CLEANSING
Today’s Reading: Leviticus 15
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).
Among the ruins of the 2,000-year-old Qumran community are small pools which were used for ceremonial bathing. The steps leading down to the baths were each divided to ensure that the impure people descending did not touch the cleansed ones returning up the stairs. Believers in Jesus know that we are cleansed by His precious blood (1 John 1:7).
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.
Key Verse: Leviticus 15:31
Thus you shall separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness, lest they die in their uncleanness when they defile My tabernacle that is among them.
One of the physical conditions described in our reading is found in Mark 5:25-34. The woman touched the hem of Jesus’ garment and was immediately healed of a 12-year constant discharge of blood. Jesus, our High Priest, changes everything. These ceremonial laws were for a specific purpose and a specific time. They taught certain health lessons which were important to a great multitude of former slaves who were wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. These laws seem to have the purpose of honouring God’s dwelling place, the Tabernacle. We are not under the authority of these ordinances today, nor are observant Jews. The denomination within Judaism known as Pharisees were burdened down with intricate rules and regulations. The Apostle Paul, a one-time Pharisee, wrote, when confronted with teachers who sought to turn believers in Jesus back to some of these ceremonial laws, “Stand fast, therefore, in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1).
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, Your servant, Paul, taught us, as You had taught him, that the Law is fulfilled in loving my neighbour as myself (Galatians 5:14). Grant me grace, I pray, to do this constantly. Deliver me from being self-centred. Thank You, Jesus! Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Recently I watched a TV show called “The West Wing.” In it the producers and writers put Scripture into the mouth of an actor who played the part of the U.S. President. The quotes were from the most sacred Jewish writings, the Torah. He quoted from Exodus and Leviticus. These verses were never intended to be used in this way as a put down of those who stand for biblical moral standards. When confronted with a woman taken in adultery, Jesus confronted her accusers, who were more intent on discrediting Jesus than in carrying out the ceremonial law. They dropped their stones when Jesus said, “Let him that is without sin among you cast the first stone.” I have a stone on which I wrote this in large letters. It’s a reminder that, along with the laws, the word “forgiveness” is written over and over in the Jewish laws. Jesus exemplified this when He said to the woman, “Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more.” Hollywood, in most cases, gets it wrong. I’m constantly on guard when I watch something like “The West Wing.” God is holy, loving and forgiving. I’m a sinner (1 John 1:8-10) and I deserve death, but God gives me life. I feel the need to worship God. I’m going to search Google and join in singing, “Amazing Grace.” I worship You, Almighty God. I am the object of God’s love.
Yours for a thorough understanding of Scripture, understanding the reason for the Law and for the “Amazing Grace that saved a wretch like me,”
David
P.S. Talk about the reliability of the fact of Jesus’ miracles! Here’s a very interesting historical record of a miracle Jesus performed in the words of another Roman historian (click here).
Yes, we remain tied in bondage when we do not walk each step of our lives with love and forgiveness in heart and mind. Often that is so easier said than done when we are not always on the same path as family friends and neighbours and the wrath of human contention exists. And yet, our Lord Jesus Christ gave us all we need to overcome. Paul set a fine example in his prolific words in Galatians as had been his life. Prayers of love and blessings for you, David, and all saints of the living Lord.
You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah Psalm 32:7 ESV
My Jesus I Love Thee – Paul Baloche
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAqaOXqW1gI
Praise our Lord Jesus! Amen!
…discovering more historic proof outside of biblical scripture authored by a famous Roman historian is a fantastic discovery. I posted that on my facebook page…
It is good to hear that you are up and about again Pastor David. God bless you and your family as you keep this daily fresh bread alive and enlightening…
Have a blessed day blog friends in Christ
WOW!
What an incredible Roman historian find.
Hope that Ron and Ann’s Heart to Heart conference goes well and that you continue to gain strength with Norma- Jean’s help.
Shalom,
Graham.
Praise God, good to be back after a very successful and effective mission trip. The leaders were very pleased and thought it was the best yet; great sense of unity, good preaching, teaching and testimonies consequently good services. Also my suitcase arrived, thanks for your prayers and all is well. Glad to be able to get caught up with my Bible reading and your blog Pastor David and friends. I don’t like to read the Word casually but take my time and meditate on it. The Lord gave me a verse for every service which I recited and blessed them which encouraged them to do the same as the mission was giving out 12,000 Bibles to the Roma gypsies. What great memories! Thank you Jesus, thank you friends! God bless you!
thanks for sharing, Ger..Praise God your luggage arrived!!
Beverlee, your posting blessed me today! Right on! God bless you!
Amen. God bless you, Ger! I have missed you. So happy to hear your missions trip was so successful. Did your luggage return safe and sound? Praying for you, always, dear sister-in-Christ!
Amen your luggage arrived, Ger.
Yes Amazing Grace!! I once was lost but now I’m found, was blind but now I see…Praise You Jesus for loving us in and through it all!!
“Victory in Jesus, my Savior for ever, He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood, He loved me ere I knew Him, and all my love is due Him, He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood”!!!
Your faithfulness and commitment is much appreciated Pastor David; your compassion and humility and wisdom comes through as you present this daily manna to us. Thank you. I’m praying for continued strength and healing be yours each and every day! You and
Norma-Jean are a great example to your children, as well as to us!
God Bless you Reynold for the amazing photos you bless us with, and today’s is one of them; thank you!!!
More historic evidence discovered…Praise God for His faithfulness!!!