A Bull and a Ram

A Bull and a Ram

Exodus 29: ¹⁰ “You shall also have the bull brought before the tabernacle of meeting, and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands on the head of the bull. ¹¹ Then you shall kill the bull before the Lord, by the door of the tabernacle of meeting. ¹² You shall take some of the blood of the bull and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger, and pour all the blood beside the base of the altar. ¹³ And you shall take all the fat that covers the entrails, the fatty lobe attached to the liver, and the two kidneys and the fat that is on them, and burn them on the altar. ¹⁴ But the flesh of the bull, with its skin and its offal, you shall burn with fire outside the camp. It is a sin offering.

 

¹⁵ “You shall also take one ram, and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands on the head of the ram; ¹⁶ and you shall kill the ram, and you shall take its blood and sprinkle it all around on the altar. ¹⁷ Then you shall cut the ram in pieces, wash its entrails and its legs, and put them with its pieces and with its head. ¹⁸ And you shall burn the whole ram on the altar. It is a burnt offering to the Lord; it is a sweet aroma, an offering made by fire to the Lord.

 

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GOD gave Moses specific instructions about the one-time consecration of Aaron and his sons. Moses was supposed to offer a bull and a ram.

 

My Observations:

• GOD was establishing a symbolic gesture that sin was to remain outside the camp.
• GOD told Moses to handle the bull differently than the ram.
• GOD used the human sense of smell to show acceptance of the offering.

 

The sin offering and the ram offering were to be taken seriously. The bull was cut up and not cleaned. Parts of it were to be burned on the altar and other parts were to be burned outside the camp as a sin offering. This was a very important symbolic gesture. GOD knew the people could not resist sinning and they needed to admit the sin by performing the symbolic gesture of placing the hand on the bull and burning it outside the camp.

 

The ram was treated different. It was cut into pieces and washed. This clean ram was to be a symbolic gesture that JESUS, a clean and sinless human, would one day be the acceptable sacrifice to atone for sin. The whole “cleaned” ram was to be burned on the altar. The sweet aroma of the burned ram would be pleasing to the LORD.

 

It’s not like GOD couldn’t smell the bull burning. The sin offering was to destroy the sin versus continuing in it. GOD accepted the gesture, but not the aroma. BUT GOD could smell when we acknowledge JESUS as the Savior. This gesture on our part is a sweet aroma to the LORD.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the one-time offering of the bull and the ram to consecrate Aaron and his sons?
• Has GOD put you on a path to represent HIS forgiveness to people?
• How is GOD setting you apart to represent HIS forgiveness?

 

Going Through

 

Going Through

Romans 4: ¹³ It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. ¹⁴ For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, ¹⁵ because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.

 

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Approaching a familiar area of traffic, I decided to go around it. I was not familiar with the side roads but they had to be faster than being stuck in congestion. I was caught by numerous lights and slow speed limits. Finally when I saw a clear road that would move a little faster, I rejoiced. I got on it and got caught by a train.

 

There have been many times when I tried to make my own way even though I followed the rules.

There have been many times when I tried to go around the situation versus going through it.

There have been many times when I just wanted the trip to be over, but my detour caused me to remain a lot longer than if I had just stayed on the right road.

 

Paul continues his explanation of Abraham, whom many Jews held with high esteem because GOD declared him righteous. Paul explains that it was not Abraham’s method of going through the Law of Moses that made him righteous, rather it was how he wrestled with going through the unknown while believing in GOD’s promise.

 

GOD wants me to go through difficult situations, believing HE is with me.

GOD wants me to go through easy situations knowing HE is with me there too.

GOD wants me to go through the unknown, believing in the promises HE has for me.

 

Trying to be “good” to get GOD to give me my way will not work. I mean, HE knows why I am following the Law and will count it as unrighteous. But when I believe that GOD has my best interest in mind, even when the situation looks difficult, GOD sees the faith.

 

When I place my faith in GOD’s promises for me, I do not throw out the Law, but I understand I need GOD because of it. The Law shows the need, faith brings out the deed. I gladly place my trust in GOD.

 

Are you trying to get somewhere in life and want to take shortcuts?

Do you believe you can get “closer” to GOD by following the Law?

Will you stop trying to manipulate GOD and simply enjoy the fact that HE loves you deeply and dearly and allow HIM to guide you “faithfully” through HIS Word today?

Job or Faith

 

Job or Faith

Romans 4: What shall we say, then, of Abraham, the father of our race? What was his experience? ² If he was put right with God by the things he did, he would have something to boast about—but not in God's sight. ³ The scripture says, “Abraham believed God, and because of his faith God accepted him as righteous.” ⁴ A person who works is paid wages, but they are not regarded as a gift; they are something that has been earned. ⁵ But those who depend on faith, not on deeds, and who believe in the God who declares the guilty to be innocent, it is this faith that God takes into account in order to put them right with himself. 

 

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My schedule was from Sunday night to Thursday night. Some parts of the job were peaceful, others were a bit stressful. Like the time I had to clean “stuff” smeared on the walls toilet and floor. It put me behind schedule but I did it. When Thursday came, I could not enjoy the weekend because Sunday night was on its way.

 

• I have had many jobs in my life.
• I have showed up for each of those jobs, on time and ready to work.
• I have worked hard on each of those jobs and I was paid for it.

 

Paul gives an example that is widely known amongst Jews and Gentiles. Abraham was declared righteous by GOD because of his faith in GOD. Paul then explains that a person who is paid for work is doing it for the wages. But a person who depends on faith is doing it for GOD and HE will add this to the account HE keeps.

 

• GOD sees every act of faith I do.
• GOD knows when I am being faithful to HIM.
• GOD loves when I chose faith over doing stuff.

 

Acts of faith need no payment. I mean, when I am truly showing faith to GOD, HE knows when I have sacrificed to do something strictly for HIM and not for my well-being. But what about pastors, missionaries, priests and clergy’s? Aren’t they paid? Yes, some are supported by faithful people who use faith to give to those who have dedicated themselves to speaking about GOD.

 

Unfortunately, there are some who speak GOD and who do not believe in HIM. That is not for me to decide, BUT GOD knows. Getting back to faith. It can be shown in more than monetary giving. Faith is believing that JESUS died and rose for me. It also means telling people about this gift. I am grateful GOD enables me to show faith in HIM daily.

 

• What are you faithfully doing for GOD?
• How is GOD stretching you to grow for HIS purposes?
• Will you use more faith today and believe in GOD’s promise HE told you?

Part of a Plan

Part of a Plan

John 19: ¹⁹ Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was:

JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

²⁰ Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin.

²¹ Therefore the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘He said, “I am the King of the Jews.” ’ ”

²² Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”

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“Come along side me” one leader persuaded me. I worked hard and, sure enough, the person became successful. I was excited to be part of this person’s success.

• There have been times when I was part of a larger plan.
• There have been times when I helped someone become successful.
• There have been times when I enabled someone to reach their potential with a small contribution of my talents.

The church leaders put Pilate in a bad political light. He may have decided to impose retribution on them by placing a sign over JESUS stating HE was from a less significant town and HE is “THE KING OF THE JEWS.” This sign was embarrassing to the church leaders and they wanted it changed. Little did they know, Pilate’s retribution was speaking the truth.

• GOD has used my sin for good.
• GOD would prefer that I follow HIS ways and actively be part of HIS plan.
• GOD wants me to be successful and has a marvelous plan for me.

Being part of GOD’s plan always happens. GOD knew HIS creation would turn evil and murder JESUS. HE also sees my sin and knows the damage I do will still work out for good. But what about those who murdered JESUS? They will face eternal consequence. What about my sin?

JESUS says “Confess your sins to ME and I will be faithful and just to forgive you and cleanse you of all unrighteousness.” When I give my life to GOD, I am no longer on the “evil” side of the plan. GOD rescues me and places me on the winning side. I crave to be part of GOD’s plan of love.

• Which side are you on?
• Are you doing things for yourself, never once thinking about GOD?
• Will you allow GOD to use you to bring many people to HIM without fear today?

Declared Holy

Declared Holy

John 18: ²⁸ Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium, and it was early morning. But they themselves did not go into the Praetorium, lest they should be defiled, but that they might eat the Passover. ²⁹ Pilate then went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this Man?”

³⁰ They answered and said to him, “If He were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him up to you.”

³¹ Then Pilate said to them, “You take Him and judge Him according to your law.”

Therefore the Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death,” ³² that the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled which He spoke, signifying by what death He would die.

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After watching the movie filled with sex, violence and racy humor, we all laughed and went home. The next day I attended church and they showed clips from various movies to illustrate a point. I would be so embarrassed if everyone at church saw what I just watched the night before.

• There were places “I” declared holier than other places.
• There were things “I” did that I declared holier than other things.
• There were words “I” said that I declared holier than other words.

The church leaders were bent on murdering JESUS to gain back their popularity. They led HIM to a place they declared unholy, therefore they would not enter. When asked what accusation they had against JESUS, they could not answer forthright.

• JESUS wants me to know that my declarations of righteousness are like filthy, blood soaked, dung filled rags.
• JESUS wants me to know that any graceless words I use on others will be used on me.
• JESUS wants me to know that trying to live a double life between sin and holiness is impossible.

All have sinned and fall short of GOD’s glory. So where is the hope? JESUS is the hope. HE was the only one who did not sin. Though HE was tempted in every way a human could, HE resisted and died for the sins of everyone. HE is the only Holy ONE, and I put my trust in HIM to wash away my many sins. I need JESUS to declare me holy because HE IS HOLY.

• Do you compare yourself to others?
• Do you say “Well, at least I’m not like ‘that’ person?”
• Will you look at your mounting sins and ask GOD to cleanse you of ALL unrighteousness by believing in JESUS today?

You Are Good

You Are Good

John 7: ¹⁰ But when His brothers had gone up, then He also went up to the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret. ¹¹ Then the Jews sought Him at the feast, and said, “Where is He?” ¹² And there was much complaining among the people concerning Him. Some said, “He is good”; others said, “No, on the contrary, He deceives the people.” ¹³ However, no one spoke openly of Him for fear of the Jews.

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“Weakling!” was one of the random insults hurled at me by a person I did not know. “You think you are so smart” the unknown person said in a persecuting fashion. I was just standing there with my backpack full of math and physics books. Why did I feel bad?

• There were times when I felt I could not please anyone.
• There were times when I felt I could not be what others expected me to be.
• There were times when I felt I was the root of someone else’s problem.

The church leaders went looking to kill JESUS at the feast where people were supposed to be celebrating and remembering how GOD saved them. The crowd quickly turned against JESUS and complained about HIM, calling HIM a deceiver. Even those who witnessed the miracles HE performed became silent. Although a few did say “HE is good.”

• JESUS says to me “I have been slandered even though I have the best intentions for you.”
• JESUS says to me “I have been mislabeled even though I have shown nothing but love for you.”
• JESUS says to me “I have been blamed even though I cared for you.”

Blaming GOD seems to be a default when it comes to not getting “my” way. I mislabel HIS intentions and sometimes categorize them as “evil.” BUT GOD has no evil in HIM. HE has pure love for me and wants only the best for me.

My immature eyes are sometimes opened to HIS marvelous grace that I do not deserve. HE is not to blame, rather to thank. GOD has done so much for me that I cannot thank HIM enough. HE cleans me up from the inside by living in me and those who believe in HIM.

Now when someone slanders me, they are also slandering GOD inside me and vice versa. HE is the one who makes me clean. I am grateful HE calls me good.

• Have you been slandered?
• Do you feel bad about yourself because of what others have said about you?
• Do you think low about yourself even when others have not said anything about you?
• Will you accept the fact that when GOD made you and saved you HE said “You are good, no one can pluck you from MY hand”?