Today's Bible Study: Blessings Through Obedience
Hello My Friend/Guest,
It is Friday January 25, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Exodus. Please read, Exodus 23-25. In today's lesson we will read and learn about the Laws instituted; three feasts which must be kept; an angel promised for a guide; and instructions for Tabernacle furnishings.
Of all sins, some of the vilest are committed with the tongue. God commanded the Israelites not to spread lies nor judge a person by what is heard. "Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness. Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment: Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause." (Exodus 23:1-3). This means more than repeating gossip or slander. The Hebrew word also means that a person should refuse to even listen to slander. Slander is perhaps the easiest, most subtle sin a person commits; yet, it is so wicked that it is listed with the seven most abominable sins that God hates (See Proverbs 6). By gossiping, some have not only destroyed the good reputation of others but their own usefulness to God as well.
The Israelites were commanded: Serve the LORD your God. This was followed by 14 blessings which God promised them for their obedience. "And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee. There shall nothing cast their young, nor be barren, in thy land: the number of thy days I will fulfil. I will send my fear before thee, and will destroy all the people to whom thou shalt come, and I will make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee. " (23:25-27). A warning concerning the Canaanites followed, make no agreement with them. "Thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor with their gods. They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin against me: for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare unto thee." (23:32-33). The people responded, "we will obey the commands of the Lord". "And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD hath said will we do." (24:3).
God alone determines what is acceptable conduct as well as worship to Him Thus, He gave Moses detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle (church) where He would accept the worship of His people that was according to His Word. The Tabernacle provided a way for man to maintain a right relationship with the Lord and to worship Him. But most importantly, it was a place for God to dwell among His people. You may be surprised to know that almost all our laws in America that are beneficial to "mankind" came from the laws God gave the Israelites.
Three very important feasts and the pattern of the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant are all symbolic of Christ and His relationship with believers today. Again, the Lord gloriously provides the Spirit of Truth for the protection, care, and guidance of His people. All who put their complete trust and faith in Jesus learn obedience and arte blessed. Instead of falling into addictions and depression when faced with struggles they are at peace knowing that Jesus will pull them through and He does.
In today's lesson Jesus Christ is revealed as the Ark of the Covenant (Testimony).(Exodus 25:10-22). The wood demonstrated His humanity; the gold overlay represented His deity. Only through His blood sprinkled on the Ark could one receive forgiveness.
Today's Psalm: 55:18
"He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me."
Today's Prayer: From Psalm 39
Dear Lord,
I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me. I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred. My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue, LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is: that I may know how frail I am. Lord, eliver me from all my transgressions: make me not the reproach of the foolish. Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were. O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more. In Jesus' name, I pray.....Amen.
Have a wondeful day/night and weekend.
God Bless,
Christina
