READING FOR OCTOBER 3, 2024: NUMBERS 15, ACTS 19, PSALM 105:1-6 NUMBERS 15 The additional direction God gave in this chapter related only to the time Israel would enter the promised land. It might have made many of the people sad, because it was directed only to those in Israel who were younger than twenty, the ones who would be alive to enter the land. On the other hand, it was a vote of confidence in the younger generation because God said, “when you enter” not “if you enter.” God reminded them to bring voluntary, special occasion, or vow burnt offerings to the Lord, as previously mentioned in Leviticus (chapters 1-3). God adds here that these offerings are to be supplemented with grain and drink offerings. The more valuable the animal the more grain and wine required. The stated purpose of these added elements was to make a pleasing aroma to God. The essential element for pleasing God today? “Without faith it is impossible to please Him” (Heb. 11:6).
God continued to give instructions for when the younger generation entered the land. They were to offer to God the very first of their harvest of grain. This hearkens way back to Abel, as opposed to Cain: “Abel, on his part also brought an offering, from the firstborn of his flock and from their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering; but for Cain and his offering He had no regard” (Gen. 4:4-5). An obvious, but still valid, question: Do we give God our best or our leftovers?
If the entire community is guilty of an unintentional sin, the priest is to offer a food offering, a sin offering, plus supplemental grain and drink offerings. For a single individual, only one food offering is required. It appears if a sin is deemed to be unintentional for the community, the entire community is guilty, even if not every person may have been involved. Contemplate our responsibility to prevent sin and to assume responsibility for sins of the body of Christ. Here is church-wide warning to the angel of the church of Ephesus of God’s potential judgment: “Remember from where you have fallen, and repent, and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and I will remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent” (Rev. 2:5).
A person who sins defiantly cannot be restored but will be cut off from the people. A real-life example is given of a man who gathered sticks on the Sabbath. An assembly of people gathered to stone him to death. Again, this highlights community-wide involvement.
| Finally, to highlight the importance of always remembering and obeying God, the Israelites were to “make tassels on the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel.” Observant Jews continue to obey this command. Likely Jesus did as well: “A woman who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years came up behind Him [Jesus] and touched the border of His cloak” (Matt. 9:20). |
READING FOR OCTOBER 3, 2024: ACTS 19, PSALM 105:1-6 ACTS 19 These first verses raise tricky questions about the normal Christian experience: 1. Must Christians be indwelt by the Holy Spirit? On the “no” side, the 12 men were disciples. (It doesn’t say of whom.) On the “yes” side, Rom. 8:9: “if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.” Writer’s Opinion: Possibly the 12 were John’s or Apollos’s disciples or didn’t realize they had the Spirit. 2. Paul asked them if they had received the Holy Spirit. Can Christians know they have the Spirit? On the “yes” side, we can trust Rom. 8:9 is true, there are signs/gifts of the Spirit (such as tongues) and fruit of the Spirit (such as joy). On the “no” side there may be no experiential awareness. Writer’s Opinion: We can trust God’s Biblical promise of the Holy Spirit and likely there will be some experiential confirmation at some time. 3. Should the laying on of hands be a practice in today’s church? On the “yes” side, this is associated with healing (Acts 10:12), imparting spiritual gifts (2 Tim.1:6), commissioning for new ministry (Acts: 6:6), blessing children (Matt 19:13), imparting the Holy Spirit (Act. 19:6). On the “no” side, it’s not often taught today, and the above verses are descriptive not prescriptive. Writer’s Opinion: According to Heb.6:1, it is basic doctrine.
Once again, despite his previous difficulties, Paul starts his ministry in a synagogue. He usually runs into opposition there, but it does seem to be key in gaining a strong foothold in a city. When the inevitable opposition arises, he again moves the location and stays for two full years giving daily instruction. In addition, he performed some spectacular miracles, even through his handkerchiefs. The question of whether such miracles are still possible today is a controversial one. A scholar who has written most convincingly about this is Craig Keener (Google him). We see some Jews interested in doing exorcisms in Jesus’s name but apparently weren’t Christians themselves. The demon turned on them rather dramatically. Do individuals today ever use the name of Jesus for their own political or business purposes? This led to believers burning their magic/demon-related books. Avoid such books and sites! Recycle rather than burn, though.
Evangelism was so successful in Ephesus that the people making money off idol worshipping started a riot against Christians. Ephesus was the home of the Temple of Goddess Artimus, which created good business in tourism and idol making. Wouldn’t it be great to upset local drug dealers and sex traffickers? To our shame, they likely don’t worry about us. The town clerk, not a Christian but an exemplary public official, resolved the situation. Vote for Him.
PSALM 105:1-6 Lots of active verbs in these first verses. Lights, Cameras, ACTION: Give thanks; OK, let’s do that now. Call on His name; say together, “Our Father who art in Heaven.” Make his deeds known; before going to bed tonight, tell or email about what God has done. Sing praises to God; try to do it when no one is around, because it’s just to Him—plus others might think we are weird. Tell of His wonders; email this person about at least two wonders of God: (rsloan1112@gmail.com). Based on verses 3-4, pray that some sad and discouraged non-believer in your family will seek the Lord and find joy and strength. Finally, remember who we are at our very core being: descendants of Abraham, sons of Jacob, and God’s chosen ones.
