Comments for March 10

17:10-14 - talks about the eating of the blood with the meat, which God did not allow, because, it says, it is the life. Eating the blood represented eating the life of the creature, apparently. This is emphasised throughout scripture Lev.3:17, 7:26,27, Eze.44:7 etc. It has been a principle since man started eating meat in Gen.9:4 and even goes through into the New testament - Acts 15:20,29. Does this mean that this applies to us too?

17:7 This was because Yahweh knew that Israel were already into devil worship.
17:10 The eating of blood was part of the devil worship.

18:5 which ... shall live in them Romans 10:5 Galatians 3:12 This passage, whilst appearing to state that Israel had to keep the letter of the law in fact is showing that 'the law is not of faith' Galatians 3:12 but contrasts with 'the righteousness of faith' Romans 10:5
18:6 - 19 The repetition of 'nakedness' repeatedly draws on the fallen state of Adam and Eve who were ashamed of their nakedness. Not because it is a sin to be naked but that an awareness of nakedness is a consequence of sin. The nakedness of others should not be uncovered because we cover our nakedness to advertise our sin and it is not for others to judge us in this matter.
 

v24 - For all the unsavouriness of the content of this chapter there is a very serious issue at stake. As followers of God in a society that accepts many of the practices that are condemned here, we must make a personal stand to look after our own salvation by standing aside from even the thought of these things. We must learn what it is that defiles us, so that we can remain undefiled and so by God's grace inherit the kingdom. Matt.15:18-20

17:11 So because the life is in the blood it is the blood that makes atonement. There is a relationship between the two which points to the 'blood of Christ' [1 John 1:7]

18:25 In speaking of spewing lukewarm disciples out of his mouth [Revelation 3:16] Jesus is drawing on the warning that Moses gives to Israel that if they are unfaithful they will be vomited out of the land. So Jesus' warning is stark in telling those he rejects that they will not be in the kingdom.

17:1-3 So we see that even the killing of animals for consumption as food was regulated by the law of Moses.

ch 18 - A number of times the language of this chapter is re-presented in Eze 22 to condemn the Elders of Israel in captivity. Each of the prohibitions given here that is used in Ezekiel is shown to have been violated

:7 Eze 22:10
:9 Eze 22:11
:15 Eze 22:11
:19 Eze 22:10
:20 Eze 22:11

17:8-9 The requirement that all sacrifices be offered at the tabernacle marks the point that sacrifice has to be according to God’s decree. It is not left to the individual to devise offerings that are simply convenient to him. The journey to the tabernacle to offer the sacrifice demonstrates that sacrifice requires some degree of effort on the part of the offerer.

18:23-24 These things condemned are a violation of God’s law. However we learn also that they are a means whereby man can be defiled.  So we see the principle which is developed by Paul (1Cor 3:17) that our sins defile the ecclesia – the congregation in Leviticus and bring about our destruction.

18:30  This chapter, starting in V.6 speaks about the unclean practices that were common among the Egyptians and the Canaanites, whose land the Children of Israel were about to take. These practices were not to be known or spoken about. "that ye defile not yourselves."

When Christ had just died, the soldier’s spear drew out blood and water. God allowed this to happen to demonstrate that life is in the blood Lev 17:11. Jesus was the Lamb of God who took away the sin of the world John 1:29

17:1-5 The centralisation of sacrifice had a two-fold effect.

Firstly, it was a matter of communal solidarity.  We do well to consider this.  We are not loose cannons, thus the ecclesia should be the central pivot of our activity.

Secondly, it made sure that all sacrifices were acceptable.  And so to, we should work within the framework of the ecclesia with its checks and balances.  

17:11 Our Heavenly Father, as creator and sustainer of all life, reserved the blood to Himself and allowed man only one use of it; for sacrifices. This clearly shows why the direction from the Jerusalem council was issued to the Gentiles. "That they abstain from blood" Acts 15:29

17:11    There is nothing intrinsically special about the blood. It is what it stands for that is significant. The blood represents the life of the animal whose blood was shed.

18:7-17 The point being made when mentioning discovering nakedness relates to the situation of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden before and after the fall. There is nothing intrinsically seeing a naked body. It is that nakedness after the fall brought shame – a realisation of disobedience. Consequently the law was introduced to remind Israel of the position that man was now in – alienated from God because of his sin.

17:1-7 The way in which an Israelite had to bring a sacrifice to the tabernacle even if the animal was killed in the field highlights a fundamental principle. Worshipping God is not a private affair to be undertaken by an individual in ways which suit him. It is to be conducted according to His instruction. There is no room in the church for private groups who ‘do their own ting’.

18:29 This is to all the crimes listed in this chapter. Death is the punishment sternly denounced against all of them. No language could be more explicit or universal; none could more strongly indicate intense loathing and abhorrence.

17:11 That it is the life and not the actual blood is caught in the way in which Isa 53:12 where Jesus is spoken of as having purred out his soul unto death – not his blood.

Yahweh was keen to steer His people away from the unwholesome practices of surrounding peoples.

17:4,5 The sacrifice of animals in the field was practiced by the Egyptians.

17:7 This was also a practice of the Egyptians, particularly those from the Mendes region. The word devils (KJV) comes from the Hebrew word saiyr meaning a shaggy goat. It is from this word comes satyr which is a woodland goat. The goat-god that Egyptians worshipped was Pan. It is not much of a stretch to understand the rise of mythical creatures like the faun, the rural deity with the legs and horns of a goat. The personification of the Devil, in many people’s minds is a goat-like creature.

17:10 There were people in the Near East who drank the blood of animals. They thought it gave them strength and vision. The semi-nomadic Maasai of Kenya and northern Tanzania continue this practice today.

18:6 The phrase uncover nakedness (KJV) means to have sexual relations.

18:18 This is to avoid contentious relationships, such as that of Rachel and Leah.

18:21 This is the first time Moloch is mentioned in the Bible. Moloch was an Ammonite god who demanded human sacrifice, particularly children. Unfortunately, the Jews did succumb to this abominable practice later (Psa 106:38; Jer 7:31).

18:22 Despite today’s social acceptance, Yahweh is clear that the sexual practice of homosexuals is forbidden (cf. Rom 1:24).

Lev 17:7 - No sacrifices to [Heb. "saiyr" (8163) translated "devils"(KJV) or "goat idols" (NIV) and meaning "a he-goat, a faun, devil, goat, hairy, kid, rough, satyr"]. This reminds us of Esau who followed the ways of the flesh and was hairy like a goat (Gen 27:6-13).

Lev 17:10-14 - The animal doesn't come to life like Christ. We aren't to ingest the blood of the beast (i.e. sin), rather we are to ingest that of Christ as it represents life. We are saved by Christ's blood and having Christ in us not the beast. Believers symbolically drink the blood of Christ in remembrance of him and his sacrifice which offers life.

17:13-14 It was not at all uncommon amongst the nations round abut Israel and living in the land to see the drinking of the blood of hunted animals as a means whereby the one who drank the blood might achieve some of the power of the beast slain. Clearly such an attitude was abominable to God, if only because it ascribe strength to association with animals rather than association with God

Lev 17:11 - "...the life of the flesh is in the blood...".  Blood carries water, nourishment and oxygen to cells; blood removes waste material from cells; blood maintains the body's temperature. It wasn't until the 1600's science 'discovered' blood circulation was the key factor in physical life. George Washington died from from the misguided practice of bloodletting.

Why can't we just eat it?

At the start of ch17 we read the following scenario: If you wanted to have a nice Sunday roast, took a lamb and slaughtered it, prepared and roasted it in the fire, then ate it with your family, you would be guilty of murdering that lamb (v4). Furthermore you would be an outcast from your nation. Does that seem fair to you?

So what's behind this law? Notice in these verses there are only two options presented when you want to eat meat:

1) Offer it to God.

2) Offer it to idols.

but where's option 3) just eat it and give thanks?

We can see from this law that life was very different back then. Offering animals to deities, before you ate them, had become such common practice, that it was impossible to separate the people from this. So God recognised that allowing the people to eat meat anywhere other than at the door of His tabernacle would cause them to worship idols in the process.

This illuminates the tricky new testament passage of 1Cor 8. Here for the first time in history there is a group who have the ability to separate idol worship from meat eating. Finally there is an option 3) Just eat it!, but it has to be used carefully around those who still feel influenced by options 1) or 2).

18:3  The call to Israel to avoid imitating the nations is appealed to – Jer 10:2 – by the prophet at the end of the time of the kingdom of God.

Luke 1:15 "...He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mothers womb."  Interesting that Jesus had to wait nearly 30 years before he was imbued with the Holy Spirit at his baptism by John.

17:15-16         This provision recognises that even though Israel were prohibited from eating any animal that died of itself – Lev 7:24 - some would violate that law. Anyone who violated that law as made unclean and had to follow the rituals associated with being made clean.

18:20   Notice how the sins against others defile the one who commits the offence.

Lev 17:10-14.

18:26-28       The land of Israel had been given to Israel, not because of their inherent goodness. Rather it was given to them because the inhabitants were wicked. Possession of the promises of God is contingent upon faithful obedience to His word. As it was for the nation of Israel so it is for us. Unless our lives change when we are baptised we will be no different from our sinful state and so we will not inherit the promises.

18:3  Israel were taught not to copy the Egyptians where they had been slaves and were warned about copying the Canaanites into whose land they were travelling towards. These two prohibitions should have taught them that they had to follow what God was telling them.

17:14 The role of the blood is to carry oxygen (the breath of life) and therefore truly does relate to the life of of all living creatures.

17:8    These words spoken at Sinai requiring a man to give according to ability are restated at the end of the wilderness journey to the new generation – Deut 16:17

18:18  Whilst the Law of Moses forbade a man from marrying two sisters this is exactly what Jacob did when he married Rachel and Leah. He was not condemned for this – though maybe he was unwise – because the Law of Moses was not in force in the days of Jacob. It is dangerous for us to see problems in earlier records by imposing later laws on that earlier generation.

18:7 the prophet Ezekiel reproves the elders of Israel for their rebellious behaviour. On a number of occasion he quotes aspects of this chapter

18:1,6,21,30 The repeated statement “I am the Lord your God” presents the reason why His commandments should be kept. The very existence of Yahweh is sufficient reason as to why His commandments must be kept. His commandments are not negotiable. He has made them and His existence establishes their validity. The same is true for His written word. We are not in a position to question its authority.

Lev 17:3-5,7-9 - The Law the LORD gave to Moses required that for sacrifices to be acceptable, they must be offered through the Priesthood of Aaron and his sons. If an Israelite were to assume for himself a priestly role then he would be cut off from among the people.

If our sacrifices (Heb 13:15-16) are to be acceptable to God they must be offered through the Priest of the order of Melchizedek (Heb.5:5-8), the Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore our offerings of service and prayer to the Lord must be through acknowledgement of the priestly role of the Lord Jesus Christ (1Tim 2:5-6) , or they are of no avail (John 14:13-14 ; Eph 5:20).

17:10-11 The eating of blood being prohibited is part of the reason why – Heb 13:10 – the disciples of Christ are in a closer relationship with God than any of the children of Israel before the death of Jesus.

18:3 Being “bought with a price” Israel were to change their behaviour. We, likewise, have been “bought with a price” 1Cor 7:23– and so should not imitate those who are around us – we should see ourselves as having left "Egypt”

18:2-3  there is a causal relationship between the statement “I am the Lord” and “After the thigs …”.

Idol worship ad Egyptian like behaviour is banned simply because Yahweh is God.

The lesson for us is clear. Because our father is supreme imitating Egypt – the world around us is totally unacceptable.

v.42 - Here is a principle for us to take really seriously. We all need a way to answer him that reproaches us. It is God's mercies and salvation in his word, from which we need constantly to feed, and the trust in that word, that will give us the confidence to answer our enemies. Let us work and study to that end. Remember him that bore our reproach. Ps.71:10,11, 109:25, 56:4,10,11 Matt.27:40-43, 2Sam.7:14.

vs 49-50 provide an example of how David took heed to the word that he might not sin against his God. He remembered the promises that his God had made to him and this knowledge provided comfort in troubled times.

v.48 - The concept of meditation is all important. We will not obtain salvation by simply knowing. We must dwell on what we know and this will turn it to action. Psa.1:2, James 1:22-25

:49 'remember the word' is another part of this psalm which Jesus takes up John 15:20

v.62 - There are many reasons we cannot sleep at night - maybe it is medical, maybe our children keep us awake or we are woken by noises, the weather or unquiet thoughts. And some of us have more sleepless nights than others. But the question is, where do we go when our sleep goes from us? Where do our thoughts go? What do we think about? What do we say to ourselves or to someone else?

The Psalmist may have had a problem with sleepless nights but through this Psalm we know exactly where his thoughts were as he lay awake. He said, "At midnight I rise to give you thanks." What better use could we give to an overactive mind (or a mind that is forced to be active), than to think of all the wonderful things that God has done for us and then to give thanks and to praise him for what he has done? There have been times when I have been woken during the night and have laid in bed feeling sorry for myself, counting all the things that were going against me (and often what was going to go against me). But a much better use of my time would have been to count my blessings because there are so many more to count, and then to give praise to my maker for all he has done for me.

So next time we are sleepless, let's count our blessings (not sheep) and give thanks to our shepherd, our creator, for what he has done.

:62 Praying 'At midnight' is seen also in Paul and Silas (Acts 16:25).

FORSAKING GOD'S WORD

There are so many positive things we could say, but there was one verse that struck me for its relevant and urgent message to us today. The reason I write about this is because I feel the same as the Psalmist - but more than that - I want people to realise what they are missing out on if they forsake God's law. The Psalmist says, "Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law." (Psalm 119 v 53)

Too many people forsake the law of God. They say they are Christians, they go to church, they live good "Christian" lives, but never open the Word of God to read it. How are we expected to live as Jesus lived if we don't refresh our minds as to what he was like? How can we obey the commands of the Lord if we have forgotten what they are because of not reading them? Our reason for living is to bring glory to our creator, and we cannot do that effectively if we forsake his message to us and never read it.

It seems strong language, but the Psalmist describes those who forsake God's law as wicked, and the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God - they will not even be prepared for it. So let's open the Bible now and every day and listen to the message that God gives us, the lessons for our lives, and prepare our lives to be like him.

119:67,71  The Psalmist sees the value of affliction – it is from God and is the only way that a man can grow in grace.

41-80 We will continue with our analysis of the Psalm. As we stated yesterday, these subtitles describe one aspect of the Psalmist's devotion to the Word.

On what basis do we choose our friends? By looks, personality, wealth?  The psalmist's friends were those who feared God and kept His commandments (v.63).
These ought to be our friends if we claim to worship God.

HASTEN TO OBEY
 
"I hasten and do not delay to obey your commands." (Psa 119:60)
 
Sometimes I struggle with my children when I ask them to do a task, leave them to do it, and then find that they have not done what was asked of them.  At times I suggest that I want it done by a certain time and at other times the job needs doing right then.  But whatever the circumstance, children need training to do the things that must be done, when they must be done.  It can be a hard road to teach our children this lesson.
 
It is interesting to see, that as a parent, the lessons of life we teach to our children are also lessons God is trying to teach us, and it can be frightening to realise that we are probably just as slow to pick up the lesson and to put it into practice as our children are.  We need to examine ourselves.
 
When our children hasten and do not delay to obey our commands, do we procrastinate before we obey God?  Do we preach the word in season and out of season?  Do we pray without ceasing?  Do we turn the other cheek?  Are we peacemakers?  Obedience is what is required, and often obedience without delay, because the moment will pass and we will never have the same opportunity again in the same way.
 
Let's make it a standard in our lives.  "I hasten and do not delay to obey your commands"

The Psalmist says that his afflictions have helped him understand things better, Psa 119:67,71. Paul says that all things work together for good to them that love God (Rom 8:28).  But it’s usually well after the event that we can see what both the Psalmist and Paul meant.  Joseph had gone through so much, but when his brothers appeared he then realised that “God did send me before you to preserve life” (Gen 45:5). All his dreadful experience had led him to that moment!

119:41-42            The Psalmist wants to benefit from God salvation so he can answer God's critics. His desire is not selfish. Rather it is God centred. Why do we want to be in the kingdom? Is it for our benefit or for God's?

119:45‘Liberty’ and keeping the law of Moses do not seem to go hand in hand, especially when it is realised that it was not possible to keep all the law. The ‘liberty’ that the Psalmist is speaking about must be liberty from condemnation implying that he understood justification by faith – which was David’s experience – Psa 32:1-3.

V44 - NIV "I will always obey your law, for ever and ever" - this would seem to have prophetic application to Christ.

119:41 ‘according to thy word’ highlights that the Psalmists confidence is based upon the fact that he knows what God has promised. This source of information? His Bible. If we really believe that Scripture is the source of information about what He requires of us surely we will read it avidly.

119:41 12 times the Psalmist says that things are ‘according to thy word’ in this Psalm.

:9 cleanse his way

:25 quicken thou me

:28 strengthen thou me

:41 thy salvation,

:58 I be merciful unto me

:65 dealt well with thy servant.

:76 thy merciful kindness

:107 quicken

116 Uphold me

:154 quicken me

:169 give me understanding

:170 deliver me

Thus we see the extent to which David saw the word of God as being relevant in his life.

V.42 The word of God is the sword of the spirit, and the only weapon that Jesus used during His temptation (Matt 4:4,7,10; Eph 6:17).

V.70 A person who has a heart as fat as grease (KJV) is insensitive and unfeeling.

119:45 Do we think that as believers who try to keep Christ’s commandments we are at ‘liberty’? Gal 5:1 actually does say we have ‘liberty’ but not the liberty of one who can do as he pleases.

119:47 Are God’s commandments our 'delight’ or do we begrudge serving Him?

119:46   The Lord Jesus will rule all nations – so will teach other rulers. But David is saying that he did that in his own life.  This doubtless set the scene for the days of Solomon when the Queen of Sheba came and was instructed in the things of God.

1. Psa 119:41,43,45,46 - Christ received God's promises including salvation, Christ always spoke truth and hoped in his Father's judgments, Christ chose to walk a certain path seeking his Father's precepts, Christ gave testimony before rulers.

2. Psa 119:47-51 - Christ delighted in his Father's commandments, Christ meditated in his Father's statutes, in his affliction Christ was restored by God's word, the proud mocked Christ but he did not turn from God's law.

3. Psa 119:52-55 - Christ remembered and comforted himself with God's judgments of old, Christ was indignant at how the wicked relinquished the law, God's statutes were Christ's songs when his body was mortal, Christ fully kept the law.

4. Psa 119:56-59 - Christ fully kept his Father's precepts, Christ fully kept God's words, Christ sought his Father's face with his whole heart and asked for mercy according to His word, Christ decided his path walking the way of God's testimonies.

5. Psa 119:60-63 - Christ did not hesitate to fully keep his Father's commandments, Christ was bound by the wicked but kept his faith, Christ would pray and give thanks to God into the late hours (Luke 6:12;Matt 26:20,26-27), Christ is a companion of all those who fear God and keep His precepts (Ecc 12:13).

6. Psa 119:64-66 - The earth is full of God's mercy and Christ learned God's statutes, God accomplished much with His servant Christ, Christ learned good judgment and knowledge for he believed his Father's commandments.

7. Psa 119:67 - perhaps this verse applies to Hezekiah or David not Christ, or perhaps it relates to the course of mankind from Adam to Christ, or perhaps it refers to Christ's human nature up until the final act of mortal obedience on the cross.

8. Psa 119:68-71 - God is and does good and Christ fully learned His statutes, the arrogant smeared Christ with lies but he kept God's precepts in all his thinking, their minds are stupid and materialistic but Christ delighted in God's law, Christ was afflicted that he might learn God's statutes (Heb 12:6-7;Heb 5:8-9).

9. Psa 119:72-75 - the law of God's mouth was more precious to Christ than much gold and silver, God's hands made Christ who asked for understanding that he might understand God's commandments (Isa 7:14-15), they who revere God will be glad when they see Christ because he hoped in God's word, Christ knew that God's judgments were right and that God in faithfulness had afflicted him.

10. Psa 119:76-80 - Christ, God's servant,  prayed for God's merciful kindness to be his comfort according to God's word, Christ asked for God's tender mercies that he might live for his Father's law was his delight, let the arrogant be ashamed for they dealt wrongly with Christ without a cause but Christ meditated in God's precepts, let those who revere God come unto Christ, Christ's mind was completely in his Father's statutes and Christ did not disappoint.

119:48  The lifting up of hands is an idea used in the context of worship – Psa 141:2– so we see David not only keeps God’s commandments. He praises them. Do we hold His teachings in Scripture in such a high regard?

I WAS AFFLICTED

I hate it when people accuse me of wrong motives and action, when I know that what I have done is right, and done to the best of my ability! An instance like this happened to me a couple of weeks ago. I didn't enjoy it at all.

For days after it had happened, I found my mind wandering back to the situation and the person involved, thinking about how I could justify myself, how I could get my own back, then feeling guilty for my feelings against the person who had wronged me. But I am glad it happened. I had prayed that God would reveal my sin, and to help me remove it - and He has.

The psalmist described it like this: "It was good for me to be afflicted, so that I might learn your decrees" (Psa 119:71). Yes, I know all those verses about praying for your enemies and doing good to those who curse you, and turning the other cheek. I had even encouraged others to do it. But thanks to the 'affliction' God allowed me, I know it better now. I not only know His ways in my head, they are now also more firmly implanted in my heart.

So, let's not despise the afflictions that might come our way, because through them, God can teach us His ways.

119:46   An occasion when a disciple of Jesus did testify before those in authority can be seen in Acts 26:1-2

"I will walk at liberty:
for I seek thy precepts."

What do you think about verse 45? Do you think that the precepts of God give us liberty? For example, how does "don't do any work on the Sabbath" give us liberty? If we worked an extra day in the week, we'd earn more, and be able to afford more things to make our lives easier. Is that the way David looks at it? But what do our friends, children or spouse think about it? Would they prefer to have us spend relaxed time with them, or be away at work seven days a week? Perhaps God's law gives a balance that's been worked out carefully so that we don't have to? Perhaps the precepts of God give liberty because they save problems, stress, strain, anxiety and heartache in the long-run? Is one day spent with our family worth investing for better relationships in the long run? If that's the case then a national holiday every Sabbath is a wonderful idea, and if the Sabbath is a wonderful idea then perhaps the rest of the law is great advice too?

But of course that's looking at the Bible from our Western perspective only. Elsewhere in the world and throughout history people have been forced to work 7 days a week without a break. For those, the law of the Sabbath is a wonderful liberty.

In the new testament, a crowd gathered to hear Jesus, and he told them this:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven... Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled" (Matt 5:3-6).

Jesus thought that the liberty of God's precepts was best appreciated by the poor, meek and hungry.

119:55 When David was caring for the sheep he would often have been awake at night. He had little else to do except to look out for wild animals that might take of the flock. So he used his free time to think about God and His word. How do we use our free time?

119:32,33,34,35 These verse give us a progression. The faithful servant of God would desire to ask God to involve Himself in their life. Consider the words that the Psalmist uses to speak of his desire.

119:68  six times in this Psalm David speaks of the “whole heart”. It is all too easy to be half hearted in our response to Him. David prays for the sort of focus he desires.

119:63  We might see these as the way in which Jesus might have spoken of his disciples. If it is true of the disciples it can be true of us also. Jesus says we are his friends if we keep his words – John 15:14

SONGS OF INSTRUCTION

Almost everyone knows the song, "A New Commandment," taken from John 13:34-35. It tells us to love one another as Christ loves us. There are may similar instructional songs. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness," has been put to music;"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding," is another.

Way of life scriptures that we learn in song stay with us our whole lives. These are the sort of songs that kept the psalmist on the right track throughout his life. Listen to what he says: "Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge." (Psa 119:54).

So what was the psalmist doing? He was singing songs that instructed him to live God's ways. Notice that it was not just when he was out at the temple that he sang them, or only on the Sabbath. He did it at home, in the place where he lodged.

Radio, television and other noise have nearly destroyed singing at home. Yet if we want to live a godly life, music and singing are some of the keys that will help us reinforce God's ways in our lives. They are constant reminders, nudges to our conscience, and will help keep us from sin. So wherever we are - at home, at work, at school or travelling, let's sing God's instruction and let the words of those songs lead us toward Him.
 

119:49-50         Is God’s word when we remember what is says a “comfort” to us when we are afflicted? Clearly the Psalmist thought about what God had said and done as recorded in His word when he was in trouble. This is the lesson for us also.

119:78Our appreciation of God’s word and respect for its corrective powers should cause us to think about what He has recorded for our learning on a regular basis.

119:74 The words, “They that fear thee will be glad when they see me”, are quoted in John 20:20: “Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord”.

119:51   it was a familiarity and confidence in the Scriptures that sustained the psalmist when he was in difficulty. Do we reflect on biblical examples and God’s care of such individuals when we feel that our life is being challenged by the beliefs and practices of others?

119:49 “remember the word unto they servant” might seem an odd way to speak of God’s word. Whilst the word is translated “remember over 70% or its uses it might be helpful to consider that the word is translated “meditate” “bring to remembrance” “think” on some of the other occasions it is used. Jesus seems to pick up on the sentiment of the Psalmist where he encourages his disciples to remember what he has told them (John 15:20). Maybe two observations might be helpful. We remember the things that we value and familiarity will help us to remember scripture. Not necessarily the exact words or the exact place the phrase is in scripture but the tenor of what we are being told.

FULFILLING GOD'S PURPOSE

The other week I made a rat trap. It was my own design and I created it from start to finish. But now, having made this rat trap, I want it to achieve the purpose I have for it. I need it to catch rats. That's what I made it for, that is my purpose for it, and if it fails to perform or ends up catching cats or dogs instead, I will be very disappointed in what I have made.

The psalmist said, "Your hands made me and formed me. Give me understanding so that I might learn your commands." (Psa 119:73).

Just like my rat trap, God wants us to do the job we were created for. He wants us to perform the role we were made for. God's hands formed and made us. Unlike the rat trap, God made us with free will that can either choose to do what he wants us to do, or to do our own thing regardless of what he wants. We need to choose to fulfil the purpose God gave us when he made us. The easiest way to do that is to listen to his instructions for living. That's why the psalmist gave us the second part of this verse: "Give me understanding so that I might learn your commands."

Let us, like the psalmist, learn God's commands so that we can fulfil the purpose for which God has made us.
 

119:52 There is always value in reflecting on how God has worked in the past. This gave David confidence. Because God had worked to deliver in the past David was confident that he would work in both the present and future. Do we turn to scripture to read of God’s acts of deliverance when we are struggling with difficulties now?

119:49-50 It is through comfort of the scriptures that we have hope – Rom 15:4. Of course that can only come from remembering what has been written and reminding ourselves regularly of what is written.

v. 14 - Is this 'joy and gladness' for this woman who has conceived in her old age a reference back to Sarah, who laughed Gen.21:6 so that all who hear shall laugh with her? See also Prov.23:24

v.6 People named 'just' / 'righteous' individuals by God: Genesis 6:9 - Noah Matthew 1:19 - Joseph [Mary's husband] Mark 6:20 - John the Baptist Luke 1:6 - Zacharias & Elizabeth Luke 2:25 - Simeon Luke 23:50 - Joseph of Arithamaea Acts 10:22 - Cornelius Hebrews 11:4 - Abel 1Peter 3:18 - Jesus 2Peter 2:7 - Lot. Righteousness is through faith Genesis 15:6 therefore we can conclude that all these were waiting for the promised seed.
v.18 Notice that whilst both Zacharias and Mary ask almost identical questions. v.18,34. The response to them differs considerably. Whilst Zacharias was struck dumb Mary received an explanation. This indicates that the state of mind of the two was different. Whilst Zacharias did not believe Mary did not doubt but wanted an explanation. The angel, which knew the hearts of both individuals, responded accordingly. We should realise that the angels know our thoughts also.
v. 28 the Greek 5487 translated 'highly favoured' is only found in one other place in Scripture: Eph.1:6, where it speaks of our exalted position in Christ as being like that of Mary.
v.39 tells us the Mary went to see Elizabeth in 'the hill country' to a 'city of Judah' This seeming casual detail tells us where Zacharias and Elizabeth lived for Joshua 21:11 tells us that Hebron was in the inheritance of Judah and was in the hill country.  The use of the precise language of Joshua tells us exactly where Mary went.

Below are listed Parables and Miracles as they appear in Luke's Gospel and where the parallel records are to be found. They provide a useful background to the study of this gospel

1:5 Elizabeth - who was of 'the daughters of Aaron' seems to have been named after Aaron's own wife. Exodus 6:23

V.30  The lesson for all is that we learn while listening, and reading, not from talking. It is also interesting to compare Mary and Hannah.

The gospel account of Luke forms the third synoptic (seeing together) gospel account with Matthew and Mark.

It equates with the prophecy of Ezekiel as it emphasizes the Lord's humanity (symbolized by the face of a man, one of Ezekiel's living creatures Eze 1:10).

More miracles and parables are recorded in Luke than any other gospel.  
The angel Gabriel who appeared to Zacharias (v.19) and Mary (v.26) also appeared to Daniel twice (Dan 8:16, 9:21).

Gabriel, whose name means Warrior of God is concerned with heralding the Messiah. It would not be inconsistent to think that Gabriel would be the one to herald the Lord's return (1Thess 4:16).  His name is significant also in the fact that Yahweh Sabaoth is the God of hosts (armies).  Gabriel will be instrumental with the Lord in destroying His enemies when he returns.

1:23 'Elizabeth' is 'Elisheba' so Zechariah's wife was named after the wife of Aaron (Exo 6:23)

VOICE
 
It's only when we lose something that we really appreciate it.  It isn't until we lose our sight or hearing that we appreciate what we once had.  I still remember getting my first pair of glasses and being amazed at how much I had been missing out on.  I learnt then to appreciate my sight.
 
Zechariah lost his voice and what a frustrating year he must have had without it.  Every time he wanted to open his mouth to make a comment - nothing came out.  As a consequence Zechariah would have lived in virtual isolation even within the company of his own family.  So it must have been a great day when God opened his mouth and loosed his tongue so that he could speak plainly again.  In his heart was a years worth of words Zechariah needed to use up.  Where do you start?  When you finally get your voice back and have learned to appreciate the value of being able to speak, what words would you say?
 
Zechariah's first words are a lesson to all of us when it comes to learning to use our voices well.  We read, "Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak, praising God." (Luke 1:64)  We may not appreciate our voices as much a Zechariah because we have them all the time, but there is no greater way to use our voices than in praise to God.  Let's not wait until we lose it to find out.  From now on let's use our voices as if we appreciate them, using them to praise God and to build each other up.

Mary is called “favoured one” (Luke 1:28, NRSV). She is chosen because she has four important credentials. Mary is:
1. Descended from David, from whom the Messiah was promised to come (2 Samuel 7: 12-16);
2. A woman of great faith;
3. A “virgin”;
4. Humble and of a contrite spirit.

Picking up on the third point here, it is important to reflect on the Bible’s description of Mary as a virgin. This fact not only reveals the miraculous nature of Jesus’ birth, but also tells us more about Mary. She had obviously grown up with a sense of personal responsibility and dignity. God values sexual faithfulness, and this is another great lesson from Mary’s example in our age of sexual promiscuity. We too should share her moral integrity.

Luke's gospel record is attractive to us Gentile believers, because we sense that it was written for Gentiles, as the majority of us are. He writes to one who has a Grecian name "most excellent Theophilus". The same one that he addressed in his salutation when he wrote the Acts of the Apostles. It is a Grecian name comprised of two Greek words THEOS (2316) and PHILOS (5384), and it means "a lover of God". It is probably representative of all those who are lovers of God.  

1:72 'mercy' is the meaning of 'John' and 'remember' is the meaning of Zacharias.

a) I remember a Brother pointing out that while Luke 1:3 addresses “The most excellent Theophilus”, Acts 1:1 drops the title. Was Theophilus now a brother, converted by reading Luke’s Gospel?
b) It seems that we are invited to compare the reaction to Gabriel’s message by Zacharias and Mary. Both obviously were caught by surprise, and both at first couldn’t understand how such a promise could come true.  The old priest must have showed his doubt in possibly a rude, and definitely an unbelieving way (Luke 1:18). But Mary also questioned the feasibility of this wonderful news happening, but must have done so with a gentle question, but also a sure faith (Luke 1:34).  If this was not so, I am sure God would not have punished the priest, but calmly answered the young lady from Judah. The hidden symbol behind these two responses is probably to show that the Levitical priesthood would be silenced in front of the King Priest from Judah.

1:1 That ‘many’ had written accounts of Jesus’ life and ministry required that an inspired account be provided. That we only have four accounts indicates that most of the ‘many’ accounts have disappeared – indicating that they were not the work of inspiration.

1:10   The time of incense answers to a time of prayer – see Psa 141:2 – so it is fitting that Zacharias was told that his prayer was heard at just that time.

1:1 Whilst Luke says ‘set forth in order’ <392> we should not presume that Luke is giving us a chronological account of the life of Jesus. The word translated ‘set forth in order’ – it is one word – carries the sense of ‘composed’ and not necessarily chronological. We will see as we read through Luke that things are certainly not in Chronological order.

V.31 Jesus would have been known by His Hebrew name Yeshua (or Yehoshua) which means Savior.  It is the same name as Joshua.

Vs.32,33 cf. Isa 9:6,7 The scriptures could not be more plain in telling us that Jesus is coming back to earth to rule.  The reward of His faithful followers will be to rule with him (Rev 20:6).  The so-called reward of souls floating off to heaven, at death, is to be found nowhere in scripture. 

V.60 John would have been known by his Hebrew name Yohanan which means Yahweh's gift.

1:4 Luke’s explanation of the reason for his writing echoes Prov 22:21 where the wise man is talking about knowing the word of God so that it can be explained to others.

1:62  We might have thought that Zacharias was just struck dumb for his unbelief but the little comment ‘made signs’ indicates that he was also deaf.

1:2   Whilst Luke had spoken with the apostles and seen other accounts of Jesus’ ministry he is moved to write a record for his particular audience – Theophilus. We should appreciate that Luke’s inspired account has a particular focus which will be seen throughout the record.

Summary of Luke

1:1-4       Luke gives his reason for his gospel record

1:5-25     The promise of John the Baptist and Zacharias’ return home

1:26-38    Mary told she is to bear Jesus

1:39-45    Mary went to Elizabeth in Hebron – Elizabeth speaks to Mary

1:46-56    Mary speaks to Elizabeth in Hebron and leaves to go home just before John Baptist is born         

1:57-80    John Baptist is born, is named and Zacharias speaks about God’s plan

Luke 1:5

“THERE was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia…”

There were three major spring feasts on the Jewish calendar: Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles. Likewise, there were three major fall feasts: Feast of Trumpets, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur during which the priestly courses were suspended: “did not then wait by course” (cf. 2Chron 5:11). During these times the priests and the people were gathered in Jerusalem (cf. Deut 16:6,11,16), and all the courses of the priests served together. We know that Zechariah did not serve during one of these feasts as Luke tells us he was officiating in his regular priestly office.

The priestly courses started on the first month of the Jewish ecclesiastical year, Nisan one (Exo 40:1-38), and David arranged them into twenty-four courses of the priests to correspond with the twelve tribes of Israel with each having their representatives in the temple service twice yearly and lasted for one week. The same procedure was used six months later on Tishri one, covering a 48-week period and the three extra weeks were when no individual courses were being held.

Historically, Nisan one in 4 BCE fell on March 29^th, which means that the day actually started at sundown on March 28^th. The Sabbath, when the priests began their courses, fell on March 24^thand was the first course from Sabbath noon, March 24 to Sabbath noon, March 31 per Josephus in his book, Antiquities of the Jews, Book 17, Section 7, pages 41-45, and was the course of Jehoiarib to which he belonged. He writes: “He (David) divided them also into courses; and when he had separated the priests from them, he found of these priests twenty-four courses, sixteen of the house of Eleazar, and eight of that of Ithamar; and he ordained that one course should minister to God eight days, from Sabbath to Sabbath…”

The second course began March 31 to April 7, the third course started April 7, but its period was interrupted by Passover. The third course did not end until the Sabbath after Passover on April 21 and then the courses started in their regular order of service. The eighth course of Abia was May 19 to May 26. If the angel visited Zechariah in spring, Elizabeth must have conceived sometime soon thereafter. With a gestation period of 280 days, Zechariah could not have served the second course as he was struck dumb (cf. Lev 21:16-23), and, of course, the reverse would also be true. So, which was it?

We need to look at other scriptures accounts to determine if it was the spring course or the fall course.

1) We know Elizabeth was in her sixth month when the angel Gabriel appeared unto Mary (Luke 1:26,36). We also know that a census was to take place, which required Joseph and Mary to leave Jerusalem. The general time for the Roman census was from August to October as read in the book, Born at Bethlehem, page 193 written by Sir William Mitchell Ramsay in 1898.

2) Prof. Ernest Martin, author of the book, The Birth of Christ Recalculated wrote the only time the Sun could clothe the Woman, the Woman, Virgo or Virgin, must be at about 150 and 170 degrees along the ecliptic (cf. Rev 12:1-2. The “clothing” occurs for a 20-day period every year. The 20-degree difference gives us the general time Christ was born. This occurred between August 27 and September 15 in 3 B.C. To look for a more accurate date, we need to see what John wrote about the moon. The moon to be under Virgo’s feet and represents the last 7 degrees of the constellation is about 180 and 187 degrees along the ecliptic. In 3 B.C. The locations of the sun and moon came exactly together on September 11^th and would have been observed from Palestine or Patmos. He writes: “This is the only day in the whole year that this could have taken place… and was visible for less than two hours… It was a New Moon Day – Tishri One – The Jewish New Year (Rosh Ha-shanah) – The Day of Trumpets (Lev 23:23-25).” What an appropriate day to introduce Messiah into the world – his birth occurring after sundown (cf. Luke 2:8-11). It was customary that the final ceremonial coronation of kings was the blowing of trumpets (cf. 1Kin 1:34; 2Kin 9:13; 2Kin 11:11).

3) In addition, John the Baptist was preaching and baptizing. August or September would have been ideal months as six months later in February and March it would have been too cold for baptisms, and March was also a very rainy month.

4) The Romans would not conduct a census during the cold and rainy months when people had to travel, just as they would not have had the Jews travel during the period of time when they had to be in Jerusalem to partake of their holy festivities.

5) Tishri one is the very day that Noah removed the cover from the Ark (Gen 8:13), and this event came to be regarded as a new creation for Earth.

The evidence presented supports Yahshua’s birthday to be in September, which then tells us the eighth course of Abia had to have taken place in spring.

1:9     Zachariah’s “lot” is based on the fact that in Solomon’s temple there were 24 courses of priests who went to the temple to serve on a rotational basis. 

1:8     there were many priest who executed the priest’s office. However this phrase is used previously – 1Chron 6:10. Notice this man’s father was called Johanan – the Greek equivalent being John.

Here is an amazing chiasm where the Spirit word is drawing our attention to the wonderful promises.

Try out this website for further chiasms- chiasmusxchange

A.(67) ¶ And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,

  B.(68) Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited

    C. and redeemed his people,

      D.(69) And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;

        E.(70) As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:

          F.(71) That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;

            G. (72) To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; 73 The oath               which he sware to our father Abraham,

          F'.(74) That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him               without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

        E'.(76) And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord           to prepare his ways;

      D'.(77) To give knowledge of salvation 

    C'. unto his people by the remission of their sins,

  B'.(78) Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,

  (79) To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

A'.(80) And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.

1:78,80         Zacharias’ wonderful comments draw on many Old Testament passages and ideas. Notice “righteousness" and “peace” in these two verses. We have an indication of the Melchisedec priesthood of Jesus for this is the meaning of Melchisedec’s name – Heb 2

1:17    Zacharias, like Abraham – Gen 17:17 – saw his age as a barrier to fathering a son. However whilst Zacharias doubted clearly Abraham believed what God said.

1:1     When Luke says others have “set forth” the things regarding to Jesus’ life – that is gospel records we possibly see a phrase which Paul by inspiration picks up –  –when telling the Galatians that they had already seen a copy of a gospel record.

1:55 in speaking of speaking “to Abraham” we see a phrase which is used again – 1:73 by Zacharias when rejoicing about the birth.

1:23 It would appear that when the priests went to the temple to minister according to their lot that their wives would not go up with them but would remain at home.

1:13 We might ask what the prayer was that Zacharias was asking. It would seem that, even though he and his wife were past child bearing age, that he was asking for a son.

1:23 It would appear that when the priests went to the temple to minister according to their lot that their wives would not go up with them but would remain at home.

1:20 So Elizabeth and Zacharias had been praying for a child and on being told that their prayer had been heard he did not believe it would be answered!

Before we think negatively about the way in which he behaved we should consider whether we expect our prayers to be answered.

1:9  Zacharias was “executing the priest’s office” precisely at this time because of the ordering that had been established first by David and then implemented by Solomon. But it is precisely the right time for the announcement of the upcoming birth of John as a precursor to Jesus who was to be born at a precise time in fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy. So we see how that God was control of events in the days of David and Solomon in order that Zacharias would be officiating in the temple at just the right time. This was no chance appointment.

1:8  there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah ... [he was] advanced in years.

Levitical priests were to retire at 50 (Numbers 8:25),  yet Zechariah was advanced in years so was presumably much older than being in his late 40s.  So why was he still functioning as a priest?

A suggestion: Zechariah was an Aaronic priest, of the order of Abijah (1 Chronicles 24:1,10) not a Levitical priest who was required to retire at 50. Hebrews 6:23 states that Aaronic priests  "were prevented by death from continuing in office" suggesting that Aaronic priests had no retirement age and were to continue officiating as a priest until death (or infirmity).