I Kings 7:13-51 - Furnishings for the Temple

I Kings 7:13-51

And Solomon made all the furniture which was in the house of the Lord: the golden altar and the golden table on which was the bread of the Presence. (verse 48)

Message: Furnishings for the Temple

Time: The author of 1&2 Kings (originally 1 book) is not known. First Kings follows the history of this divided kingdom from the death of David around 971 BC through the year 853 BC. First Kings reveals Solomon’s relationship with Yahweh and introduces the prophet Elijah who pronounces judgment on the evil northern king Ahab. Like other books, it helps us to understand the history of Israel and Judah. 

What the Lord is Saying: The first part of chapter 7 basically describes Solomon's palace and its attributes. Early verses had spoken of the Temple but after it has been completed in 7 years, then the matter switches a moment to his palace which is bigger. Following this and beginning in verse 13 it seems that Solomon now switches back to the temple. In essence, what we have here is Solomon's building projects. Here is an outline for this chapter as I continue to use BibleHub for helps, but I also found this site which this lady has created to describe her journey through reading the Bible:

ii.  The Palace  ( 7:1⁠–⁠12 )

iii. Furnishings for the Temple  ( 7:13⁠–⁠51 )

1. The Pillars and Capitals  ( 7:13⁠–⁠22) - Solomon solicits help from Hiram, a man skilled in bronze. He "had great skill, understanding, and knowledge for every kind of bronze work." The bronze pillars were at the front of the temple. I just realized that God in choosing Solomon to build the temple chose someone of wealth who could outfit a temple with the highest quality of items. The pillars were not structural but symbolic, representing stability and strength. The height and design of the capitals would have drawn the eyes upward. The pillars had capitals or specialty decorations. 

2. The Molten Sea  ( 7:23⁠–⁠26 ) The sea is a large basin used for ceremonial cleaning showing purification. The cast metal means it was made through a casting process. Verse 25 says, "The Sea stood on twelve oxen" so the basin stood on 12 oxen possibly referring to the 12 tribes of Israel and the oxen were common sacrificial animals that were also symbols of strength. [Note: This verse is repeated in 2 Chronicles 4:4.] There are 43 verses in the Bible that mention oxen. It's purpose was simple, to wash hands and make one clean. It was an act to prepare oneself as we enter into a time of worshipping God, of performing rituals. In society, we do this to make ourselves clean, but in these times the purpose was to be clean before the Lord. That idea of being clean is central to our faith. We are to be a holy people, set apart to Him and for Him. And we see this in life. I think of the COVID-19 times of being free from germs and the most important activity that was mentioned over and over was to wash your hands. Even during sickness we often hear this. How amazing that this is one of the central ideas of our faith - to be clean. Even in the ordinance of baptism is that act signifying before God and everyone that we are clean and our sins are no more. It is a fundamental and core picture or metaphor of the cleansing we are before Him. We are set apart. We are different. I am so sad for those many people of faith that don't get baptized. 

3. The Ten Bronze Stands (7:27⁠–⁠37) - It is amazing to be that there are 11 verses here describing the stands. Each stand was bronze as bronze is currently being used for its durability and being able to withstand weather. The stands are movable as they have wheels around them and these wheels are described as chariot wheels. On each stand is lions, oxen, and cherubim. Lions are strength and majesty, oxen are stability for service and sacrifice, and cherubim are angelic bringing in the presence of God. These stands have a meaning about them, more than what simply meets the eye. Hiram was the one that built each of these stands. I spoke to a Hiram today. He did jury duty with me. I wish I would have remembered this name when I spoke to him. The stands were on wheels and each stand had a handle at each of the four corners. These stands were made to be moved about. 

4. The Ten Bronze Basins  (7:38⁠–⁠39) - The description of the stand is 11 verses while the description of the basin sitting on the stand is but two verses. The foundation was important so the basin could be used. These stands and basins would be used a lot at times, with priests moving them around, making sure they are clean and the sacrificial elements are clean. The basins are not small, but large to handle substantial gallons. Five stands on the north side and five on the south side. Though the animal would be sacrificed it would be cleaned. And the basins were also to clean tools used. 

5. Completion of the Bronze works  (7:40⁠–⁠47) - Pots, shovels, and sprinkling bowls are also mentioned as made by Hiram out of bronze. And then everything is mentioned again and repeated in summary. Again, there is a strong meaning here. 

6. Completion of the Gold Furnishings  (7:48⁠–⁠51) - In addition, there is the mention of 12 loaves of bread which will be a continual offering. This represented the 12 tribes of Israel. Also wick trimmers to keep the light going and present. Also bowls for sprinkling the blood. Ladies or door hinges, and censers or fragrance to ensure a pleasing aroma. 

As I read these descriptions they are all intentional in their description meaning the attributes of this temple that are being built are not haphazard, but have intentional meaning. The temple in all of its parts held something of significance. In some ways to look and see a lot of the churches in Europe that hold significance in their structure, those places seem to mirror somewhat the idea of the Temple. 

Summary: All of the elements and structural parts of the temple are described with a strong emphasis on preparation and organization of material in performing the sacrifices. 

Promise: Each person has unique gifts to include in the service to God. 

Prayer: O God, there is order in sacrifice. There is preparation that you have shown me. I wonder if I take time to prepare myself in this way. Help me to stop and evaluate and not be in a rush, to take matters seriously. We do not have all of these elements today nor need them. Jesus you did much in preparing to be sacrificed for our sins. But even as I worship you regularly I can do much to prepare myself properly. Forgive me for rushing in and sitting down and starting without any time to prepare myself. I'm too focused sometimes on accomplishment and getting it done. I think again of my mom and the table she had in the house set aside for her time with You. I think of her chair that she had in the living room that was her and was set aside for praying and spending time with You each day. I am thankful for her great example. Slow me down Lord. Help me to think of others more and what they are doing in their service. Thank you for the time. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

2 Chronicles 3 - Solomon Builds the Temple

2 Chronicles 3

Then Solomon began to build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the Lord had appeared to his father David, at the place that David had prepared, on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. (verse 1)

Message: Solomon Builds the Temple

Time: 2 Chronicles, like 1 Chronicles has a mystery writer and was separated into 2 books in 200 BC when the Septuagint was translated. This book focuses on Judah from 971-586 BC. The chronicler focused on the blessings God bestowed when leaders were faithful to His law. It covers Solomon's ascension to the throne to Judah finally carried into exile in Babylon. 

What the Lord is Saying: It has been a lot of preparation, which is understandable, given the magnitude of the temple. But now in these verses is the beginning of the construction in the fourth year of Solomons reign. 

This first temple will be a historical site, and the writer mentions the significance of the site as a place where the Lord appeared to his father David. Mount Moriah is also where Abraham offered Isaac. The site was also a threshing floor. This was recorded back in I Chronicles 21:18, "Then the angel of the LORD ordered Gad to tell David to go up and build an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite." While it is mentioned as Ornan the Jebusite's threshing floor, this was purchased by David as mentioned in 2 Samuel 24:24, "The king (David) said to Araunah, "No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price, for I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God which cost me nothing." So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver." He bought it and built and altar there for it to be a place of worship. 

The threshing floor is a common open space that was used for separating grain. It was an activity that only occurred during harvest time. Threshing separated the edible from the inedible. A reaper or someone that harvests crops would take a bunch of stalks of wheat with one hand, bending over, and then with a sickle in the other hand would slice or cut the base off and then take the remaining stalk and bind it into sheaves. Taking it then to the high hilltop, a sledge board with rocks in holes would beat against the stalks and help loosen them. This would be followed by throwing the stalks somewhat in the air with a winnowing fork and the wind or breeze would do the separation. 

Thus, the valuable grain separated from the worthless chaff by the wind. It is a reminder to me that God separates what is valuable and useful from what is not. Thus, it was a metaphor for God separating that which is ordinary into chosen or wicked. The wind or the Holy Spirit takes someone through the refining process with the result of the Word of God becoming alive in the person by the active agent of God in that person's life. The word takes root in the person. The person is chosen by God. 

Like many metaphors it uses an event or situation that was common in that day to help people understand. For those living in Bible times, grain represented 1/3rd of their diet.

When I think of my life, I don't see that I have accomplished anything spellbinding, but I have been witness to God's goodness through the reading and study of His word. 

Starting in verse 3, the description of the temple begin, starting with the foundation (v. 3), the porch or entrance where someone transitions from the secular to the sacred (v. 4), the main room (v. 5) being a central room where priest performed daily rituals to emphasize the sacredness of the space. For me, in the main room is where I read and study God's word and train myself daily for Godliness (I Timothy 4:7-8). 

Then more specifically is the design of the temple mentioned - the exterior (v. 6), the beams, thresholds, walls, doors (v. 7). 

The holy of holies is mentioned (v.8), the most sacred part of the temple where the priest would enter but one day of the year to offer atonement. This atonement is described in Leviticus 16. It is a vivid description whereby a goal is taken for an offering to "make atonement for the holy place, because of the impurities...their transgressions...in regard to all their sins." And following the sacrifice, to "sprinkle some of the blood on the horns of the altar seven times" with "the goat bear on itself all of their iniquities" and then the body is bathed in the water to purify oneself like we do with baptism now. That baptism is another metaphor to show us the death and resurrection of Christ. And bathing oneself occurred prior to going to the Tent of Meeting, the place where we worshipped God. Our lives worship him and we need that baptism in our life. 

And Jesus will be the final scapegoat. "For it is on this day that atonement shall me made for you to cleanse you, you shall be clean from all your sins before the Lord" (verse 30). 

This holy of holies is described in much detail with the cherubim in the room, representing the presence of God in that place. 

Verse 14 mentions the veil where there is separation from the Holy Place to the Most Holy Place. 

This same description of the temple is also mentioned in 1 Kings 6. In verse 7 there is a mention of "neither hammer nor axe nor any iron tool" used in the building. Thus it was built in silence and also without any instruments of war. Verse 38 mentions a seven year process to build the temple. 

To read of this description and the details and the awe. There should be an approach I have towards God of reverence and awe thinking of all he has done in building this sacred place of worship, first in decoration but ultimately in building me - my self and designing me in the way he has. Our bodies are a temple, designed by Him. 

Summary: Solomon builds the temple in 7 years with the site being on the threshing floor marking the separation God makes in us from the secular to the sacred. 

Promise: We should approach God in worship with reverence and awe. 

Prayer: Lord, I have been busy in my life this past week, taking time many days to get through this study and as I did, took intentional days to think about the threshing floor, the place of separation that you have instituted in my life, that you have made happen. It is only by your mercy and love that I am a child of yours and made for your use. You have washed me in your spirit but also I bathe through baptism into the work of what you have done. I make myself clean so I can go into all the world and make your name known. Lord, thank you for the detail of this temple and raising up me as the temple and raising up your son Jesus to make the most ultimate sacrifice. I have described this to people and it seems funny to them or unusual, but a scapegoat is needed to cover sin. Lord, it is sad how in our day only certain sins are valued and yet thankful that there are any at all that are mentioned and yet there is so much in our life that is corrupt. Thank you for making me a new creature and bathing me anew and afresh to walk in life. Lord, there is so much that you have done and completed. And now I walk in newness of life. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

I Kings 5 - Solomon Prepares for the Temple

I Kings 5

So Solomon's builders and Hiram's builders and the Gebalites cut them, and prepared the timbers and teh stones to build the house. (verse 18)

Message: Solomon Prepares for the Temple

Time: The author of 1&2 Kings (originally 1 book) is not known. First Kings follows the history of this divided kingdom from the death of David around 971 BC through the year 853 BC. First Kings reveals Solomon’s relationship with Yahweh and introduces the prophet Elijah who pronounces judgment on the evil northern king Ahab. Like other books, it helps us to understand the history of Israel and Judah. 

What the Lord is Saying: In Chapter 4, Solomon establishes his leaders and all of the provisions or different elements needed for the temple. All seems to be in order now to start preparing the temple or getting close to building it. There is much presentation in building something. I am engaged in this at my job right now - a development - city / private partnership but in this building is lots of preparation. It is large and a little unusual in what it will accomplish. There isn't just one focus but many - transit and housing and entertainment. There is a lot at stake. And lots to take care of in building this. 

In Chapter 5, Hiram, the king of Tyre has heard that Solomon is the new king in place of David. Tyre was known for its skilled artisans. Hiram is mentioned in 2 Samuel 5:11 when Hiram sent "cedar logs and carpenters and stonemasons, and they built a palace for David" or a home for David in Jerusalem. Once again, Hiram and his skilled artisans are needed. In verse 6 Solomon mentions a need for "cedars from Lebanon" and in return "I will give you wages for your servants." And it seems the Sidonians are the one's doing the cutting for Hiram, the inhabitants of Lebanon, which Hiram's authority extended over. The text says, "there was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a covenant" (verse 20). This arrangement seems to have lasted for years as the need was present.

There laborers all over Israel for this purpose. While there was payment, it was not consistent. Verse 14 mentions, "they were in Lebanon a month and two months at home." This would result in future trouble. 

Note: Parts of this chapter are also repeated in 2 Chronicles 2. 

Summary: Solomon hires the Sidonians and people of Tyre to provide cedars for the construction. 

Promise: We are strengthened to undertake even the most arduous of tasks.

Prayer: God you are holy and you have plans for your tabernacle and for your people. Let us always honor you and trust in Your ways. Thank you for these stories and showing your involvement in our lives, in the decisions we make, in the things we are doing each day. You provided these materials and you show me the need to pay people fairly. I want this in my life with the workers in our lives. It seems odd that we are not paying people better. The city is providing people a sort of stimulus payment which I suppose is something nice they are doing, paying those more who make less, which is good, but Lord, continue to give those with less more and help raise their wages long term. Lord, there is much that is more expensive in life. Help people to have what they need. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

I Chronicles 28:20 - 29:9 - David's Final Temple Guidance

I Chronicles 28:20 - 29:9

Then David said to his own son Solomon, "Be strong and courageous, and act; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God, my God is with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished." (verse 20)

Message: David's Final Temple Guidance

Time: 1 Chronicles has a mystery writer and focuses on David's reign though doesn't repeat David's sin with Bathsheba. It was written in the time of Ezra and Nehemiah or 538-333 BC while the Jews were dispersed throughout Persia, some having returned from Israel. The book lists genealogies, pr+iests, Levites, armies, temple officials, and other leaders of various ministries and devotes significant attention to proper worship of Yahweh and adherence to the regulations of the Law. It focuses on obedience that results in God’s blessing, the priority of the temple and priesthood, and the unconditional promises to the house of David.

What the Lord is Saying: Previously, in chapter 28, David commissions Solomon to build the temple, to trust God, be obedient to His commands and gives him detailed instructions on the inside building of the temple and its attributes. 

Solomon has a big responsibility. Most thought probably that David would be building the temple, but instead Solomon has the responsibility. I think of Joshua who would be responsible for taking the people into the promised land when it seemed like this would be Moses role. And just like Joshua in chapter 1 being told to "be strong and courageous" Solomon hears the same words from David. God will be with him. Yes, he is told to respond to the Lord with obedience but there is also this promise that "the lord God, My God is with you." God is there with us. 

And David tells him that "every willing man of any skill will be with you in all the work for all kinds of service." In addition to God being with him, men will be with him. God works through us and God works through others to accomplish his purposes. 

David speaks "to the entire assembly" as chapter 29 begins and records. He lets them know of the great project and the great provision of material. The people see the need and "offered willingly." The people rejoiced in this manner. They received a great joy in also providing in a willing manner. 

Let us do the same and contribute to the church our works, our actions and our funds. God is doing a great work and we have the opportunity to be involved. As we do, we will be blessed.

Summary: David gives Solomon a final charge of strength and courage and speaks to the leaders and their respond with willingness and providing their resources as well in building the temple. 

Promise: Let us generously support the work of the church as Christ builds His kingdom on earth.

Prayer: God, you are doing a great work. Let me be strong and courageous and let me and others be willing to be involved and get excited about this great work. Thank you for the church and our opportunity to be involved. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

I Chronicles 28:1-19 - David's Final Charge to Israel

I Chronicles 28:1-19

So now, in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the Lord, and in the hearing of our God, observe and seek after all the commandments of the Lord your God in order that you may possess the good land and bequeath it to your sons after you forever (verse 8). 

Message: David's Final Charge to Israel

Time: 1 Chronicles has a mystery writer and focuses on David's reign though doesn't repeat David's sin with Bathsheba. It was written in the time of Ezra and Nehemiah or 538-333 BC while the Jews were dispersed throughout Persia, some having returned from Israel. The book lists genealogies, pr+iests, Levites, armies, temple officials, and other leaders of various ministries and devotes significant attention to proper worship of Yahweh and adherence to the regulations of the Law. It focuses on obedience that results in God’s blessing, the priority of the temple and priesthood, and the unconditional promises to the house of David.

What the Lord is Saying: David is dying and at the end of his life Solomon is now beginning to build the temple after David has started gathering the supplies and items to be included in the build. 

David assembles all of the leaders of Israel, including tribe leaders, commanders, those overseeing property and livestock. He mentions that God called him and his people to build a home for the ark , a house for His name, yet he would not build it but his son Solomon. This came from the Lord. "His kingdom forever for those that perform God's commandments and ordinances." Blessings occur from obedience. This is the covenant relationship established by God. Our works do not earn God's acceptance but our faithfulness to his commands is done to ensure God's continued blessings. True discipleship is marked by obedience in learning to do all that God commands though I have always approached this as doing so because we want to be faithful to Him because of His great love for us. Even as I read and study Proverbs, living in righteousness yields good outcomes. Thus, in verse 8 of this chapter, "seek after all the commandments of the Lord your God so that you may possess the good land." Deuteronomy 6:17, "You shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and His provisions and His statutes which He has commanded you." We need to be serious always about keeping God's laws. 

David also speaks directly to Solomon and tells him to (1) know God and (2) Serve Him wholeheartedly. This is our way of life and what we need to desire. I will go to church tomorrow and my ambition in church should be to know Him. I serve Him by serving others and I am struggling right now in this regard. I am 58 now and feel like I am struggling with working and serving others in the church. My ability to do numerous priorities daily is getting harder. I am spending time in His word and enjoying knowing Him but finding that my service of God is waning. David also tells Solomon to know and serve "with a willing mind." This suggests eagerness and readiness. I feel like I need to blot out distractions. Verse 9 is a great verse. "Be courageous and act." 

Next David gives more detailed instructions regarding the temple. The porch or the entrance from the secular to the sacred. Churches most often call this the foyer but it is there before one enters the sanctuary. He explained its buildings designed to facilitate worship; supply rooms or storehouses; upper rooms for prayer and meditation; the mercy seat or atoning cover where the priests sprinkled the blood once a year for atonement. These plans reflected God's plans for the house of the Lord. 

There are specific instructions for worship. There are divisions in the worship process in order to make sure that worship is done in an orderly fashion. David isn't only providing Solomon the individuals but he is also now laying out the specifics of the material that is being used for construction. Each lampstand is mentioned as it is the light in the temple. It is a critical part of the temple obviously, its placement and how it is constructed. My understanding comes from here. Verse 16 mentions, "The table of showbread, also known as the table of the Presence, was a sacred piece of furniture in the Tabernacle and later the Temple, where twelve loaves of bread were placed as an offering to God, representing the twelve tribes of Israel." The placement of the cherubim overhangs the ark of the covenant and its details are mentioned. 

Summary: David commissions Solomon to build the temple, to trust God, be obedient to His commands and gives him detailed instructions on the inside building of the temple and its attributes. 

Promise: Pay close attention to God's words and his instructions. 

Prayer: Lord, give me strength. Lord, I want to know You and want to serve You but I admit getting busy and procrastinating and not getting after it at times. But I need to simply try. Like with the men of the art of marriage class. You gave me a charge to spend time with them and perhaps get them involved regularly with other men in prayer and encouragement. I need to follow up with them. Help me to make this happen. Just as the Lord chose Solomon to build a temple, it seems Your Spirit pressed upon me to get these men involved in small groups. Help me to be courageous and act. Courage is something I need Lord. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

I Chronicles 23 - Numbering the Levites

I Chronicles 23

For by the last words of David the sons of Levi were numbered, from twenty years old and upward. (verse 27)

Message: Numbering the Levites

Time: 1 Chronicles has a mystery writer and focuses on David's reign though doesn't repeat David's sin with Bathsheba. It was written in the time of Ezra and Nehemiah or 538-333 BC while the Jews were dispersed throughout Persia, some having returned from Israel. The book lists genealogies, priests, Levites, armies, temple officials, and other leaders of various ministries and devotes significant attention to proper worship of Yahweh and adherence to the regulations of the Law. It focuses on obedience that results in God’s blessing, the priority of the temple and priesthood, and the unconditional promises to the house of David.

What the Lord is Saying:  In the previous chapter, David, close to death, charges Solomon to build the temple, after gathering the material and labor groups for the building, stating the Lord will be with him. Here in chapter 23, David "made Solomon king over Israel and he gathered together all the leaders of Israel with the priests and the Levites" numbering them at 38,000 -- 24,000 to oversee work on the temple, 6,000 as officers and judges, 4,000 as gatekeepers, and 4,000 praising the Lord with instruments. It was the Levites who were appointed for service in the temple, but not all the Levites were designated as priests. This temple would be a replacement for the temporary tent of the tabernacle. But the temple was also temporary, and one day all of God's people would be permanent priests living in the temple of Christ. 

Thus in the Bible is this theme of temporary and permanent. Perhaps the law was set up as a temporary instrument to guide people in understanding what they are to do and their sin, but ultimately God has written this on people's hearts with a conscience. The sacrificial system was temporary covering for sin with Jesus ultimately covering everyone's sin once and for all. Even our time on earth is temporary which leads us ultimately to our permanent home with God in heaven. Suffering is temporary in this life as sin entangles us but permanently we will be with God without sin. 

Summary: The Levites were designated by David as God's people responsible for service in building and overseeing the temple, some being priests. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "In Christ, we can all enter God’s direct presence, for He has gone before us as our High Priest, and we also go with Him, for we are united to Him by faith."

Prayer: O God, you are gracious and your plan for history and my life and all time is perfect. I submit and surrender to You, My Lord and King, choosing me as your vessel. Give me strength today in service to You continually in serving others. Be glorified. Thank you for the reminder here of temporary versus permanent. And having an eternal home for us in heaven. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

I Chronicles 21:7-22:1 - The Temple's Location Identified

I Chronicles 21:7-22:1

And David said to Gad, "I am in great distress, please let me fall into the hand of the Lord, for His mercies are very great. But do not let me fall into the hand of man." (verse 13)

Message: The Temple's Location Identified

Time: 1 Chronicles has a mystery writer and focuses on David's reign though doesn't repeat David's sin with Bathsheba. It was written in the time of Ezra and Nehemiah or 538-333 BC while the Jews were dispersed throughout Persia, some having returned from Israel. The book lists genealogies, priests, Levites, armies, temple officials, and other leaders of various ministries and devotes significant attention to proper worship of Yahweh and adherence to the regulations of the Law. It focuses on obedience that results in God’s blessing, the priority of the temple and priesthood, and the unconditional promises to the house of David.

What the Lord is Saying: In the previous lesson, a census is carried out by David, though influenced by Satan, opposed by Joab, yet allowed by God though man is responsible for this. Man chose to rely on his one understanding of the army that God establishes. I suppose we do this all the time. Though it is not right or showing a trust of God, God still works it together for His glory. 

Verse 7, "And God was displeased" with David for him not trusting God. "So He struck Israel." God's response to David's sin was to send a plague on Israel that killed 70,000 (verse 14). Thus, corporate responsibility. God views sin seriously and because of David's selfishness it results in other people dying. Jesus will make all free because of him bearing the punishment. Adam's sin resulted in sin for all mankind. Here David is favored by God, a man after his own heart, but his disobedience results in many dying. Back in chapter 21 verse 5 there was a count of 1,100,000 men and so this number is 6% of those men; 1 in 15. 

Verse 9, "the Lord spoke to Gad." God gives David the opportunity to be involved in the decision making consequence of his sin: 1) 3 years of famine, 2) 3 months of being defeated by your enemies, 3) 3 days of plagues on the land. David responds by deferring to God's mercy and thus the 3rd option results, a plague on the land that results in 70,000 dying. 

With 70,000 fallen, the Lord sets his sight now on Jerusalem. Again, all for this act of the census which showed David's pride and lack of trust in God. Just as the angel is about to destroy the land God intercedes and says, "It is enough; now relax your hand." 

David pleads to God in verse 17 that judgment would fall upon him and not all of these people. In verse 18, this commentary states: "Threshing floors were open spaces used for separating grain, often located on elevated ground. Ornan, a Jebusite, was a member of the original inhabitants of Jerusalem before David's conquest. The choice of this location is significant, as it later becomes the site of Solomon's Temple (2 Chronicles 3:1), symbolizing God's presence and the central place of worship for Israel. The transformation of a common threshing floor into a sacred site illustrates God's ability to sanctify and redeem." David goes hear to build an altar, a place of worship, reconciliation and repentance. There remains a large consequence for this sin that he committed but afterwards God has him build an altar, giving him another opportunity to start over, begin again. David had to pay for the site, "600 shekels of gold," a significant amount to purchase this land. 

In verse 1 of 22 David identifies this area as the house of the Lord or the location of the future temple. 

Once again here is Divine Sovereignty. David does a census which is contrary to God's ways, showing his pride, but because of many people of Israel die and David has remorse and is told to build an altar at a place that will eventually be the sight of the temple. 

Summary: The consequence of David's pride in doing the census is the falling of 70,000 men of Israel, and then David builds an altar on threshing floor which will be the location of the temple. 

Promise: All works together for God's good purposes. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the experiences of life. You weave all of life together for Your glory. But there are huge consequences along the way. It is hard to reconcile the loss of any person, let alone 70,000 men of Israel through a plague. Yes, there is a seriousness of sin. Is all death the result of judgment? Lord, I submit and surrender to You and plead for your grace and mercy. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

John 7:25-31 - Speculating About the Christ

John 7:25-31

25 Therefore some of the people of Jerusalem were saying, "Is this not the man whom they are seeking to kill? 26 And look, He is speaking publicly, and they are saying nothing to Him. The rulers do not really know that this is the Christ, do they? 27 However, we know where this man is from; but whenever the Christ may come, no one knows where He is from." 28 Jesus therefore cried out in the temple, teaching and saying, "You both know Me and know where I am from; and I have not come of Myself, but He who sent Me is true, whom you do not know. 29 I know Him; because I am from Him, and He sent Me." 30 They were seeking therefore to seize Him; and no man laid his hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come. 31 But many of the multitude believed in Him; and they were saying, "When the Christ shall come, He will not perform more signs than those which this man has, will He?" 

Message: Speculating About the Christ

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."

What the Lord is Saying: Jesus is still in Jerusalem, having arrived there from Capernaum where he also spoke to people in the synagogue and here in Jerusalem he is speaking in the temple (7:14). In many ways this text today is similar to what He said in Capernaum in the synagogue in which He spoke of the Father having sent Him (6:39). In those verses he mentions He is the Bread of Life (6:48) and in believing in Him a person will have eternal life (6:47). 

He is in Jerusalem sort of incognito. He has arrived there perhaps a little secretly. He will continue to preach but He also knows that His time has not yet come to die on the cross and John lets us know this as well (7:30). 

The difference in these verses is what Jesus says as recorded in verse 28 and 29. First that "He sent Me." He is sent by God the Father. And "I am from Him." I need to remember He is in a different place. While I hear similar words form John 6, Jesus is speaking to a different crowd and perhaps based upon what has been said earlier, a more hostile crowd. There was a hope for the Messiah at this time and for many people they are probably studying Jesus to determine if He is the Christ. 

His words to those that are listening are hard words as He tells them that they do not know God. He says in verse 28, "He who sent Me is true, whom you do not know." This must have angered those listening. In the previous verse it is stated that no one should know where the Messiah has come from. This is what they had been taught and so in Jesus they do not believe He is the Messiah. It is interesting to consider where this idea came from as there instances in the Old Testament that speak of Jesus coming from the seed of a woman (Gen. 3:15). John 7:42 mentions that from the Scripture it says Jesus will come out of the seed of David and out of Bethlehem.  And yet Isaiah 53:2 refers to a root out of dry ground. Isaiah 7:14 says - "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." Many Rabbi's spoke of him not coming from earthly parents or appearing out of the blue, but those were Rabbi's. It seems his origin was varied in ideas. So what Jesus does here is make it clear. He makes it clear that He is from God. He has been sent by God. 

There are more speculations that could be considered, but Jesus has already mentioned His authority in other ways, albeit other cities and other settings. We can be confident in Him and only Him. We must be leery of others who claim being sent by God. 

Summary: Jesus at the temple in Jerusalem now provides clarity that His origin is from the Father, whom they do not know. 

Promise: From Matthew Henry, "This declaration, that they knew not God, with his claim to peculiar knowledge, provoked the hearers; and they sought to take him, but God can tie men's hands, though he does not turn their hearts."

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your origin and speaking with authority and coming from God and the confident that we can have in You as our Savior and Lord, to this day. Open people's eyes to this. Open my family's eyes and those I am in contact with. Help me to bring light of understand to others as You direct me. Be praise. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.  

John 7:14-24 - Judging with Right Judgment

John 7:14-24

14 But when it was now the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and began to teach. 15 The Jews therefore were marveling, saying, "How has this man become learned, having never been educated? 16 Jesus therefore answered them, and said, "My teaching is not Mine, but His who sent Me. 17 If any man is willing to do His will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of God, or whether I speak from Myself. 18 He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who is seeking the glory of the one who sent Him, He is true, and there is no unrighteousness in Him. 19 Did not Moses give you the Law, and yet none of you carries out the Law? Why do you seek to kill Me?" 20 The multitude answered, "You have a demon! Who seeks to kill You? 21 Jesus answered and said to them, "I did one deed, and you all marvel. 22 On this account Moses has given you circumcision (not because it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and on the Sabbath you, circumcise a man. 23 If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath that the Law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with Me because I made an entire man well on the Sabbath? 24 Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment." 

Message: Judging with Right Judgment 

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."

What the Lord is Saying: Jesus is in Jerusalem, having arrived there at the petition of his brothers as all Jews journeyed there for the Feast of Booths. Jesus had stated to his brothers that he would not go with them because he did not want to be at the center of attention as the Jews were seeking to have him killed and this was not yet His time. But here in verse 14 records Jesus going to the temple and people are alarmed at his knowledge and education. 

And as Jesus speaks he mentions once again that He speaks not on His own, but what the Father has sent Him to speak. And the teaching that then is most important is teaching from God. Otherwise a person speaks for His own glory. Jesus' teaching is one to give God all of the glory and there is therefore no unrighteousness in Him. The focus is on obedience to what God has delivered. And so therefore why would someone want to kill Him if He is about His father's business and wanting to give glory to God? 

The multitude respond with surprise, perhaps wondering why someone would kill Jesus over this. 

Jesus then speaks of circumcision and how the Jews did it on the 8th day of the child's life even if that day fell on the Sabbath. Jesus is trying to help them see the hypocrisy of what they state, bothered that He has healed on the sabbath and yet they perform the act of circumcision at times if the 8th day falls on the Sabbath. And so Jesus doing a work of healing on the Sabbath (healing the paralyzed man on the Sabbath) making the point that he should not be judged by which day it is on, but rather the motive of wanting to heal a person and make them well. His point is to not stare at the day of the week, but instead to look at why something is done. In essence, false judgment was Jesus' accusation toward them. 

Can we apply this in other ways? What about the Sabbath day and worshiping on Sunday or Monday or Friday night or some other time than the Sabbath day? Is the day important or is it the motives of the people that gather and worship? The same people want to practice the same thing - worshipping God, so why should it be so important that it is on a certain day. We need to look at the motives. We need to look at what is the intention or overall purpose in doing what we are doing rather than focusing on the letter of the law. There is a danger in this in that we get focused on following the letter of the Law and we start to think that this is all that is really important because we are the only one's that are practicing it correctly. 

I am thinking of a conversation I had with a woman in my office that attends the 7th Day Adventist church that believes that worship can only occur on the Sabbath day. They believe that is the only day. I am fine with them holding on to that day but I don't believe that it is proper then to say other days of worship are invalid. Because then I think we are coming against what Jesus is saying. The day of the week does not matter, but what is the intent of the heart.  

Summary: In Jerusalem, Jesus speaks in the temple, speaking from the will of God, and defends healing on the Sabbath reminding people that we need to remember motives and intention over rule-keeping. 

Promise: By seeking to apply God’s law justly and holding others to the same standard to which we hold ourselves, we can judge with right judgment.

Prayer: O Lord, conversing with people sometimes is difficult and the difference we have in applying and understanding scripture in a certain way is strong. We have so many different brands of churches and beliefs in our world today that I think all have the right focus - to love God and be obedient to Him and yet so many have different definitions of what that means. I pray we as a people can put aside the differences and see what we have in common. Help us to judge rightly and not say one thing and do another. Repair our church body throughout the World and these United States. Help us understand how to be more united. Strike our pride. Thank you for speaking truth here and pricking our heart to understand rightly what You are telling us from the Father. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.  

John 2:18-22 - The Temple of Jesus' Body

John 2:18-22

18 The Jews then said to Him, “What sign do You show us as your authority for doing these things?” 19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 The Jews then said, “It took forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?” 21 But He was speaking of the temple of His body. 22 So when He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He said this; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken.

Message: The Temple of Jesus' Body

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."

What the Lord is Saying: As I continue to progress through these readings, it is interesting and worth noting the focus John is making on these texts and what He is sharing about Jesus. Again, he begins John 1 with going back and seeing Jesus before He was Jesus on this earth the way we know Him but with God at creation, creating and even testifying Him as God. Also as the Light, One, Son of God, Lamb of God, King of Israel. John was his forerunner, preparing the Way. And as He came disciples began to follow and then He shows people He is Savior and He is different from anything that have seen before. God is with Him but He is distinct. 

And now John explains the response from the Jews at this day who want to see a sign of His authority. I suppose just asking the money changers and people selling in the temple was not enough. He let them know that they were not part of His father's business, so the Jews ask for a sign. Jesus responds instead with his next message about His body and that in 3 days it will be raised. But the Jews misunderstand and hear "temple" and think it is the literal man-made, bricks and mortar temple that took 46 years to build. (In fact, even during Jesus' days the temple was still being built and would not be completed till after his death and resurrection.) 

But Jesus was equating the temple with Him. He is the temple. He is the one to be worshipped. Another remarkable statement as the temple is likened to our body as well. But right now, looking at Jesus as the temple. The temple was the place to meet God, offer sacrifices, do the work of God. The old covenant tabernacle began then King Solomon supervised the building of the temple in Jerusalem with the temple similar to the design of the tabernacle. And so these Jews knew that changing the temple was significant. Jesus had shaken things up by cleansing the temple of those selling goods. And so Jesus as the temple (explained by John; spoken by Jesus, but clarified by John) meant that no more temples were needed. RC Sproul stated, "Christ is the temple, and all men are commanded to come to Him in order to worship and serve the one true God." 

Jesus speaks of 3 days. The number 3 is significant in scripture and as I study these passages I need to remember the significance of the number 3 and look for other examples of it. 

Summary: The final temple is Jesus, His body, that will bear our atonement for sin, once for all and then He will rise in 3 days. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "The only temple we should be looking forward to is the temple that is Christ’s body, which we will see in the new heaven and earth. The temple pointed to Christ and it is fulfilled in Christ and His church, so let us love Christ and His people."

Prayer: Heavenly Father, as I read your Words I can't help but have this sense of urgency for others to have the understanding of who You are and what you have said about You. Lord, I believe this is true and if it is, it changes lives. So change lives Lord and show me how I need to be involved. Thank you for this passage and for speaking the way You did and giving us clarity and understanding for who You are. Help me to speak these truths to others and show the clarity of Who you are. And will always be and who I am in Christ. 

John 2:13-17 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple

John 2:13-17

13 The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 And He found in the temple those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. 15 And He made a scourge of cords, and drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen; and He poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables; 16 and to those who were selling the doves He said, “Take these things away; stop making My Father’s house a place of business.” 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, “ZEAL FOR YOUR HOUSE WILL CONSUME ME.”

Message: Jesus Cleanses the Temple

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."

What the Lord is Saying: Jesus has just done a miracle by turning water into wine but in the process revealed things possibly about Himself - basically that the best has come. The past was good but now pales in comparison to what He is doing now. 

The Passover is a time of remembrance of God rescuing His people. What excused the people of Israel from judgment was blood on their doorposts. God struck the Egyptians at this time but he saved the Israelites. Previously the Israelites had been slaves but no more. It is a celebration to remind us that God remembers His people but what sets them apart is the blood. John records that "The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem." This is the time of Jesus' arrival. 

When Jesus approaches the temple, what He sees is people using the temple not for its purposes but for their own selfish purpose. They have taken the temple and used it as a place to sell and earn money. They have missed the point of it. So he commands them to take the things out. Stop making the Father's house a place of business. 

This is a familiar passage to me but it is not present at the beginning of Gospels but rather at the end, like in Mark 11:15-17. In that passage the circumstances are slightly different, but the idea is the same - people are not using the temple for its intended purpose. 

And in this, the disciples remember a text from Psalm 69:9, "For zeal for Your house has consumed me,

And the reproaches of those who reproach You have fallen on me." They quote this directly. But why? That Psalm starts with "Save Me O God." The Psalmist is experiencing opposition. The desire for true worship is being opposed. And so there is a parallel here of Jesus being opposed. 

And yet at that moment, John could be using this passage to emphasize again that Jesus is coming to rock the boat. What was in the past is the past and who He is now will be different. But also in Jesus' words is authority. The people of that day do not have the authority that He has. He will tell them what is the Father's business. 

Summary: Here, Jesus alerts people and provides his authority about ensuring the Father's business is carried out, true worship occurs in the temple and nothing else. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "We should be grieved to see the church polluted by false worship and bad theology. And when we see such things, let us work to improve them, insofar as we are able."

Prayer: Lord, I praise You for this lesson that You have shared with me this day and helping me recognize that Jesus is in charge of the Father's business and making sure people are conformed to this. Lord, are there things that I need to be doing that I am not doing? Am I living my life for You in any way that is not proper? Cleanse me Lord. Help me to not be proud or diminish Your real purpose for me. I get on my kicks of getting things done but I do not want to forget you or make it out that I have it all figured out. Thank you for saving Your people and using blood to save them. It reminds me of your purposes and that they are consistent and your message is whole and complete and the same from beginning to end. Thank you for the joy of reading Your word and studying it. 

TABLETALK - December 2017

I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am now working through 2017 devotionals. Each month of 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines celebrating the 500th year of the Reformation. 

• December - To God Alone Be The Glory (June 12, 2023 - July 3, 2023)
• November - Vocations (March 8, 2023 - June 11, 2023)
• October - Sacraments (December 16, 2022 - March 7, 2023)
• September - The Reformation of Worship (July 20, 2022 - December 15, 2022)
• August - The Body of the Lord - the Church recovered in the Reformation (April 14, 2022 - July 19, 2022)
• July - The Right Use of God's Law (May 23, 2021 - April 13, 2022)
• June - Justification by Faith Alone (February 14, 2021 - May 22, 2021)
• May, Christ Alone (September 3, 2020 - February 13, 2021)
• April, Salvation by Grace Alone (March 6, 2019 - September 2, 2020)
• March, The Sovereign Providence of God (January 28, 2019 - March 5, 2019)  
• February, The Doctrine of Revelation, Scripture (January 8, 2019 - January 27, 2019)
• January, The Doctrine of God (December 16, 2018 - January 7, 2019). 

The Divine Angle of Glory

The Primacy of Divine Glory - Everything God does is for His Own Glory and to be a true servant of God is to seek His glory. The Light of Glory - One of the central aspects of divine glory is bright, shining brightly, light. The Glory of Divine Beauty - There is a divine beauty that God bestows on His children, clothing me with perfect righteousness. The Eternal Weight of Glory - The Glory of God is to be of high value in my life and therefore He is what I focus on more than anything else in my life.  Glory and Purity - In God's glory is holiness and purity or light. God is light. Jesus is light. Light exposes darkness. Jesus is holy and pure. The Sovereign Glory of God - God, in his control, establishes Himself and thereby His glory over everything in heaven and earth (His creation). God's Glory and Our Joy - Our greatest joy will be found when we glorify God. God's Consuming Glory - God's glory is a consuming fire which means we cannot see it until we are in heaven, like Him, without sin. 

The Human Angle of Glory

God's Glory as Creator - God possesses great Glory as the creator of all things. He is worthy to receive glory from us. God's Glory in Salvation - God's Glory is evident in salvation as His glory is shown both on those He shows mercy and those that receive wrath. God's Glory in Judgment - God's glory in judgment will be clearly seen in the end. Christ the Glory of God - We can know God's divine glory by knowing Jesus and reading about Him in God's word. The Church as the Glory of God - We receive a derived glory from Jesus and we the Church are to be a light to our world, all in unity. Ascribing Glory to God - In the way I live - speak, look, act - my life is to ascribe to God the glory due Him. The Coming Knowledge of God's Glory - Glory is seen by all people as creation testifies of the knowledge of God's Glory and is also seen as people turn their lives over to following Jesus.  Seeing God As He Is - Nothing is more satisfying than God Himself and our satisfaction will never be greater than when we see the beauty of divine glory face-to-face. 

The Doctrine of Last Things: Eschatology

Death and the Immediate State - Before we arrive in the presence and glory of God, Christians, after death will be in an intermediate state in the presence of Christ. The Resurrection of Our Bodies - At Christ was raised from the dead, so we in Christ are linked to Him by the Spirit living in us after receiving and trusting in Him - and so we will be resurrected to a new imperishable life with Christ for eternity. The Millennial Reign of Christ - Christ is ruling and reigning now and despite different views of the Millennial, we must remain united in Christ. The Glorious Return of Christ - We can all agree that Jesus Christ will return. In the meantime, we are to focus on being His witnesses by the power of the Holy Spirit in us. Eternal Punishment - Eternal punishment for all that are resting on their own righteousness, yet the degree of their sin and the extent of revelation will impact the type of punishment they receive. 

Immanuel - Buck Parsons (editor of Tabletalk magazine, copastor of Saint Andrew's chapel in Sanford, FL) - Man was made to be with God. As Isaiah prophesied to Israel of the coming of Jesus, he called him Immanuel, "God with us." God established an earthy tabernacle and temple as the place He dwelt with His people. By bringing God to us, in Jesus, means that In Christ we are in Him, in the Temple, per se. God chose to dwell with us. Revelation 21:3 - And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them." 

What is the Mind - R C Sproul (founder of Ligonier Ministries, founding pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla., and first president of Reformation Bible College) - We think, have ideas, but what is the source? We think it is in our head. Injuries to the brain can affect thinking. At all times we are thinking, even when we sleep and dream. We think and behave and hopefully, as Christian, behave in a way that is obedient to the law of God. We believe that we possess a will. Jonathan Edwards said, "The will is the mind choosing." The mind is vital to the Christian life. Scripture tells us to renew our minds so that our thinking conforms to the will of God and pleases God. 20th century psychologist B.F. Skinner concluded that all of our responses are determined by our environment and by our physical makeup. Where is the accountability in this? 

The House of God - L. Michael Morales (Professor of biblical studies at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary) - The tabernacle - One, it was the house of God and the place of His dwelling. Two, it was the way to God with sacrificial rituals providing the atonement and cleansing needed to dwell with God. Three primary sacrifices: One, purification offering focused on blood to be forgiven and cleansed before God. Burnt offering, burning the entire animal apart from skin shows us a total consecration to God. Third, Peace offering was a feast with family and friends in God's presence. Thus its meaning can be seen through the Creation, the Covenant and Christ. Originally, the entire cosmos was the house of God, but once polluted by sin, a secondary house or tabernacle arose. God in creation builds a 3 story house (heaven, earth, and seas) and then God takes up residence in it, followed by resting on the Sabbath. Seven days parallels seven speeches about the tabernacle (Exodus 25-31). The tabernacle reaffirms God's call from Genesis to dwell with His people. There is also a 3-fold sentiment in scripture echoed, "I will be your God, you will be My people, and I will dwell in your midst.” Mount Zion was God's permanent dwelling place, but David wanted a place for God - a temple, but it was Solomon who equipped to build it. And yet in 2 Samuel 7:11 is the remark that God will make the house - "The Lord also declares to you that the Lord will make a house for you." But then it is Jesus who becomes flesh and tabernacles among us (John 1:14). The temple arrives again at Christ in the form of the church where Christ dwells through His Spirit. 

The Altar of Burnt Offering - Dr. T. Desmond Alexander (senior lecturer in biblical studies and director of postgraduate studies at Union Theological College in Belfast, Northern Ireland) - The altar of burnt offering is the most visible feature of tabernacle and temple. It is located outside of the sanctuary (one must be consecrated before entering sanctuary). Before ascending to the Mount of Sinai, the dwelling place of God, sacrifices had to be offered, thus the tabernacle. 3 parts to tabernacle - Most Holy Place (the top of the mountain), Holy Place (side of the mountain), and Courtyard (foot of the mountain). The Priests were made holy before entering the Holy Place. Being daubed with blood from sacrifices, they were cleansed from defilement of sin. Even after initial, twice a day they had to be re-consecrated. This shows us that people must be clean before seeing God and they are cleansed through multiple sacrifices or Jesus, once for all. But annually on Day of Atonement priest would taking blood to apply to mercy seat on top of the ark. 

The Bronze Basin - Justin E. Estrada (senior pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Kingsville, Maryland) - In the courtyards, sacrifice was messy. To clean oneself for worship, the bronze basin of the tabernacle and molten sea of the temple were there. Not specific details given of the basin other than where it resides and yet the proclamation significant, "So they shall wash their hands and their feet, so that they will not die (Exodus 30:21)." Solomon with the molten sea erected a the temple a sizeable receptacle (I Kings 7:23-26). The frequent washings shows their defilement, it did not purge them of sin. Like the church, we are presented before God, washing by His word. It gets the people ready for what is to come. And so it is like baptism, showing they have broken from their old lives and are presented before God for sanctification. 

The Lampstand - John D. Currid (Chancellor's Professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary) - One of 3 objects standing in the Holy Place of the tabernacle is a lampstand. It's purpose is to give light. It is to be made out of pure gold. It looked like a tree and symbolizes life and blessings God has given his people. It looks back to the tree of life (eternal life) in the garden and forward to the tree of life in new heavens and earth. It had 7 branches (completeness; 7 day creation week). Jesus is now our light and lamp - Rev. 21:23 - "And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb." To Aaron he was told the lamp must always be luminating (Exodus 27:21); God's light is everlasting. 

The Table of Showbread - Michael G. McKelvey (Associate professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Miss.) - Located at the right side of the Holy Place, made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, it can be similar to our dining room table and how we gather there in our homes. It could be moved, to carry. It's purpose to hold the bread of the face set before the presence of Yahweh. Each Sabbath, 12 loves sat on table for 12 tribes of Israel. Table emphasizes God's provision for His people. He provides us daily bread. Also highlights our intimate fellowship with God. These are shadows of what we have in Christ. Jesus is the bread of life. Also points to the Lord's Supper and Marriage Supper of the Lamb. 

The Altar of Incense - Iain Duguid (professor of Old Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia) - At the holy place all of our God created senses were used - sight (Lampstand), smell (Incense), taste (show bread), and hearing (bells on priests). Incense only offered by priests, the mediator between God and man. Also incense connected with sacrificial rituals - sin offerings for priest and people and burnt offerings. Smoke from incense rising symbolized people’s prayers constantly ascending to God. Incense essential for temple and tabernacle but now Jesus is our advocate and Jesus has taken His blood and cleansed His people forever. May our thankful prayers rise daily like incense. 

The Curtain - Benjamin Shaw (professor of Old Testament at Reformation Bible College in Sanford, Florida) - After sinning in the garden, the cherubim separated people from God’s presence. The curtain or veil was between the Holy Place and Most Holy Place in the temple to divide the two. The Holy Place was where God spoke to Moses and where the ark with mercy seat resides. Once a year the priest could enter. At the point of Jesus’ death the Synoptic gospels the curtain torn from top to bottom. Jesus entered not just the Holy place of the temple but heaven itself and entered permanently. Hebrews 10:19-20 days we enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus. The guarding cherubim removed. 

The Ark of the Covenant - Bryan D. Estelle (professor of Old Testament at Westminster Seminary California) - 20 different designations given of ark in the Bible. Made of gold-plated acacia wood with 2 winged cherubim facing one another and under wings the mercy seat. High priest yearly on day of atonement sprinkled blood to propitiate and expiate sins. Included inside 10 commandments, Aaron’s rod and a bowl of manna. 

The Church as the Temple of God -

Conflict in Light of Eternity - Rev. Jason Helopoulos (senior pastor of Reformed Church in East Lansing, Michigan) - As a pastor, he mentions that a lot of what He does as a pastor is help people that have been injured by other people, and often those are other people in the church. Much can be done to help, but one that is overlooked often is to remind people of eternity. We often stare at our circumstances, caught up in our own fights amongst ourselves, and yet ultimately we need to see that as His children, anchored in Him, our ultimate goal is eternity. 

When you want Someone Else's Gift - Melissa Kruger (Women's ministry coordinator at Uptown Church in Charlotte, NC) - It is easy to look at one another and think other people have more value than ourselves because of a position they have or possessions they have. Paul speak to us of spiritual gifts and reminds us, "there are many parts, yet one body (I Cor. 12:20)." We need one another. We are all vital. Yes, we all are different and look different, but we all glorify Him. 

Scattering Seed - Kevin Gardner (Associate editor of Tabletalk and graduate of Westminster Theological Seminary) - You can't predict how people's spiritual journey will turn out. Recalls working iwht a student in youth ministry. Young man good-natured, attended events but not interested in gospel. Then after going to college, discovered him at one of our camps in leadership, having come to faith. Reminded of Paul's words in Ephesians 1:15 when he says he "heard of [the Ephesians] faith" and some critics have thought this meant Paul didn't write Ephesians because he would already know of their faith and not simply heard of it. But it could have been 5 years since he visited Ephesus and wrote the letter to them. There is time often in preaching the gospel and people coming to faith. There is no set time table. The sower in Jesus' parable reminds us we are called to scatter seed (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23). We hope it bears fruit and that one day the sower and reaper will rejoice together (John 4:36-38). But we never know. 

Being a Goer and a Sender - Jonathan Leeman (editorial director at 9Marks and an elder at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC) - Am I goer and sender? I am called to be both. I am to be on mission in my local area, but I am also to be a sender and help those that have been called into missions. The church sent Paul and Barnabas to places the gospel had never been preached (Acts 13:3). And elsewhere there are similar statements of sending out people on mission (Col. 4:3-4, 3 John 6-8, Titus 3:13). Work locally and send out. 

Instruments of Revelation - Aaron L. Garriott (production manager of Tabletalk magazine and student at Reformed Theological Seminary) - How does God speak to us today? Heb. 1:2 said, God, ...in these last days has spoken to us in His Son. Chosen men wrote the Bible, commissioned by Jesus. God speaks to us through His apostles as recorded in scripture. 

As I Imitate Christ - Tom Ascol (senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Cape Coral, Florida) - Our goal is to be like Christ and so in discipleship we need to tell others and show them what it means to be a follower. Paul said, "“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). Jesus' example is perfect for us. We are to pattern our love for others after His love for us, to also be a servant and to suffer as He did. Paul not only instructed but lived it out (Phil. 4:9). 

Teaching Children about the Lord's Supper - Don Bailey (Associate pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Florida) - The understanding is a child taking the Lord's Supper needs to have a personal understanding of the sacrament having had a profession of faith. I Corinthians 11:23-29 gives this idea when it acknowledges we are to "take", "eat", "drink", and "proclaim" (v.26) and "examine oneself." Toward our children, we are to teach them to repent daily and trust Jesus, reminding them we are also sinners. 

Our Grounds for Supporting Capital Punishment - 

Thank you 

Scriptures Call to Christian Living - John Calvin - Call to Christian Living. I love simplicity - 2 main parts - a love of righteousness must be implanted and poured into our hearts - and we need a model so as to not lose our way in our pursuit of righteousness. 1. Be holy as He is Holy. We cling to His holiness to be holy. We follow him. 

2 Chronicles 5:1 - The Arts and the Worship Space

2 Chronicles 5:1 - Thus all the work that Solomon performed for the house of the Lord was finished. And Solomon brought in the things that David his father had dedicated, even the silver and the gold and all the utensils, and put them in the treasures of the house of God. 

Message: The Arts and the Worship Space

Time: Originally one book, 1 and 2 Chronicles was separated into 2 books around 200 BC when the Greek version of the Old Testament was translated. Many historical sources were compiled to detail this history of God's people. It covers the time from Solomon’s ascension to the throne (971 BC) until the southern kingdom of Judah was finally carried into exile in Babylon in 586 BC. It focuses on Judah. 

What the Lord is Saying: Churches began in people's homes and then larger spaces were found to meet. As Christianity was legalized in Rome (323 AD), dedicated Christian sanctuaries were built and eventually from the 5th to 15th centuries more Gothic cathedrals and structures were built while some continued to meet in plainer buildings. Today, churches are even meeting in hold movie theaters or setting up daily at school auditoriums until their own buildings can be built or acquired. Thus, where we go is not as important as that we gather. 

It is normal and continues to be normal for houses of worship to be dedicated spaces for worshipping the Lord. 

Even in today's passage is the mention of gathering what is most precious to people and bringing them to the place in which people worshipped, the house of God. At the beginning of the history of God's people is the mention of the tabernacle and then later the temple of God was built. And so it seems likely that structures have been built for over 3,000 years. So it is normal for us to build these structures in all of their different sizes and dedicate places to the Lord. 

Summary: Places of worship are normal and should be present, either small places in homes or larger spaces that are rented or purchased. What is important is not always the form, but the function. 

Promise: While it is true that God can be worshipped anywhere, we are not to neglect the corporate worship of God's people. 

Prayer: Lord, again, I thank you for church and thank you for the gathering of people. I have so many memories of gathering with like-minded people in different places, from homes to apartments, to restaurants and basements (at Baylor), to small theaters and larger spaces, and even grandiose buildings of size and stature with beautiful artwork and special designated spaces for Worship. There have been many different forms, but the Word of God and the People of God has always been central. Thank you for working through us in this way and making You always the focus. Help me to continue to make this a priority and for those around me as well to make it a priority. 

Jeremiah 7:1-4 - Ritual vs. Ritualism

Jeremiah 7:1-4 - The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying, “Stand in the gate of the Lord’s house and proclaim there this word and say, ‘Hear the word of the Lord, all you of Judah, who enter by these gates to worship the Lord!’” Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, “Amend your ways and your deeds, and I will let you dwell in this place. Do not trust in deceptive words, saying, ‘This is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord.’

Message: Ritual vs. Ritualism 

Time: The son of a priest from the small town of Anathoth in Judah, the prophet Jeremiah dictated prophecies from the Lord to his secretary, Baruch. He spoke to a people, though, that would not listen and his words have much emotion to them. Jeremiah’s ministry began when he was 20 years old, in 627 BC and ended sometime around 582 BC. Jeremiah prophesied in the final years of Judah before God’s people were exiled to Babylon.

What the Lord is Saying: 

Ritualism by definition is the regular observance or practice of ritual, especially when excessive or without regard to its function and spiritually it is going through the motions without an inner disposition to worship the Lord. I was looking at this word and realizing that in our jobs we can be ritualistic, going through the motions, not thinking so much about why we are here and what our purpose here is in our work. We get caught up in personal feelings and expectations and needs, which we all have. 

Yet, rituals are not bad. It is important to practice things in a regular manner, even in my work, but here we are talking about our spiritual lives and church lives. I have rituals of brushing my teeth each time after a meal; i have a ritual of going to church each Sunday, singing songs, hearing a message, and being in Christian fellowship. In the Bible we are told to practice the Lord's Supper regularly, to tithe regularly. We do this out of obedience, helping ourselves, and also being good stewards. 

And yet, in these recurring activities there can be a temptation I think to simply go through the motions and very easily getting caught up in an idea that it is the performance of these which is important. I was speaking to a person the other day that remarked leaving church partly over the feeling that her not attending church was met with scrutiny by those attending, that somehow their was guilt because church attendance didn't seem mandatory in a person's life. Even in our churches we get too focused on works and obedience and not enough on grace. 

Regarding the arts, I admit that artistic drawings or paintings have not been present in most of the churches I've attended. The one exception was attendance at Hope Church and partly it was I think an artist, Fernando Ortega, who was there leading worship and he brought the importance of art into worship. The art was there I think to paint a picture of what it might have looked like and thereby that picture could assist us. 

But it is interesting to read about the history. At the time of the Reformation in which Luther helped people see that God has saved us by His grace and not by our works, there was this feeling at times to cleanse ourselves from everything that was near and dear to the church before and one of the things this included was art. Why? Idolatry. The 2nd commandments warns us against practicing any sort of idolatry, replacing God for an image. It is a temptation that has been present throughout history. We focus on what we can see, not what we can't and God can't be seen. By the late middle ages (AD 1300 - 1500) religious people had a tendency to worship sculptures and praying specifically to saints. And the line between the person and the God we worship blurred. So for some, like John Calvin and Ulrich Zwingli, they wanted to purge all forms of sculptures, saints, and artwork, while Martin Luther believed it was fine to retain the art as long as it helped us focus more on God and what He had done. In some places these artistic pieces were removed and in others they were destroyed. The word that is used to describe this is Iconoclasm -- the religiously motivated destruction of works of art, especially figurative images.

This history fascinates me because its practice continues today. And I am not sure we realize that we are the way we are today because of something that happened over 500 years ago. 

And this same thing has occurred with liturgies. Liturgy is a pattern used in worship. Liturgy to me, growing up in church, referred to repeated sayings or repeating prayers like can be found in the Book of Common Prayer. Again, at Hope we jointly would do this, respond together with a prayer written so that we are unified in agreeing to this prayer. Yet, the Puritans worked reform some of these practices to distance themselves possibly from practices of another religion. The Anglican church split from the Catholic church in 1534 and the Episcopal Church is affiliated with this. And then later the Puritans of the 1600s sought to distance themselves from practices that still were Catholic and this to them included the Anglican church. So in our effort to be different, there is a tendency to remove all practices. 

I think this lives on today. Jesus did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it and yet even the Christian church at times struggles to retain the history and practices found in the Old Testament. I think people get scared and they don't know how to combine the two, so they simply get rid of the one and uphold the other. 

For today's passage I took a moment to read all of Jeremiah 7 a couple of times. Verse 1 tells us that this is a word that come to Jeremiah from the Lord and the entire passage then is the Word of the Lord. My summary of this words from the Lord is crying out to a people that needs to amend their ways and deeds and instead simply obeying God's voice. This is a cry out to people that have been listening to deceptive words. They have not been kind to neighbors or aliens (people outside their fold). They are living dual lives - looking like a follower of God and probably practicing temple worship but not living like they are a follower of God. Therefore, God's anger and wrath will follow. 

So what is highlighted today is a statement of ritual. Every Jew was required to visit the temple thrice (three times) a year and therefore some have thought this was the reason for the three fold utterance in verse 4: Do not trust in deceptive words, saying, ‘This is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord. In Isaiah 6:3 we read, "And one called out to another and said, 'Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory.;" And in Jeremiah 22:9 says, "O land, land, land, Hear the word of the Lord." Thus, this three times repeated words or phrases possibly mirrored the 3 time expectation of visiting the temple. But this is a side note. What is possibly being meant here is the danger of the Jews feeling like it was only the temple that embodied the Lord and their practice therefore of visiting the temple is all that was needed. Thus, ritualism. 

Summary: The problem is not with rituals themselves but with ritualism, which happens when we go through the motions without an inner disposition to worship the Lord. 

Promise: Ritualism is a danger for all of us, so we should ask God to keep us devoted to Him, and we should seek to engage our entire being in worship every time we gather with God's people to praise our Creator. 

Prayer: Lord, I thank you so much for this lesson today and the opportunity to revisit history and see how we are today in our church practices is based upon circumstances that happened 500 years ago. Lord, help me to guard myself against rituals that move into a habit that I start to not really see the heart of the reason for the ritual. Lord, we are in danger of this all of the time. I am in danger of this. Thank you for the truth of your word and I am sorry for being a part of misinterpreting it and making people feel they are aliens. Help me Lord to be a person that truly is about You and praising You. Thank you for art and people who want to capture you in order to help us get closer to understanding You and who You are. Help us to keep doing these things for your glory. 

My Utmost for His Highest - December 5 - The Temple Of The Holy Ghost

Only in the throne will I be greater than thou. GENESIS 41:40 (Pharoah to Joseph)

I have to account to God for the way in which I rule my body under His domination. Paul said he did not “frustrate the grace of God” — make it of no effect. The grace of God is absolute, the salvation of Jesus is perfect, it is done for ever. I am not being saved, I am saved; salvation is as eternal as God’s throne; the thing for me to do is to work out what God works in. “Work out your own salvation (Philippians 2:12)”; I am responsible for doing it. It means that I have to manifest in this body the life of the Lord Jesus, not mystically, but really and emphatically. “I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection (I Corinthians 9:27).” Every saint can have his body under absolute control for God. God has made us to have government over all the temple of the Holy Spirit, over imaginations and affections. We are responsible for these, and we must never give way to inordinate affections. Most of us are much sterner with others than we are in regard to ourselves; we make excuses for things in ourselves whilst we condemn in others things to which we are not naturally inclined.

“I beseech you,” says Paul, “present your bodies a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1).” The point to decide is this — “Do I agree with my Lord and Master that my body shall be His temple?” If so, then for me the whole of the law for the body is summed up in this revelation, that my body is the temple of the Holy Ghost. From My Utmost for His Highest Classic Edition
- Underlines and highlights are courtesy of Mom from her Print Edition

My Mom's Notes

• Mother's (Ruth Benge Wiley) actual Birthday - 1918

Ephesians 2:18 - The Trinity and Christian Unity

Ephesians 2:18
for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.

Message: The Trinity and Christian Unity

Time: Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians sometime in AD 60–61, around the same time he wrote Colossians and Philemon. Ephesians deals with topics at the core of being a Christian - faith and practice, no matter the situation.

What the Lord is Saying:

As I have studied previously, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work inseparably. Every act of God is from the Father through the Son and in the Holy Spirit. Each person of the Trinity has the same divine attributes, but each person acts in a manner fitting to His unique personal properties. Unbegottenness is the unique personal property of the Father, begottenness is the unique personal property of the Son, and procession is the unique personal property of the Holy Spirit.

They have worked inseparably in creation, making the universe out of nothing - in atoning for our sin - in redeeming the Israelites and man in general, and in sanctifying the saints.

Ephesians 2 is the life of a Christian, showing us being dead in our sins, made alive in Christ, and walking on to live our lives in good works. As this verse records it is through Him (Jesus Christ) that we are made alive (Eph 2:5) as we were dead in our transgressions. Whether people recognize it or no in their lives, it is clear they are dead in their sins. In Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ (Eph 2:12). One of Jesus' complaints to the Jewish leaders was they were excluding the Gentiles from access to God. At one point he got upset with them for turning the synagogue and worship area into a market. He spoke of the fig tree and how they were not bearing fruit. The tabernacle had a place that would give access to the Gentiles, but the leaders instead excluded them.

It is through Him we both have our access. What is the meaning of the word 'both?' Ephesians 1:1 says this writing is from Paul to the saints at Ephesus. He speaks and states that Gentiles were formerly excluded: you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God (Ephesians 2:14). God never intended his chosen people Israel to be his only people. In the temple there was an outer court and inner court. Jesus said in Mark 11:17 quoting from Isaiah 56:7 - My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations. The temple had a section for the Gentiles to come into and pray to Yahweh but they were not welcome there. Between Jews and Gentiles there was also a division, an inner court and outer court.

I think it is important here to see that God had always had a mission to the Jew and Gentile, to redeem mankind. He chose Israel and they did not allow the Gentile to be included. Jesus came and opened the access for all. It is through Him we both (Jew and Gentile) have our access.

All too often I think I have thought that the Old Testament was about the chosen people, the Jews as God was about only the Jews. Then Jesus came for the Gentiles. Instead, God has always been about saving and grafting in all people - Jew and Gentile. The Jews were really meant to assist the Gentiles towards God. And now in Christ, after we are all made alive - we are all commissioned to take this message to everyone - to all nations. The message is God wants to redeem or save all.

Promise: It is through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. Our access to the unbegotten Father God is in one Spirit. It is a three-fold union. It is three-fold unity. We come to Father, in the spirit, through Jesus. Both Jew and Gentile come to the Father in one Spirit. There is unity in coming to God.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for showing me the Unity and confirming the truth of your forever gospel message of saving all people - Jew and Gentile - all nations. You love all and you want all to be with you forever in heaven, in paradise.


Note: I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am a little behind and working through 2017 devotionals. 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines with January being about the doctrine of God.