Comments for March 9

v.21 - The confession of sins was a big thing. I wonder if we actually rate it that highly in our own private or public worship. The need to acknowledge our sin before God is paramount to our salvation - to our obtaining the grace of God and thereby being saved. Look at the intensity of Neh.9:3-5. Do our services come anywhere near this? Let us resolve to acknowledge our sin before God more. Ps.32:5, 51:3, Prov.28:13, Dan.9:3-20, Rom.10:10. And by doing so our sins are laid on Jesus, who takes them away for ever - Isa.53:6, 2Co.5:21.

16:23 'put off' 'put on' also see Leviticus 6:11 This marks the change that should take place in our lives consequent on appreciating the requirements of the gospel. Romans 13:12 Ephesians 4:22 - 24 Colossians 3:9 - 10
The details of the day of atonement form a powerful pattern of the appointing of Jesus as priest and the effect of his sacrifice.

16:6 sin offering for himself Hebrews 5:3 
16:11 for himself Hebrews 7:27
16:11 an atonement for himself Hebrews 9:7
16:12 censer Hebrews 9:4
16:14 blood of the bullock Hebrews 9:13
16:15 for the people Hebrews 5:3
16:15 within the vail Hebrews 6:19
16:15 sprinkle Hebrews 9:7
16:22 bear all their iniquities Hebrews 9:28 Isaiah 53:11
16:24 atonement for the people Hebrews 2:17
16:27 [details used] Hebrews 13:11
16:31 Sabbath of rest Hebrews 4:9
16:34 once a year Hebrews 10:1

That the sacrifice was offered every year contrasts with the offering of Jesus once. The live goat bearing their iniquities patterns Jesus as shown in Isaiah 53:11. The 'Sabbath of rest' speaks of the millennium and the reign of Jesus - see Hebrews 4:9 and the context in Hebrews. The 'rest' that remains for the servants of God is not a ceasing from labour but a keeping of the Sabbath which Israel did not attain to.

v.10,11 - The concept of atonement runs throughout these chapters. The whole purpose of man's worship and faith is that he might be brought - in our case through the blood of Christ - to a state of being at one with God. Atonement is the absolute fulcrum of our salvation. We should be careful to follow the commandments of God that show us how our sins can be atoned.

So having recorded all the details of the laws of cleanness and uncleanness we come upon the sacrifice of the day of atonement. It is as if God is telling Israel that even after they have ensured that they are ceremonially clean they still have to recognise that they are sinners. The New Testament takes this one stage further by reminding the Jew [Hebrews 10:1-2] that even this great sacrifice had its shortcomings in that it had to be made annually.

OUR ATONEMENT

The parallels between the day of atonement and the death of Christ are amazing.

Firstly the priest had to offer a bull for his own sin offering so that when he came to offer the sacrifices for the community he would be sinless. Jesus lived a perfect life and was already sinless.

Two male goats were required for a sin offering for the community. One was to be set free bearing the sins of the community and the other was to be offered as a sin offering. Before Jesus was crucified the crowd made their choice: they set Barabbas free - a sinner, murderer and rebel - and they crucified the sinless Son of God.

With the sacrifice of the goat the sins of the people were forgiven, and so, with the sacrifice of Jesus the sins of the world could be forgiven.

After this the priest could enter into the Most Holy Place. This is one of the things that is graphically pointed out as Jesus died. We read that "At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom." (Matthew 27 v 51). So Jesus opened the way into the Most Holy Place.

After his resurrection he ascended into heaven to become our High Priest. He has ascended into the Most Holy Place - not the copy that Moses built, but the real thing. There he acts as our High Priest to make atonement for us.

Praise the Lord for his love in giving us Jesus!

:10 Whilst the 'scapegoat' was to be 'let go' into the wilderness eventually the Jews developed their own mysticism about this. They then appointed a man to take it into the wilderness to ensure that it would not return. The concern being that they had decided that if it returned their sins had not been forgiven. Israel so quickly added their rituals to the commandments of God - we must take care that we do not add our own rituals and then give them the status of laws which have to be observed.

16:11 The priest, in offering for himself, shows that he shares the afflictions of the people. This was also true of Jesus as is show by the way that Matt 8:17 quotes Isa 53:4. We would minimise the work of Jesus if were to suggest that he did not share our feelings.

V4  On one occasion, associated with the first part of the solemn ritual of the Day of Atonement, the priest (Aaron) did not wear the priest's garments that were for glory and beauty Exo 28:2 On this day he wore only the priestly garments which are described in detail for us in this verse.

The Day of Atonement sets the pattern for the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus.  However, we should note both the similarities and differences between Aaron and Christ in the role of High Priest.

Aaron could not approach Yahweh at all times (v.2).  Christ is constantly in the presence of His father (Heb 12:2, 1Pet 3:22)

Aaron had to wash and put on acceptable garments which covered his (sin in the) flesh before he could commune with Yahweh (v.4).  Christ does not need layers of garments because he has no (sin in the) flesh that separates Him from His father (1Cor 1:29).

Aaron offered a sacrifice for himself as well as his house (v.6).  Christ did likewise.  Although He was a sinless man, He was, nevertheless, of the corruptible seed of Adam.  He overcame all sin when He nailed His flesh to the cross. He did this both for Himself and for His house (ecclesia) (John 16:33).
 
The scapegoat (Heb. azazel) (v.10,21,22) illustrates both the taking away of sin and the need to keep separate from sin.  We can be forgiven our sins, but sin has a tendency to wander back into our camp.  We must be diligent not to allow it to creep back in but shoo it away.

As the scapegoat disappeared, (v22) so Israel would see their sins forgiven and taken away Psa 103:11,12.  What a huge relief must have flooded through every godly soul!

V.4 Aaron was to make atonement for his own sins, as well as for those of the people, he was to appear in the humble character of a suppliant. That plain dress was more in harmony with a season of humiliation, than the robes of glory and beauty. It showed that when all appeared, the highest and lowest were then on a level, and that there is no distinction of persons with God. Acts 10:34

16:2      ‘Come not at all times’ is a consequence of Nadab and Abihu’s behaviour recorded in Lev 10. Israel by her repeated sinfulness separated herself more and more from God.  The golden calf incident – Exo 32 – was an earlier action which separated Israel from God.

V.9 On the release of the scapegoat, the high priest prepared for the important parts of the service that remained; for the performance of these he laid aside his plain linen clothes, and, having bathed himself in water, he assumed his holy attire. Thus attired, he was to present the burnt offerings which were prescribed for himself and the people, consisting of the two rams which had been brought with the sin offerings. The fat was ordered to be burnt upon the alter; the rest of the carcasses to be given to the attendants to be burnt without the camp, in conformity with the law for the sin offerings (Lev 4:8-12; , Lev 8:14-17)

SIN AND FORGIVENESS
 
The Day of Atonement was the day when Israel remembered their sins, and through the sacrifices and the work of the high priest, had their sins forgiven. Living in western society we are far from the reality of what it must have been like to witness the ceremonies performed on the day of atonement.
 
As we watch, a bull, a ram and two goats are selected for the offerings. The bull is offered as a sin offering for the high priest and the ram as a burnt offering. It is then that the two goats are presented. Lots are cast and one goat is chosen to be killed as a sin offering for the people. The penalty of sin is death. So as we watch, we begin to realise just how sinful we are as the goat is killed and it's blood sprinkled on the atonement cover within the tabernacle. The goat was killed as a sacrifice for our sins. It died for us when it should have been us that was put to death for our own sins. Because of our sin the life of the goat was taken. The first goat makes us realise just how serious our sins are.
 
The second goat has a different message for us. The sins of the nation were confessed over the second goat. The goat was then released into the wilderness. From Israel the wilderness is to the east. And so our sins, on the head of the second goat, are removed from us "as far as the east is from the west." (Psa 103:12)
 
Praise God that our sins are forgiven through the blood of Jesus and have been removed from us as far as the east is from the west.

16:29-30 Notice the association of ‘do no work at all’ and ‘the priest shall make an atonement for you’. The work was all ‘of God’ the congregation had no part in it, nor were even allowed to work. Thus the people were to learn that redemption was ‘of God’.

V.13 The High Priest was only to appear in the Divine Presence wrapped in a cloud of incense. We are told in Rev 8:3 that incense is symbolic of the prayers of the saints. The various parts of incense symbolize the different aspects of prayer. Prayer should be balanced, blending praise with petition, and respect with request; as such it ascends as a sweet savour unto God. (Eph 5:2)

16:34    Notice the ‘once a year’ which is the detail picked up in Heb 10:1 which, in itself, highlights that the law of Moses could not bring everlasting salvation. In fact the Jew who felt the need to offer this sacrifice annually was highlighting that the law of Moses was lacking in that it could not bring eternal salvation.

16:14 When the record says that the blood should be sprinkled ‘eastward’ we should realise that if the priest is facing east he must have been standing behind the ark of the covenant.

V.14 The word eastward (KJV) is translated from the Hebrew word kedem. It can mean both toward the east and in front. If in front is meant, then Aaron would have put a drop of blood on the top of the mercy seat and seven drops on its lower part. But what would be the significance if the eastward direction is the intended?

The mercy seat is where the people could meet with Yahweh through the person of the High Priest. Jesus is our mercy seat. He is our High Priest who has brought the Father to us through Him. And so, perhaps the spot of blood eastward is a particular reference to Jesus. Micah calls Jesus the Sun of Righteousness (Mic 4:2). The sun rises in the east and spreads its rays out further and further as it rises in the sky. Jesus describes Himself as the morning star (Rev 22:16). The morning star is Venus, the brightest visible star. It is most noticeable when it appears over the eastern horizon just before dawn. This sparkling jewel is emphasized on a back drop of black sky. Jesus shines brightly in a world of sin.

Lev 16:7-10 - the one goat would be sacrificed while the other goat, the scapegoat, would be freed to the wilderness. These two goats perhaps echo the death and resurrection of Christ. Scapegoat has come to mean a person, often innocent, who is blamed for the sins and crimes of others - Isa 53:4.

Lev 16:26-27 - Christ was taken outside the "camp" - Matt 27:33.

16:10 The live goat made atonement, even though it did not die. Our reconciliation to God is guaranteed by the fact that Jesus is alive – Heb 7:25

16:4 That Aaron was to wash before he put on the holy garments teaches us that unregenerate human beings cannot be closed upon with righteousness.  So we cannot minister for God unless we are washed by the water of baptism.

PRAYER

The protocol for the day of atonement was very precise. It would have been interesting to watch the high priest as he went about his duties on the day of atonement to see just how everything was done. But more than interesting is the fact that the lessons we learn from the day of atonement could change our prayer lives for ever.

The day of atonement was the day when the sins of the people were remembered, repented of and forgiven. Aaron's first job was to prepare himself to meet with God. This meant he had to get washed and dressed appropriately. His next job was to offer a sin offering for himself and his household. And it was only after he had offered his own sin offering that he could begin to make atonement for the rest of the people.

Sometimes we just rush into prayer - even group prayer - without the preparation that we should put in to making our prayers really effective. Prayer should always start with us preparing our minds, just as Aaron prepared by dressing in his priestly garments. And how can we pray for others if we ourselves are outside God's presence? Let us seek forgiveness for ourselves so that our prayers will be heard before we begin to intercede for other people.

16:1   ‘after the death of Nadab and Abihu’ explains the reason for the limitation on access to the most holy place. Sin destroyed the relationship between the priesthood and God. Fellowship was destroyed. That break down in fellowship resulted in them being barred from the most holy place much in the way that Adam and Eve were expelled from the garden of Eden -Gen 3:24

16:19,21         The words “cleanse” and “confess” are picked up in 1John 1:9 to emphasise the route through which forgiveness comes – but not with the offering of an animal but with the offering of a man’s willing life.

16:23   The way in which the high priest put off the linen clothes before going into the most holy place typifies the resurrection of Jesus – John 20:5 -  As the high priest did not enter into the presence of God in the linen garments neither did Jesus, after his resurrection, need the linen garments. 

Accounting for weakness in future generations

God's decision to allow Aaron into the holy place only once a year seems to have come about because of the incident where his sons died (see v1-2, 34). It's not because Aaron was somehow tainted by that, but it's in recognition that subsequent generations of Priests wouldn't necessarily have Aaron's awe and respect of God, as was proven by his sons offering profane fire before the LORD (see Lev 10:1-3). God obviously has subsequent generations in mind as you can see in v32.

When we institute rules for ourselves, those rules might be great for us who understand fully why we are doing them. Do we consider the next generation who may not know the context in which rules were made?

16:12 The fact that a “censer” full of incense had to be taken “within the vail” provides the origin of the  description of the Tabernacle in Heb 9:4. Thus this precision helps to establish that Hebrews 9 is describing the tabernacle at precisely the time when the high priest went into the most holy place on the Day of Atonement.

16:16  The “holy place” needed to be cleansed because Israel’s behaviour contaminated it. Not physically. They never went into it. However their behaviour marred their fellowship with God. Hence the cleansing. We should take the lesson for ourselves. The way we behave affects our relationship with God.

16:34   This “everlasting statute”, of course did come to an end. It was an annual reminder of its effectiveness to take away sin permanently. The death and resurrection of Jesus brought to an end the need for the sacrifices on the Day of Atonement.

16:21   Whist often the offerer or the priest had to put his hand on the head of the sacrifice this is the only occasion when both the hands had to be put on the head of an animal which we being sacrificed.

16:6 Whilst the priest is to make atonement for the nation with the sacrifices that he was commanded to offer he must, first, be cleansed. Hence the sacrifice for himself. This the basis for the inspired comment in Heb 7:27.

Lev 16:21, - The tenth day of the seventh month (Lev 23:27) was the Day of Atonement.  On that day the High Priest laid his hands on the head of the live goat and confessed to the LORD all the iniquities (perversities) and all their transgressions (rebellions) in all their sins (offences) of Israel. 

A goat was then released into the wilderness.  This confession of the High Priest resulted in Israel being cleansed in one day (Lev 16:30).  

1John 1:9  “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  This reminds us of the mercy of God towards us if we truly confess our sins to the Lord.

When John says “If we confess our sins” our High Priest Jesus can “cleanse from all unrighteousness” (i.e, our sins, iniquities and transgressions) 

How great is the mercy of the LORD towards us when we confess our sins and seek a Godly repentance.

16:2 the whole congregation had not offered “strange fire” – just Nadab and Abihu. However the action of these two young men impacted on the fellowship of the whole congregation. In like manner our individual actions can impact on the wider community. This should instruct us to think carefully about the way our actions could impact on others.

16:21 the “fit” man has the sense of timely which is echoed in Gal 4:4 where God sent Jesus at the appropriate time.

16:10  The typical animal sacrifice under the Law of Moses required that the animal was killed. So the “scapegoat” stands in stark contrast. It is presented alive before Yahweh before being let go. Thus this part of the law of Moses was teaching that deliverance came, not by death but by the living sacrifice.

v. 3 - It is hard to understand this, but here we have a picture of the grace of God. It is, of course conditional upon our confession and worship, and the consequent attitude of humility for which God looks. Walking in his ways is able to bring this about. 1John 3:9, 5:18. We need to believe for this, as it our faith that causes us to receive this justification. Note how Rom.3:23 then flows, without even a full stop, into the next verses (24-26).

v.9 makes it all so simple - a clean way is to be achieved through listening to God's word. The theory is simple, however the practice is hard. However we should not think that because it is hard to implement the principle that we should not bother, or that we should try to find some easier way to be Godly. It is the only way.

v.11 is very sound advice. We have to hide God's word in our heart. If we do that the sin we have is covered by His grace and merciful forgiveness. Psa.1:2, 37:31, 40:8, 119:97

:9 the questions as to how should a young man cleanse his ways is explained by Jesus John 15:3 the disciples were clean through Jesus' words which mirrors David's conclusions.

FREEDOM

Often we hear people complaining that their life in the Lord is so restrictive. It seems to be filled with "thou shalt not" rules, and it means that we can't do all the things we want to do. To replace all the things that we are not allowed to do, it seems that we have to do things that we find hard to do, like pray, read the Bible and go to church. Looking at the Christian life in this way would certainly put many people off.

But there is a much greater freedom in the Lord, than the freedom we think we have before we come to him. All the great men of old found this freedom. They never complained that life was too full of rules that they couldn't cope. Religion is based on rules and many people mistake the life in Christ for being "religious." But our life in Christ should not be based on rules to keep, but principles to live by - in particular, love for God and love for our neighbours. Our life in Christ sets us free from the bondage to rules and regulations. It means we are free to serve from our heart and not just from the things that we know "must be done." Our life in Christ sets our hearts free. This is what the Psalmist spoke about when he said, "I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free." (Psalm 119 v 32)

:25 In saying that his soul 'cleaveth unto the dust' the Psalmist has indeed been cleansed by the word and so truly understands the state of man and his need for deliverance.

119:3 It may seem that to say ‘they do no iniquity’ places us outside the scope of this verse. However this is not so. Paul (Rom 7:22-23) explains how it can be that a man who does sin can be amongst those who ‘do no iniquity’

Psa 119 is primarily a Psalm or hymn in praise of the Law. Almost every verse in this Psalm contains a title for the Word of God under one or other of the synonyms given below. These exhibit various shades of meanings and are not uniformly translated in the English versions. Notice the use of similar expressions to describe the Law in this Psalm.

We have subtitles which are not intended to be a summary of the entire section, but describe one aspect of the Psalmist's devotion to the Word, as expressed in that section. We will display them as we go through the Psalm.

In Psa 119:11 the psalmist says that he has hid (or laid up) God’s Word in his heart, so that he wouldn’t forget it, and sin against God.  This is possibly based on the idea of the Ten Commandments being written on stone, and safely put inside the golden ark.  They should have been safe there for ever. 

119:4   keeping the precepts ‘diligently’ catches the exhortation of Deut 6:7

119:5 The heartfelt cry of the Psalmist ‘O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes’ should be a warning to us. No matter how long we have been in Christ our natural desires are not towards God.

119:11The way in which David ‘hid’ the word was not to disguise it. Rather it was to store it securely in his heart (mind). This is how he was able to be so focused on God’s plan. He knew what God’s will was from knowing Scripture.

FREE TO WIN

Have you ever felt embarrassed or inhibited while trying to live God's way? Perhaps living God's way doesn't seem to come naturally, or outside pressures from work or friends takes away from our life for God. Sometimes we find ourselves in situations where we have difficulty deciding what to do: we know what is right but other things seem so much more appealing.

The psalmist puts a liberating perspective on our situation when he says,  "I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free." (Psa 119:32) In the cases we have thought about, our hearts have not been free to live for God. They have been held back by our our desires to do things our way, to save face, to put ourselves first, and even our desire to sin. Being held back this way is like having a ball and chain around our legs and trying to run a race.

So let's ask God to set our heart free. Let's ask him to release us from everything that holds us back from being able to run in the path of his commands. May he set us free to be winning runners in the race of life.

119:1  The law was not simple a set of rules that one had to know. They had to be observed also. That is what walking in the law is all about. Israel had to – Exo 16:4 and we must live the commandments of Christ – Eph 2:10

Psalm 119 is attributable to David.  This psalm is more than twice as long as any other one. It is an acrostic psalm of twenty-two parts (stanzas) - the number of letters in the Hebrew alphabet. Each stanza of eight verses begins with a letter of the alphabet (taken in order): e.g. Vs.1-8 begin with aleph; Vs.9-16 begin with bet, etc. The wordiness of this psalm might be questioned in the light of Ecc 5:2. True, words should be thoughtfully chosen before addressing Yahweh. However, the complaint is really pointed at the fool, not the sincere worshipper (Ecc 5:3). Empty words and insincerity are the things that offend Yahweh (Matt 6:7; 15:8). But, Psalm 119 is not full of empty words or insincerity, and is, therefore, acceptable to Yahweh.

V.29 Human beings have an incredible facility to rationalise events and to make them appear different. They have the ability to gloss over the things that they do not like or that do not interest them. And yet, they will be convinced that they are telling the truth. That is the reason the police will tell you that eye witness accounts are the least reliable form of evidence.

We have to be careful to always tell the truth. We, like the psalmist should pray for Yahweh to help us abandon the way of lying (false ways).

V.39 Do we dread Yahweh’s reproach? It is healthy to fear Him. This will keep us on the narrow path that leads to salvation (1Pet 5:6).

119:2 Service to God is not a ‘half hearted’ affair. It must be with all our being.

119:18  It is not simply a matter of keeping the law. There must also be a desire to see more and more in its teaching. This indicates that regular reading of it and mediation on it is a must for all that would wish to walk in it.

119:19 In speaking of himself as a ‘stranger in the earth’ David is identifying himself with all God’s servants – Heb 11:13

1. John Wilson in his 2004 comments notes how Psalm 119 is an acrostic with every 8 verses covering each letter of the alphabet; also there are 10 words, frequently repeated, that relate to God's law. Perhaps much of this psalm relates to that which Christ fulfilled (Matt 5:17).

2. Psa 119:1-4 - Christ was undefiled, kept his Father's testimonies, sought his Father with all his thoughts, did no iniquity, walked in his Father's ways, did as commanded by God in fully keeping His precepts.

3. Psa 119:5-8 - Christ fully kept his Father's statutes, respected all his Father's commandments, praised his Father with uprightness of heart when he learned God's righteous judgments (Isa 7:14-15), asked his Father not to be utterly forsaken (Psa 22:1,11,19,24).

4. Psa 119:9-12 - Christ cleansed his way (and prepared the way for his followers to be cleansed)  by living according to his Father's word, Christ didn't wander from any commandments, never sinned, asked to be taught God's statutes.

5. Psa 119:13-16 - Christ could recite all the divine laws, rejoiced in the way of God's testimonies as one rejoices in great riches, meditated on God's precepts and respected his Father's ways, delighted in God's statutes and remembered His word.

6. Psa 119:17-20 - Christ kept his Father's word and received life, saw the wonderous things in God's law, uncovered all the commands, longed for divine law at all times.

7. Psa 119:21-24 - Christ wasn't arrogant, Christ suffered contempt yet kept God's testimonies, the authorities spoke against him yet he meditated in his Father's statutes, God's statutes were Christ's delight and counseled him.   

8. Psa 119:25-28 - Christ was laid low in the dust yet his life was preserved as the Bible prophesied, God heard his son, Christ understood God's precepts and he talked of His wonderous works, Christ was strengthened.

9. Psa 119:29-32 - Christ never lied, chose the way of truth, he stuck to the his Father's testimonies, Christ ran the way of his Father's commandments and God expanded his thinking.

10. Psa 119:33-36 - Christ's understood his purpose and followed the statutes and fully observed the law with his whole being even to his crucifixion, he was not covetous.

11. Psa 119:37-40 - Christ turned away from worthless temptations and sought eternal life, was devoted to reverencing his Father, the disgrace of crucifixion he feared was taken away upon his resurrection.

119:28   Here we have an indication as to the way in which the angel strengthened Jesus –Luke 22:43 when he was struggling in the garden of Gethsemane and was in “heaviness” – drawing our attention toMark 14:33.

119:3 The idea that a faithful servant of God “do not commit iniquity” is the basis for the comment in 1John 3:9

IT'S A KEEPER!

Imagine walking down the beach looking at the seashells scattered on the sand. All of a sudden you come across a shell that is more beautiful than all the rest. You pick it up. "I am going to keep this one," you say. As you walk further along the beach you hold it in your hand and admire it. You take it home and put it on display where you can see it and enjoy it's beauty and where other people will notice it, and comment on it.

It is that act of keeping, admiring, treasuring and using, that the psalmist appeals for us to have for God's word. "Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart" (Psa 119:2).

Like a beautiful shell, a pearl of great price, an amazing book, or some sports memorabilia, we need to keep the word of God in a place of honour and on display inside our hearts. His laws need to be so special to us that we never want to part from them, that they become part of our nature, history and culture, so that when we are old we will remember living by them with a good sense of nostalgia.

So let's be blessed people who keep God's statutes and seek Him with all our heart.

Psa 119:4

“Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.”

In verse 9 of this Psalm, the question raised is: “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? ... ” The immediate reply is given by being obedient to God’s command in taking heed to His Word. Jesus mirrors this same conclusion in John 15:3 wherein we read, "Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you." Then in Psa 119:11, the Psalmist writes that he has laid up God’s Word in his heart, so that he would not forget God’s command and sin against Him. 

The washing of water by the Word (Eph 5:26) must be actively present in us. God does not work apart from His Word, the Bible. To push Scripture to the back burner and take only an a la carte spiritual meal approach from it, is not being cleansed by the Word.

Furthermore, in Num 19:1-9 we read about the ordinance of the red heifer for a sin offering. The red heifer was symbolical of Christ. The heifer’s blood was to be sprinkled before the tabernacle of the congregation seven times, and when consumed the ashes were mingled with the water of separation and used for purification of those defiled. The sin offerings were not by water only, but by water and blood (cf. 1John 5:6; Heb 9:19-20).  The cleansing of water by the Word is this purification and separation process. Through sacrifice, the priests and Israelites were cleansed and purified. Through Christ, the Word made flesh (John 1:14), we go through a spiritual separation and purification process and present our bodies as holy living sacrifices (Rom 12:1); the concept remains the same. Once we have been baptized into Christ it is no longer a salvation issue, it is a cleanliness issue. We cannot stand before a holy God unless we are cleansed and holy (1Pet 1:15-17). The heart-felt cry of the Psalmist, “O that my ways were directed to keep thy statues (Psa 119:5) should be our cry too.

119:34 The Psalmist’s desire to be given “understanding” is seen in the desire that David had for Solomon his son – 1Chron 22:12

I have just listened to the whole of this Psalm in one go - the first time I have ever done this.  As I was listening and reading along at the same time, I was wondering how much of what is written here our Lord used in his meditations and supplications to his Father, day and night.  I like to think most of it!  Christ was sorely tempted, just as we are, but each time was victorious over that temptation and its potential sin, unlike us. 

So the words of Psalm 119 would be relevant to him in his struggle with mortal life and they would be a great source of strength and encouragement to him to continue in God's ways faultlessly, for our sakes, just as our meditation on these words can certainly help us in our very feeble attempts to be like our Lord and Master in our walk towards the Kingdom.

There is something incredible that comes out of the first verses of this Psalm. Most Christians are somewhat preoccupied with sin. Rather like watching one's weight, the more we are concerned with losing weight, the more we get preoccupied with food, and the more we think about food the more likely it is that we will bow to temptation and eat more. The same goes with sin. The more we're preoccupied with it, ultimately the more likely we will be to sin.

The Psalm gives us an alternative. Take a look at these:

Ps 119:2-3
"Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity"

Ps 119:9
"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word."

Ps 119:11
"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."

Notice that in each case, it is suggested that a preoccupation with the word of God will automatically lead to a lack of sin. It is a radical upending of traditional thinking. Taking the weight loss analogy again, it is analogous to someone falling in love with a sport and in their pursuit of mastery, the exercise and fitness having the side effect of keeping their weight healthy.

This is worth thinking about further. As a Christian do we beat ourselves up over sin? Are we preoccupied with our own failings? Or instead, are we in love with God's word, striving to learn and master it, so that in time our appetite for sin diminishes and all but disappears?

119:7   Notice the connection between praising God and learning of Him. It is not possible to praise God unless one knows Him.

119:5,8 The sentiments in these two verses seem to be at variance with each other. But they reflect the struggle we have. We wish to do His will but find that often we do not and would like direction from our God that we might find faithfulness easier.

119:25,27,40   of the dozen times David talks of God quickening him 9 of them are found in this Psalm, three in the section we read today. Notice that the emphasis is that God word will “quicken” him. So he is not speaking primarily of his resurrection but rather being given life in this life. God’s word provides instruction Godly living.

119:9   Jesus uses the ideas here in John 15:3

Psa 119:33-40

A reader writes: “Just wanted to know if you have a list of the commandments we are to keep today in your understanding of the scriptures. As well I would like to get a detailed explanation of GOD's moral laws exactly... how does a reader of the Bible know which Moral laws are still in force and which are not? Please show me the scriptures you use to support.”

My reply:  The Moral Law is about God manifestation. It is based on God’s Holiness. We are created in His image and for His glory, and we are to manifest His image to His glory. For the exactness you request, I would pretty near have to quote the entire Bible, for the list you are looking for is all in there! All of God’s Moral lies apply to us. God does not change; there is no expiry date on it. While the Ceremonial and Judicial Laws pointed to Christ, the Moral Law points to God.

The Moral Law is a revelation of the will of God for us; it reveals God’s perfect righteousness, which is righteousness extra nos, or outside of ourselves. 

The Moral Law is a restrainer functioning to recognize and to avoid evil.

The Moral Law is a mirror revealing our spots and blemishes, our weaknesses that need attention. It exposes our sinfulness (Rom 3:20).

The Moral Law relates to justice and judgment, and is often translated as ordinances/rules – mishpatim (cf. Exo 21:1). It encompasses regulations on justice, respect, sexual conduct, includes nine of the Decalogue, the Beatitudes, etc. and also found in some of the Civil Laws: Murder, stealing, cursing parents, kidnapping, failure to lock up dangerous animals that results in someone’s death, etc. (Exo 21); oppress and afflict, etc. (Exo 22); incest (Lev 18:6-18); adultery, homosexuality (Lev 20:10,13; cf. Rom 1:26-28); cursing, blasphemy (Lev 24:14,16,23), etc. etc. Each one of these violates God’s Moral Law. The punishments which fell to the civil government of Israel as a theocracy is now gone and no longer binding, but they do supply principles we can use as guidelines in getting to know God.

The governments we presently live under have their set of punishments to which we may be subjected (1Pet 2:13). The law is good, if we use it lawfully (1Tim 1:8).

The Moral Law is our guide helping us to discern and make every day moral decisions. The problem is not the Moral Law, but with those who violate it. 

The Moral Law is a reflection of God’s character and humans are made in God’s image, therefore, it follows that the Law fits human nature as well! If we love God and neighbour, we are in alignment with the Moral Law; we have fulfilled the Law on which hang all the law and the prophets (Matt 22:36-40; Rom 13:8).

The Moral Law is about conviction, respect, dignity, fidelity, truthfulness, etc. Our ethical responsibilities are great! The Moral Law defines the way of Love, enabling us to make wise and ethical decisions. To know and understand the Moral Law is to know and understand God, as He reveals Himself to us throughout the Bible – Genesis to Revelation; it existed long before Moses.

The Moral Law still applies to us today and provides for us a basis for formulating and even evaluating political laws, which we do practically on a daily basis! It shows us how to live according to God’s righteousness, not our own (Legalism), and not on what we perceive to be right and wrong and live accordingly (Antinomianism).

With David, we must pray, “Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statues; Give me understanding; Keep me in the way of thy commandments; Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness; Turn my eyes away from vanity; Stablish thy word unto thy servant; Turn away my reproach which I fear, for thy judgments are good; I have longed after thy precepts, and quicken me in thy righteousness.” Please read notes on Lev 19:19.

Truly, the Moral Law is the embodiment of unsurpassed Spiritual beauty!

119:36 This request is what Solomon, later, would ask –1Kin 8:58 – that the people would do when they had strayed from God’s ways and He was punishing them.

119:9 We all desire to cleanse ourselves of unacceptable thoughts’ and behaviour. How do we think this is best achieved? Do we think that the prime source of information is what others have written or said about God’s word or our own personal reading? Which takes priority?

119:11 The way in which David ‘hid’ the word was not to disguise it. Rather it was to store it securely in his heart (mind). This is how he was able to be so focussed on God’s plan. He knew what God’s will was from knowing Scripture. In this he is our example. Familiarity with the principles  - not necessarily the exact wording – in scripture arms us to resist the temptation to sin.

119:2 A reading of this Psalm make it clear that God’s word is the focus on the Psalm. But notice, as you work through the Psalm, how a commitment with all the heart is required - - 6 times in all – Reading scripture daily is good but it must not simply become a habit –

119:37 If we make a prayer like this do we think that we are required to do anything ourselves?

Clearly the answer is “Yes”. If it really is our desire we will already be filling our mind with godly things from His word.

119:8 do not utterly forsake me!

Psalm 119 contains requests of God for every situation in life - joy, sadness, disappointment with personal failure, aspiration, and so on. A good exercise is to extract each of these petitions, particularly those that relate to your current circumstances - and pray them just like the Psalmist, even using the identical words!!  They are acceptable requests because the inspired Psalmist has already prayed them! God will be delighted to hear them.

12 v. 7,8 We need to be aware that God also sends us problems in our lives - they may be physical as Paul's was - or they may take some other form - lest we be exalted above measure. Humility is at the very centre of a life in Christ, and has always been presented that way. Deut.8:14, 17:20, 2Chr.26:16, 32:25,26, 1Tim.3:6.

12:9 It is so hard to believe that God's strength is made perfect in weakness - but we must understand that it is so. It is so because it is only when we appreciate that we are weak and can achieve noting in our own strength are we willing to acknowledge that God is in control. Unless we get to the point that Paul did we will never truly trust that God will always keep His word.

13:5 In calling the Corinthians to 'examine yourselves ' we see that it is possible to evaluate our own spiritual development. We might think that doing this would be a dangerous activity as we might esteem ourselves higher than we ought however we know better than anyone what is going on in our hearts and minds - we manage to hide these things from those around us - Paul is calling for intellectual honesty in the Corinthians - and in us to. Are we up to the challenge?

12:11  I be nothing This was necessary so Paul could not be exulted. A lesson in humility, because one has a greater understanding of God's plan and purpose, he is no better than another brother. We must not put ourselves above others, but be workers with them.

The vision that Paul had was a glimpse into the future, beyond the kingdom period (12:2-4).  We live in the first heaven (dispensation); the kingdom period is the second; and the time when there will be true God-manifestation (1Cor 15:28) is the third.  This will be a time of great wonder (1Cor 2:9).
Although Paul had a brief view of the future, he was grounded in the present (12:7).  Could his thorn be the false leader who was described yesterday (2Cor 11:14)? (See my note).

2Cor 12:14 In saying 'I seek not yours' Paul is again attacking the accusation that has been made against him that he only wants to collect money for his own benefit.

2Cor 13:4 How was Jesus 'crucified through weakness'? Wherein is the weakness? Surely the weakness was the 'weakness and unprofitableness' of the law to take away sin Heb 7:18

12:1 ‘I will come to …’ is rather like the listing of matters concerning the Corinthians - 1Cor 7:1, 8:1, 12:1, 16:1, 2Cor 9:1,  However Paul’s approach here is as if he does not wish to give the matter the status that the Corinthians wanted to give it.

13:1 So, it seems, that Paul had been hindered in his attempt to go and see the brethren and sisters in Corinth. This raises the question ‘how much effort do we put into visiting when there seem to be obstacles to our visit?’

2Cor 12 is a difficult chapter to understand, but basically it divides into several sections. a) 2Cor 12:1-6 speaks of someone, probably Paul himself (but humility keeps him from claiming this honour), who had wonderful visions of the glory of God and of Christ. It possibly relates to the visions Paul had of Jesus when he visited Arabia (Gal 1:17). b) is 2Cor 12:7-13 where Paul speaks of the illness or problem which God gave him to keep him humble. “The thorn” is a very apt symbol, as it takes us right back to Gen 3:17-19 where the ground was cursed with thorns. Then c) 2Cor 12:14-21 in which Paul expresses his wish to come and visit the Corinthians again. He loves them, and will gladly “spend and be spent” for their benefit.

13:4There were some in Corinth who despised weakness. Greek culture and philosophy had no time for the weak. So Jesus’ sacrifice has no part in Greek culture and philosophy – but it was the ‘wisdom of God’ 1Cor 1:24

v.10 - This is the conclusion of the argument that has been developed over the last few chapters - Paul is preparing his audience to realise that boasting is only appropriate in weakness.  In this it shows God's glory.

12:1-5  Again we return to the glorying of some in Corinth. Paul, whilst speaking of ‘a man in Christ’ is careful to point out that he might glory in another man’s vision he will not glory in his own – clearly a contrast with some in Corinth who, being puffed up -  1Cor 4:18, gloried in themselves.

12:6 Paul continues to reprove those brethren in Corinth who set themselves up as some sort of authority amongst the believers

13:1 The establishment of truth by two or more witnesses is stated in the Law (Deut 19:15).

At the trial of Jesus, no two witnesses (albeit false) could convict Him (Matt 26:59,60). As long as Jesus kept His silence, He would never have been convicted. And so, He helped out the proceedings, because He knew what must happen (Matt 26:64). The High Priest jumped on this statement and accused Jesus of blasphemy (Matt 26:65). Ironically, the High Priest broke the Law by rending his clothes (Lev 21:10).

12:12 Whilst we cannot be sure what the ‘signs of an apostle’ were we know that one of them was the ability to pass on the gift of the holy spirit - Acts 8:18 - so we can conclude that Paul had conferred the gift to believers in Corinth. That was something that the ‘false apostles’ 2Cor 11:13 - could not do.

12:17-18         In asking whether he or others made a ‘gain’ of the Corinthians Paul is challenging those who want to denigrate him to provide evidence to support their charges.  Paul knew that in this respect he was blameless. Could we open our motives and actions to scrutiny on any issue?

                                                                             Aim for perfection(2Cor 13:11)

Paul does not tell the Corinthians to be perfect but to "aim for perfection".However hard we try we cannot be perfect in this life in the usual sense of the word and God will not call us to account for not being perfect but for lacking the aim to be so. Let us not seek to just do things but to do them perfectly... if something is worthy doing its worthy doing well. What more could be worthy doing than serving our Lord who "is our life", so lets seek to serve him perfectly!

13:10  Despite all that Paul has said in reproof he returns to the idea of ‘edification’ which he has written of before – 11Cor 8:1, 1Cor 14:3-4, 2Cor 10:8 - the whole purpose of his writing, by inspiration, was for that reason.

2Cor 12:16

"But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile."

E.W. Bullinger in Figures of Speech Used in the Bible writes: "But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless (you say that) being crafty, I caught you with guile."

2Cor 12:18

"I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother... "

E.W. Bullinger in Figures of Speech Used in the Bible supplies the ellipsis: "I desired Titus (to go to you), etc."

2Cor 12:1-5

“It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord…I know a man in Christ… such an one caught up to the third heaven…how that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter...Of such an one will I glory...”

Who had this revelation? What we have to consider here is that these verses are in the middle of Paul’s extended defense of his apostleship. 2Cor 10 and 11 involve establishing his credentials as an apostle, and Paul says here in verse one that he is still boasting. Then in verse 7 he reveals that it was he who had received an abundant of revelations. In verse 11, Paul is still talking about his credentials because these false apostles made claims to visions and revelations themselves to support their positions (2Cor 12:12).

Paul was very uncomfortable in talking about his own credentials and authority, so for this particular incidence he switches to the third person. The point of all this was to counteract what the false apostles were saying about him (verses 11-12).

The Jews believed in the idea of three places called heaven. The first is the atmosphere, the second, outer space, and the third where God lives. The third heaven is also called the “highest heaven” to distinguish it from the others.

2Cor 12:7

“And lest I should be exulted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan (adversary) to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.”

As to what Paul’s thorn in the flesh was has been debated for years. Different theories have been postulated - perhaps he had eye problems (Gal 4:15; Gal 6:11), or some illness.

We know that his, “thorn in the flesh” was not a literal thorn, but a figurative way of describing whatever it actually was. Scripture describes the thorn in the flesh as a, "messenger of Satan." Right at the outset, we see that Paul is not speaking of any physical infirmities, as these are not messengers. Messengers are someone who brings a message from someone to someone.

Consider the following relevant passages on “thorn” found in the Old Testament: Num 33:55; Josh 23:13; Judg 2:1-3; 2Sam 23:6; Eze 2:6; Eze 28:24. It is clear from these verses that God uses, “thorn” to refer to people! Paul’s thorn was to constantly have to deal with his adversaries, false apostles who perverted the true gospel, and buffeted him time and time again in opposing him (2Cor 11:13-15). The attacks against him and his followers were so vicious, that at times, he “despaired even of life” (2Cor 1:8).

Despite the abundant great revelations of Paul, these trials and tribulations were necessary and allowed. It was only through trials and tribulations that Paul learned to put all his faith and trust in the Lord’s strength, and not his. Paul had difficulty learning this lesson, and it was only under extreme persecution, that he learned not to rely on himself and turned to the Lord (verse 8). Once he gave up hope of solving problems by the strength of his knowledge and position, only then could he through his weakness be made strong (verses 9-10).

12:5    Paul’s claim that he will boast in his weakness highlights a fundamental aspect of how we should live our lives as Christ’s disciples. Whilst we may have specific skills which we can employ in our service to God we must appreciate that in reality it is the fact that we are reliant on God that should be our way of thinking.

13:9   It may seem odd that Paul is glad when he appears weak and the Corinthians appear strong but in reality it would be good if the Corinthians were stronger than Paul. In reality though they only thought they were strong but were actually weak. We should be careful not to form opinions about ourselves which enable us to denigrate others. 

12:11 Doubtless there were those in Corinth who exalted themselves appealing to their actual or supposed revelations by the spirit. The way Paul speaks here should have caused those who boasted so to realise that their actions were the actions of fools. Do we ever say or do things for show? Paul’s warning would be equally valid for us if we boasted ourselves.

12:7   There have been many suggestions as to what Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” was. We cannot know for certain. But one thing which dragged him down all the time was the influence of those who sought to undermine the clear message of the gospel.

13:4    Would you think Jesus was crucified through weakness on his part? The answer to that must, clearly, be “no!”. The amount of self control to allow the crucifixion shows a degree of strength we do not possess. Ironically human thinking would see his willing ness to die as a sign of weakness. After all he did not stand up for his rights. We must be very careful to organise our lives in a way which does not rely on human strength. Rather we should manifest the spirit of submission rather than self justification.

13:3   The question of Paul’s authority has been raised before and dealt with – 2Cor 2:2. If Paul had no authority then the status of the believers in Corinth was also in doubt

13:13    It might seem a  little point that “all the saints salute thee” however this little comment highlights that fellowship via greetings was seen as an important part of growing the “body of Christ”. The letter to the Corinthians would have seemed to be complete without the greeting. However the greeting adds to the fellowship associated with the communication.

12:10 Paul is not saying he enjoys in his infirmities. “pleasure” carries the sense of benefits – that is Pauls aw the benefit in the difficulties he experienced in life. He saw them as from God to help him to develop a godly character.

12:6 There were those in Corinth who had a high opinion of themselves. Also they sought adulation and a following from other believers. Paul, whilst emphasising his status, is keen to ensure that no one elevates him and then follows him in a partisan spirit.

FIVE WAYS TO ATTRACT THE LOVE OF GOD

Do you want the God of love and peace to be with you? I would suspect that nearly all of us would say that we do. It would be a shame to go through life without God with us, to face life all alone, without his strength, love, joy or peace in our lives. It would be horrible to have a loveless life or a life so full of stress, worry and conflict that there is no peace.

So if we want to have the God of love and peace in our lives, this is what to do: “Finally brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2Cor 13:11).

1. Rejoice. Have a positive attitude. You can’t grumble and rejoice at the same time. Joy promotes love. So let’s rejoice.
2. Aim for Restoration. That means forgiving, guiding, seeing people for what they can be instead of what they are.
3. Comfort One Another. Instead of placing blame or shaking your head, show sympathy and do something to support.
4. Agree with One Another. We zone in on what we disagree on, but we usually have more we agree on together. Focus on that instead.
5. Live in Peace. Shouting never persuaded anyone. Be a friend and get alongside your brother or sister. Be gentle.

When we live like this, we can be sure the God of love and peace will be with us.

13:9 Human nature is such that we tend to minimise the achievements of others. Rather we should recognise them and seek to emulate them. We ought to think others as mature and wise – Phil 2:3

2Cor 12:7

“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.”

“Thorn,” # <4647>, skolops, “… a bodily annoyance or disability…” This is not just any kind of thorn, and this word is only found here. Thorn, like the thorns on rose bushes, # <173>, is simply a “thorn,” and so used in Matt 7:16; Matt 13:7 etc. throughout the New Testament. The thorn Paul had was more than a mere thorn, that annoyed and discomfited him.  In THE NEW THAYER’S GREEK-ENGLISH LEXICON, p. 579, skolops is defined as, “a pointed piece of wood, a pale, a stake.” It also generated agony, a prolonged and sustained pain. Skolops were “used to impale an enemy as a means of torture.” New Interpreter’s Bible, Vol. 11, p. 165.

The question is often asked what this thorn in the flesh was? Well, it didn’t have anything to do with his eyesight. While most consider any explanation mere speculation, the prophet Ezekiel actually answers it for us. “And there shall be no more a pricking brier unto the house of Israel, nor any grievous thorn of all that are round about them, that despised them; and they shall know that I am Adonai Yahweh” (Eze 28:24). The enemies of Israel were their thorn in the flesh! Paul’s thorn in the flesh was more than just an adversary; this adversary was also a dangerous one. The apostle Paul desperately implored three times his enemy be removed, but God saw fit not to and thus kept Paul humble. 

12:11   Paul had written what he had, under the power of inspiration, because the Corinthians had forced him to speak as he did. Though it is clear that Paul did not want to speak as he did.

How often do we, by our attitude, cause fellow believers into saying things that they would prefer not to say? It is all too easy to challenge fellow believers in such a way that they feel the need to justify themselves which is not a good approach.

13:4 It might seem paradoxical that Jesus was crucified “through weakness”. In saying this Paul is reproving those who despised the “weak” – that is those who were willing to allow wrong to be done to them. But if we think about it we realise that the “weakness” that allowed Jesus to submit to crucifixion is the greatest strength that there could be. If you doubt that try to submit to wrong when you know you are in the right!

13:11 Finally brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace

Paul's final message is meant to leave us with key takeaway ideas - and there are 5 of them. If we made conscience of each of these 5, our lives will turnaround - "the God of love and peace will be with you" (v11). These 5 are the antidote to the horrible 8 attributes of 12:20. Work at them. Practice them, even if it hurts. They are gold.