want to be like Him. By learning the history
in the Bible, we will understand the significance of why things happened. God
had a plan, which is hard to understand unless you learn the Old Testament
history. While it was happening, men did not fully understand what that plan
was, but through faith, they believed. The more we learn, the more pieces of
the puzzle we can fit together. Each piece helps us become better students of
God’s Word, which helps us become better Christians.
For instance, remember the book of Judges. The dominant theme
within the book is this: “In those
days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right
in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25).
Notice that it doesn’t say they did wrong, men thought what they were doing was
right. But also notice this: “And
the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and
forgat the LORD their God, and served Baalim and the groves” (Judges
3:7). Although it didn’t appear wrong to them, it was wrong in God’s eyes. They
did not obey the commands God had given them.
There was a vicious cycle that occurred in Judges:
The people forsook God.
God allowed the enemy to oppress
the people.
The people cried out to God.
God sent a deliverer (a judge) to
end the oppression.
In Judges, the people as a whole rejected God.
But then we remember the book of Ruth. It is a breath of
fresh air in a time of turmoil in the nation of Israel,
for it is a picture of redemption. Ruth was a Gentile (a Moabitess) who lived
in a pagan land. She did not know the true God. When an Israelite family moved
to Moab because
of a drought in Israel,
Ruth married into this family and heard of God. When her husband,
father-in-law, and brother-in-law died, she returned with her mother-in-law to
the land of Israel.
Because she had recognized a light in her dark world, she wanted to follow that
light. She had learned of God and did not want to lose that. Her view is
clearly stated: “16. And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or
to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and
where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy
God my God: 17. Where
thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and
more also, if ought but death part thee and me” (Ruth 1:16-17). It was there after being redeemed by
a kinsman, that she forever became a part of Jesus’ genealogy. She was the
great-grandmother of King David.
One important thing about studying the history in the Bible is to be aware of God’s plan for His people. As we consider what God’s Word says, we should understand how it fits together, much like pieces of a puzzle. As we try to keep in mind and hold fast to the things we learn from God’s Word, it will help us recognize God’s plan for our lives. We must remember what God’s Word says.
“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” James 4:17
David is one of the most famous men in the Bible. God chose
him when he was young to be the future king of His people. Although King Saul chased
David wanting to kill him, David followed God, and God took care of him.
When David became king, he was a great king. “And all the people took notice of it,
and it pleased them: as whatsoever the king did pleased all the people”
(2 Samuel 3:36). We can read many
places where David “enquired of God.” When David wasn’t sure what God would
have him to do in a situation, he would enquire of God – and God would answer
him. “And David went on, and grew
great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him” (2 Samuel 5:10). The second book of Samuel is all about
David’s kingdom.
Everyone remembers David’s great sin. If you remember, he
wasn’t where he was supposed to be. “And
it came to pass … at the time when kings
go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and
all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But
David tarried still at Jerusalem”
(2 Samuel 11:1). It was at this time that he took Bathsheba, who wasn’t his
wife, and had her husband killed in battle. Although David knew this was
completely wrong in every way, he did it anyway. “And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his
house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son. But the thing that David
had done displeased the LORD” (2 Samuel 11:27). What made things worse was that after he made
Bathsheba his wife, he continued in life as if nothing was wrong.
God sent Nathan to speak to David. He told King David a story
of man who took a beloved lamb from someone else that did not belong to him and
killed it. After hearing the story, “And
David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As
the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die”
(2 Samuel 12:5). David recognized that this man had sinned and deserved death.
“And Nathan said to David, Thou art
the man …” (2 Samuel 12:7a). Nathan proceeded to remind King David
just what God had done for him, and his punishment for his great sin. “And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned
against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy
sin; thou shalt not die” (2 Samuel 12:13).
Although there were many consequences for this sin, because David immediately
repented of that sin, God forgave him. David truly had a heart of repentance,
and we can read his prayer to the Lord in Psalm 51.
What more does the Bible tell us about King David? “And when he had removed him, he raised up
unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I
have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which
shall fulfil all my will” (Acts 13:22). Have you ever considered
that it might have been this moment in David’s life that caused God to call him
“a man after mine own heart”
knowing that when David was confronted with his sin, he would immediately
repent? We know, “For all have
sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). However, read what David understood,
long before it was written, “If we
confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to
cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
We can understand that God forgave David. However, see how
great of a forgiveness it was. David wrote Psalm 103, which tells of God’s
great forgiveness. “As far as the
east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us”
(Psalm 103:12)
Remember what else God tells us of King David, “Of this man’s seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus” (Acts 13:23). God sent, through the lineage of David, His only Son who came to die for man’s sin – if only they would come to him in repentance and receive His forgiveness. “6. Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:6-7).
“But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” Psalm 1:2
We are taught that obeying laws is important and that there
are penalties to be paid if we break them. Consider the importance of laws. We
are to understand that God has laws. His laws are significant, and obedience is
very important to God as we can see throughout His Word, and most notably in
the Old Testament. Often we recognize God’s discipline on those who break His
laws.
The first five books in the Old Testament are referred to as
“The Law.” Within these books we find the first 2,500 years of history recorded
by Moses. The first book, Genesis, begins with the creation, records the ruin
of man through sin, but it also reveals the sovereignty of God. The word sovereignty
means “supreme in power; possessing supreme dominion; as a sovereign ruler of
the universe.” We understand that God is the sovereign God of all who love and
obey Him.
One easy way to remember Genesis and the events within is to
recognize:
Four main events take place:
The Creation
The Fall
The Flood
The Tower
of Babel
Genesis deals mainly with Four People:
Abraham
Isaac
Jacob
Joseph
After about four hundred years, God’s people grew into a
nation numbering around two to three million people in Egypt.
This is where Exodus (which means “the way out” or “outgoing”) begins. At the
culmination of the ten plagues, we see the mighty deliverance of God’s people
from a land of bondage. Shortly after this they meet at the foot of Mount
Sinai. It was at Mount Sinai that the Law
was given (beginning with the Ten Commandments; Exodus 19-20). The Israelites
were taught that obedience to God is necessary. They could not be a redeemed,
set-apart people unless they obeyed God’s command.
In Leviticus, God spoke to Moses from the tabernacle instead
of Mount Sinai. The people needed to know how to live. God
instituted the offerings, the priesthood, a clean lifestyle, and the different
feasts. These things were teach the people how to live as a people wholly given
to God in every aspect of their lives. Leviticus shows the ability to have
fellowship with God when we come to Him as a sanctified people (because He is
holy, and we are a sinful people). Leviticus ends with the blessings of
obedience and the penalties for disobedience. Only about a month’s time passes
during Leviticus.
The name Numbers comes from a numbering of the people at the
beginning of the book and then again at the end. There were two groups of
people, an old generation and a new generation. When the twelve spies were sent
into the land promised to Abraham, only Joshua and Caleb brought back report
that God would allow them to conquer the land. When the Israelites disobeyed
God’s command to cross over into the Promised Land, they were disciplined. The
old generation would die and not enter because they refused to obey God. Only
Joshua and Caleb escaped God’s discipline (wandering in the wilderness for
forty years). Fewer than forty years elapse during Numbers where we see God
guiding, providing, and protecting His people.
Deuteronomy begins by looking back to what God had done for
His people and then looking forward. The entire book shows the faithfulness of
God revealing that God loves His people. Moses warned the people to not forget
the words of God’s Law, revealing the blessings for following God’s Law and the
curse of God if they failed to obey. Joshua is appointed the new leader of the
new generation, and Moses dies.
After remembering the books of “The Law,” see that they help us understand God and what He expects from His people. We also learn that it is quite impossible to obey every law that God has given us. In the New Testament we gain some insight as to why it is important to know “The Law” of the Old Testament. “24. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. 26. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:24-26).
Have you understood “The Law” is a schoolmaster to show the need for Jesus?
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” Hebrews 9:27
Have you ever had an appointment that changed the course of
your life? What about a missed opportunity that you can never go back to
correct?
One cannot help but remember an event that took place in the
Bible. Jesus had been teaching the people when a young man came to Him with a
question. “And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and
kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit
eternal life?” (Mark 10:17). This is an important question for
each person to ask. He had the right question. Read Jesus’ reply, “ And
Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but
one, that is, God” (Mark 10:18). Jesus was making a point.
The man recognized Jesus as a great man and a good teacher, but he had not
acknowledged that Jesus was God. That makes all of the difference! Jesus asked
this young man about the commandments (for people understood that God expects
people to obey His commands). Jesus began to list from the Ten Commandments. “Thou
knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do
not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother”
(Mark 10:19). Each of these has to
do with an outward duty as opposed to a change of an inward nature. They deal
with people’s relationship with one another. Do you notice what is missing? The
first four of the Ten Commandments that have to do with one’s relationship with
God are missing. After Jesus had listed the final six of the Ten Commandments,
see the young man’s response, “And he answered and said unto him, Master,
all these have I observed from my youth” (Mark 10:20).
Here we come to the heart of the matter – a time of decision.
Notice that Jesus loved him, but would this young man follow Jesus’
requirement? “Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou
lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou
shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me”
(Mark 10:21). Did this young man truly desire eternal life? Was he willing to
give the temporal things this world has to offer in exchange for a life
pleasing God and eternity with Him? Would he continue as he was, or would he
choose Jesus? Read his response. “And he was sad at that saying, and went
away grieved: for he had great possessions” (Mark 10:22). He was sad, yet he just went away
grieved. He was not willing to part with his possessions for a relationship
with Jesus. Read what Jesus had previously warned: “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love
the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot
serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24).
This young man had not understood a very important thing: “24. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to
bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25. But after
that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster” (Galatians 3:24-25).
Remember: “And as it is appointed unto men once to
die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). This young man would be judged according to the
decision he made concerning Jesus.
“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” 1 John 2:1
“God has
revealed himself gradually through the years. Hebrews 1:1-2a: ‘1.
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the
fathers by the prophets, 2a. Hath in these last days spoken unto us
by his Son …’ (remember that Hebrews 1:1 refers to the incremental
and progressive manner in which God disclosed Himself up until the appearance
of the Son. It was fragmentary and piece by piece, sort of like pieces of a
puzzle). We see him as the God of creation in Genesis 1. We then see he is a
God who cannot look upon sinful man in Genesis 3. We see that there is a limit
to his tolerance of sinful man in Genesis 6 (the flood that destroys the
world), yet we also see that God shows grace to those who continually seek him
(Noah; Genesis 6:8). God then revealed himself to an individual man (Abraham;
Genesis 12) and extended that revelation to his descendants (Exodus 3:15). God showed Himself mightily to His
people in the ten plagues and the exodus of His people from bondage (Exodus 7–14).
He then showed Himself as their provider (in the wilderness; Exodus 15–17). We
see He is a God who expects His people to hear His voice and obey Him (Exodus
19–20). Once the people accomplish the great task of building a tabernacle
where God’s presence can dwell among His people (Exodus 40), He then reveals
just what it takes to become a “clean and forgiven” people in the presence of a
sinless, perfect God (Leviticus).
God has mandated a blood sacrifice for man’s sins since the
garden. When man sinned, God shed the blood of an animal to make a covering for
man (for he was naked before God; his sins were exposed). When God made the
clothes to “cover” Adam and Eve, it was a great picture of what the Old
Testament sacrifices did for man. They covered mankind’s sins for a season.
Throughout the Old Testament, we see the shedding of blood (from an animal) to
cover mankind’s sins. It isn’t until we come to Leviticus that God reveals the
intricacies and details of the way it is required. The ritualistic sacrifices
(explained in Leviticus) that must be fulfilled, completely and perfectly, are
to show us the great sacrifice it would take to cleanse sinful man from his
sins. It is to reveal to mankind the impossibility of entering into God’s
presence without the perfect
sacrifice, only found in Jesus. All throughout the books of the Law we see God
gradually reveal Himself to mankind, only a piece at a time, through revelation—only
as much as we could handle.”
“And he (Jesus) is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2). The word propitiation means “the means of putting away sin and establishing righteousness not by man’s ability to appease God with an of his offerings, (for man is unable to offer anything to placate God), Jesus is presented as the righteous One; … reconciling us to God, allowing us to be acceptable for fellowship with God (see also Romans 3:25). The propitiation of Christ is very personal – the propitiation for our sins.”
Have you asked Jesus to be your Advocate with God, the Father?
