The Bible is not full of types as some would have us believe, that is, types that cannot be proved from Scripture. Some make nearly every person and every historical event of the Old Testament typical. When such an interpretation is carried this far it leads to confusion and a wrong understanding of the Word of God, searching for hidden meaning in every passage and pressing the typical teaching. This misunderstanding reduces or imperials the literal teachings and soundness of many Bible truths. There are some that go so far as to say that the whole Bible is typical and in so doing they destroy what the Holy Spirit is conveying to the readers and teachers.

Everything in Scripture intended as a divine type is confirmed by at least two or three plain statements somewhere in 's Word. "In the mouth of two or three witnesses" applies to this subject as well as other doctrines of the Bible. Deuteronomy 19:15 One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.

Matthew 18:16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

2 Corinthians 13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

In this series, the writers recognize that types are different from parables, symbols, allegories, and figurative statements. We will only deal with typical subjects if they harmonize with all the characteristics that make up the subject of Bible types. Ex. 25:8-9 And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it. The Tabernacle was constructed according to the divine plan Moses received in the mountain, if it had not been, God would not have accepted it! The same goes for Solomon's Temple! RJS

Characteristics of Biblical Types

1. There must be one or more points of resemblance between the type and the antitype. Regarding the records of the laws and sacrifices in Exodus and Leviticus as types, Colossians 2:14-17 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. Hebrews 10:1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. These New Testament references explain that the former were only a shadow of what was to come.

2. The type must in all points be prophetic and point to a resemblance of the anti-type. It must truly prefigure something to come. Note, John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: Numbers 21:9 Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.

New Testament Words Referring to Old Testament Types

The reason for today's devotional is to show that several Greek words are used in the New Testament to define types and are often translated differently according to the text.

"TUPOS" from which we get the English word "type" is translated "print" in John 20:25, "figure" in Acts 7:43 & Rom. 5:14, "form" in Rom. 6:17, "fashion" in Acts 7:44, "manner" in Acts 23:25.

"ANTI-TUPOS", "like figure" 1 Peter 3:21 and "figure" in Heb. 9:24.

When this writer was a little boy walking home after dark in his small town, he was thankful for the street light at every corner. No one ever turned on a porch light and there were no lights in the middle of the block. As he approached the corner, he would look back at his shadow and watch it shrink until he was directly under the light and then watch it grow as he walked into the darkness of the next block. That little boy was the anti-type, the reality, his shadow was the type. The Old Testament types are the shadows of things to come and anti-type is the real thing. This simple illustration can be used to show in typology that our Lord Jesus was the anti-type and He cast long shadows even back to the beginning of the human race. In the devotions of this month and next month, we are going to see the Messiah revealed in the Old Testament Scriptures many times. These pictures were given for our understanding. The fulfillment of the type gives us an incontestable proof that Jesus was the anti-type and guarantees He was who He claimed to be.

The Cross casts a shadow back to Adam and Eve's coats of skins and forward to the last chapter and verse of the Revelation. It is true that Christ is the center of the total plan of salvation and creation. Everything revolves around Him and it is no wonder that John, led by the Spirit, records the conversation between Jesus and Philip in John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Philip could not argue with what his eyes saw and ears heard. By faith neither can we! RJS

Melchizedek a King

Genesis 14:17-20

Melchizedek appears very early and briefly in the Biblical record. As Abraham returns from battle with five kings, the king of Jerusalem, Melchizedek, meets him. In the book of Hebrews, the apostle Paul uses Melchizedek as an example of another priesthood. Melchizedek was both a priest of God and king in Jerusalem.

Under the old covenant lineage was important in establishing credentials. In both Matthew and Luke, we find the lineage of Jesus Christ. In Matthew's gospel the lineage of Jesus Christ is traced to David, and in Luke, it is traced to Adam. It is unusual that we find no lineage for Melchizedek. This was not by accident. Melchizedek is a type of Jesus Christ who had no beginning or end.

Kings on this earth establish their kingdoms through conflict. King David is a good example. He was a great man of war. So much so, that God forbids him from building the temple. One of the reasons that Israel wanted a king was they felt they needed better organization and one who would take the responsibility to lead them in battle. In Isaiah 9:7, we read an interesting statement. Here we read of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever.

In other words, rather than conquering his enemies through force of arms, the Messiah will win them through peace. He will gain effective and voluntary allegiance by His moral authority. The day is coming when Jesus Christ will win the hearts and minds of all nations. What a day that will be. Melchizedek was like this. He was called the king of peace. Jesus is called the Prince of peace. You find two cities prominent in the Biblical record. They are Babylon and Jerusalem. Babylon pictures the glory of this world without God. Jerusalem pictures the glory of God. There is a strong yet harsh glory of Babylon, and a strong yet gracious glory of Jerusalem. Jesus is this strong yet gracious king. This world saw a glimpse of it in Melchizedek, but it will see 1,000 years of it in Jesus Christ. Even so come Lord Jesus. DW

Melchizedek a Priest

Hebrews 11:17-19

Melchizedek is a type of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the only individual in the Biblical record to hold the offices of prophet, priest and king. We have noted that we find no lineage of Melchizedek in the Biblical record. We do read that he was a priest of the most high God and a king in Jerusalem.

Aaronic priests were limited in their service. They began at 30 years of age and ended their service at 50. We read in the book of Hebrews that the priesthood of Jesus Christ is eternal. It has no beginning or end. Jesus is both priest and sacrifice. He was slain from the very foundation of the world in the plan and purpose of God.

A priest was a mediator. He represented the people to God and he represented God to the people. We read in 1 Timothy 2:5, there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. Under the old covenant, priests were to teach the people the difference between the clean and the unclean. Jesus Christ is fully God, but He is also human in every sense that we are except for sin. As such, he is the prefect mediator and priest.

The high priest entered the holiest part of the tabernacle once each year on the Day of Atonement. When he emerged from the tabernacle alive, it signified that God had accepted his work. When Jesus Christ rose from the dead, it signified that God accepted His sacrifice. All of the sacrifices under the old covenant looked forward to the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. In the holiest part of the tabernacle, there was a special manifestation of the presence of God. In heaven, there is a special manifestation of the presence of God. After His death and resurrection, Jesus entered heaven and was seated at the right hand of God. Here, He lives forever to make intercession for us. The print of the nails in His hands and feet and the print of the spear in His side, plead for us. They plead for the forgiveness of our sin, and they plead for God's blessings upon us. In Romans 8:32 we read, He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? These are the blessings our great High Priest secures for us. DW

Moses a Type of Christ

Hebrews 3:1-6

Moses was an unusual prophet of God. God spoke to the people through prophets. He did this in many different ways. In Hebrews 1:1 we read, God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets. His message to Moses came clearly and directly. We read in Exodus 33:11 the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. He was the mediator of the Old Covenant. In our text, we read of his great faithfulness.

Jesus Christ was also a prophet, but God's message did not come directly through Jesus Christ, rather it was in Jesus Christ. It is interesting to note that both Islam and Judaism regard Jesus Christ as a prophet. We read in Hebrews 1:2, 3 that God's final and complete revelation came in Jesus Christ. In this text we read that God 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power. We could also translate this that God has spoken to us in his Son.

We often read about Moses and the prophets. In other words, in some ways, Moses is in a class by himself. The same is true of Jesus Christ. In our text Moses and Jesus Christ are compared, but we read in Hebrews 3:3 this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. God used Moses to deliver Israel from Egyptian bondage. Jesus Christ delivers us from the bondage of sin. Initially, the people rejected Moses. Jesus came unto His own and His own received Him not.

As we think of how God works, we need to realize that He leads through His appointed shepherd. As Moses comes to the end of his life, we read how Joshua is appointed by God to lead the people. In Numbers 27:16, 17 we read, 16 Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation, 17 that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd. Moses shepherded God's flock, and Jesus is the Good Shepherd. God has not changed his style of leadership. He still provides a leader for each congregation He establishes. DW

Abraham and the Offering of His Promised Son

Hebrews 11:17-19; James 2:17-26; Genesis 22:1-19

Consider the example of Abraham today. Many times we are tried and tested, in the face of often overwhelming personal situations; to trust fully in the Lord God Almighty for all that He has done and wants to do through us, if we will willingly submit to Him, just as Abraham did.

Just think for a moment and consider the promise made by God to Abraham. God said He would make Abraham's seed a mighty nation, but Abraham had a problem. He had no son. God had told him that He would provide one and God did just that in sending Abraham his own son Isaac. Isn't this a wonderful picture of what God has done for all of mankind in sending His only Son, Jesus?

But God also wanted to test Abraham to see if he really did love God and was willing to obey Him fully. God had given Abraham his son, Isaac, and now God wanted Abraham to give him back. Can you just hear yourself questioning God and saying, "Say what? This one doesn't make sense Lord!" But faithful Abraham never wavered and he immediately obeyed and went to fulfill God's commandment. This is such an important lesson for us to grasp here today. God has given each one of us as believers, His commandments to fulfill and yet many, if not most professing Christians today are not fully obeying the Lord and have turned to their own ways. The question really begs to be asked. If we are professing Christians and we are not fully obeying the Lord, are we really one of His? A good, spiritual growth evaluation question is this! Which way are you moving spiritually toward God, or toward the world? Which way are your feet pointed? Toward godliness in the beauty of holiness or toward the world and it's deceitful ways? Are you "Fully" obeying what God has given you to do for Him? Abraham did in this situation and we can really be thankful for this example that helps us to see that God wants us to give Him our lives so that He can accomplish His plan in and through each one who professes to know Him. This ultimately brings God all the glory and the praise for which He alone is worthy. Dear Lord, how we thank You for Your love for us. Thank You for the testing that You bring to find out if we are really serious about our walk with You. Guide us in Your truth through the Spirit! DM

Isaac, a Type of the Resurrection of Christ

Genesis 22:5-12, 13; Isaiah 53:4-6; 2 Cor. 5:21

This wonderful story continues with Isaac, the promised son that God gave to Abraham. Have you ever spent time bringing spiritual application from the physical? It is a wonderful exercise because there are unlimited applications from our daily experiences when we compare them with the unchanging truths of God's Holy Word.

Isaac is about 20 years old and he knows exactly what his dad is going to do as they bring the wood and the fire to go to the mountain to worship the Lord. He knows that it is his life that is about to be sacrificed. Is this not a wonderful picture of our Lord Jesus Christ?! Jesus knew that His time was near and that He would have to go to the cross. Isaac's obedience pictures this so well. When they got to the mountain and when they had built the altar for the sacrifice, Abraham had bound his son and placed him on the altar. We do not read of any rebellion or of an attitude of contempt whatsoever. Isaac willingly was bound and placed on that altar. He too, sensed his father's commitment of faith to the Lord God and he too, willingly submitted unto his father, just as Abraham submitted unto the Heavenly Father. Say, it would really be interesting if we saw people within our own families and within our own church that had this same, submissive and obedient heart. God can and will use a willing heart. We miss many, many opportunities and also many blessings because we are often un-submissive and disobedient to God's perfect plan for our lives.

May we bring some practical application here today?! Are you living a sacrificial life for the Lord? What have you sacrificed for Him? He gave His life for you, what have you given to Him? What is an area that you know of personally that you need to submit to the Lord? Maybe it is finances; You can never out-give the Lord? Is it witnessing? How many people are you willing to allow to go to hell without speaking a single word or saying a single prayer? There may be other things, too. Allow God to show you these things, ask for His forgiveness, and then submit your life to Him in obedience. You will begin to experience such blessing as never before! Dear Lord, we want to do what is right. We want to give You our lives in humble obedience. Help us to live for You. DM

Jacob and Esau Brothers : Jews verses Arabs

Gen. 25:19-28

There are some very important lessons for us to learn today from this text and from the Holy Sprit guiding our lives as we consider these examples. Isaac, the son of Abraham was 40 years old but had no children yet from his wife, Rebekah. God uses hard things of life to turn our hearts toward Him and so we see that Isaac did just that. He went to the Lord and asked Him for children from Rebekah. God answered Isaac's prayer and she conceived twins.

In God's plan, these twins were fighting with each other, even while in the womb. Rebekah finally went to the Lord and said, "If all is well, why am I like this?" The Lord graciously answered her prayer and told her that there were two nations inside of her. This is the beginning of the troubles between the Jewish and the Arab nations. We read and see and hear of all the troubles between these nations today and this example from Genesis with Isaac and Rebekah is where it all started. Say, did you ever think that God could be using your children and your lives and your decisions in ways that you do not even know about? Yes, in fact God wants to use us if we would only have willing hearts; willing hearts of obedience to follow the path that He has planned for His children.

As we read further about Jacob and Esau, we see a whole lot of trouble between the two brothers. It has followed them until this very day. What a lesson for us to learn about living lives that would be pleasing to the Lord. What decisions have we made that are effecting our lives and families right now? Are those decisions ones that you can honestly say you have made because you wanted to follow the Lord or are those decisions ones that have been made from a selfish perspective and now you are reaping the results? Thankfully, God has made a way for us to live lives that will be pleasing to Him. No matter what we have done in the past, God will forgive us and help us from that point on. Yes, there may be some results of past sin that linger, but that should point us even more strongly to the Lord in His ever-present grace, beseeching Him to guide us the rest of our lives.

Dear Gracious Lord God, we have made many mistakes. Please forgive us our sin and help us from this day forward to live for You! Amen. DM

If eer there was an Old Testament character that was a type of Christ, it was Joseph. Following are illustrations taken from the Scriptures that defend that evaluation. Both were:

There were factions among the brothers and Joseph knew this, therefore he reproved them in Genesis 45:24 So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way. Jesus knew that it would be because of hatred that He also would be sold for the price of a slave and be killed because of their jealousy and hatred for the truth. John 6:66-70 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?Both began their ministry at 30 years of age. Joseph was a "Saviour" to the known world at that time and especially to his own people. Without Joseph, the Jewish race would have perished and we would have no Saviour. Without Jesus we would have no hope of eternal life. There would be no churches, no Gospel and no salvation. Lest we worship Joseph, remember he was a man of like passions as we are, therefore he was only a type. Jesus was the "God-Man" the anti-type and therefore being without sin, could save us from the "gutter-most" to the "upper-most." Hallelujah, what a Saviour! RJS

Genesis 50:15-20

If there was ever a man who could have given way to hatred, bitterness and vengeance, it was Joseph. Joseph was Jacob's favorite son. When there is favoritism in families, it causes problems. Because of our fallen nature together with our personalities and preferences, it is impossible not to have favorites apart from the working of the Holy Spirit. Joseph's brothers hated him and wanted to kill him. A spirit of envy moved them to all kinds of evil.

In our text, we see where they understood how evil their behavior was and how God had delivered them into the hands of Joseph. There was no reason for Joseph not to exact justice except for his grace and mercy. We find many times in the Bible that God even commands to take vengeance when God's enemies are delivered into the hands of His people.

We see in many ways Joseph manifests the same spirit of grace we see in Jesus Christ. Jesus was hated and rejected by his brothers. He too sees the hand of God at work in His life beyond the evil of those who hated and rejected Him. Note verse 20 of our text. Here, we read where Joseph says to his brothers, "as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive". Through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, God worked human redemption. Through Joseph's bondage, God worked to save the chosen people from a terrible famine. Thank God He only allows evil to touch us when He can bring much good out of it.

For this reason, we will only give way to bitterness, hatred and vengeance, if our hearts give way to unbelief and corruption. We find one of the great promises of God's Word in Romans 8:28. Here, we read that " we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose". This is a great mystery and testimony to the incomprehensible wisdom and power of God. Such knowledge and power are beyond our understanding. In this life, we can only embrace it by faith. The difference between people who become hateful, bitter and vindictive and people like Joseph is simply a matter of faith in God. All of us are touched by evil in this life. How we respond to it reveals our faith and our character. DW

Joseph Tempted and Tried: Not Guilty

Genesis 39

Have you ever been falsely accused? It is not an easy thing to go through for sure! Joseph was tempted and tried with the sin of adultery and God found him, "Not Guilty." This is such an important lesson for us in several ways. First, we see that Joseph had a heart for the Lord. He could have been very bitter over the injustices of his life up to that point and yet he chose to follow and obey the Lord. When Joseph was faced with this tempting sin of having someone else's wife, he ran away. He had already purposed in his heart to obey God and he knew that this sin was very displeasing to the Lord. He ran from the sin. He was falsely accused. He was thrown into prison, but we read that the Lord was with him and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper.

Let us ask ourselves some evaluating questions here. Do we turn and run from sin? Have we purposed in our hearts to love and obey the Lord Jesus Christ no matter what happens? Is God with you and spiritually prospering you in whatever you do? You see, God does have a perfect plan for each one of us as His children just like He did for Joseph and He desires that we love Him with all our hearts and obey Him because we want to, just like Joseph did.

One other point that we see today is that Joseph is a type of Christ. Joseph was tempted with this sin and was found, "not guilty" by God. The Lord Jesus Christ was also tempted and tried and He was found by God the Father, "NOT GUILTY." Jesus was without sin completely and so therefore, as the God-man, He was able to make the perfect sacrifice on our behalf. Jesus went to the cross for you and for me. He died so that we don't have to. Do you begin to see and realize the obvious lessons for us today? God has had a plan for each of us from the very beginning of time as we know it and that plan was that no one should perish but that all should come to repentance! Yes, God wants every person to know Him as their Savior, but God allows us to make the choice. We choose whether or not we will accept His sacrifice for us and accept the gift of eternal life. If we come to know Him, then we can choose to live for Him just as Joseph did.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for the sacrifice of Your only Son Jesus for us. Help us to live daily for You. DM

Joseph was faithful and obedient to his father Jacob or Israel. He was instructed to go and check on the well-being of his brothers. Christ laid aside His royal robes and condescended to become a human and fulfill the plan of salvation for all sinful humanity.

Joseph was a faithful servant in the house of Potiphar and when in prison was a faithful steward to the warden of the prison. Joseph was a faithful servant to Pharaoh as the collector and dispenser of food in Egypt and to the nations around about who were in need of food for survival. Our Lord Jesus gave us an illustration of a faithful servant And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: 28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many, Matthew 20:27-28. The Apostle Paul refreshes our memory as to the servant-hood of Christ in Philippians 2:5-7. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. Only one man, the God-Man could be the dispenser of Salvation to all that would receive the gift of God in Christ Jesus.

Joseph harbored no ill will against his brothers. He could have punished them the first time they came to Egypt for food. Rather he said Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. 6 For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest. 7 And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. 8 So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and He hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt, Genesis 45:5-8. Jesus said three times in John 6:35, 48, & 51 " I am the bread of life". He that fed the multitudes by the seashore, also feeds His brothers and sisters from the Scriptures and through the ministry of the Holy Spirit today. RJS

Joseph's Bones

In our text, we read how that those who have died in Christ will not miss the blessings of the coming of Jesus Christ. The coming spoken of in our text is a meeting with Jesus Christ in the air. This describes a different event than the coming of Jesus Christ to this earth. When Jesus comes again to this earth, His feet will set down on the Mt. of Olives. Egypt is a type of the world. During the Exodus God's people were delivered from cruel Egyptian bondage.

At the Rapture, God will take His people out of this world and deliver them from the bondage of sinful flesh. In the book of I Corinthians we read how that we will not all die but the generation which is alive at the coming of Jesus Christ will be transformed in a moment.

In Egyptian bondage, the Hebrews lived with a sense of hope and expectation. Concerning the Exodus, in Exodus 13:19 we read that, Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you. According to the words of Stephen in Acts 7:15, 16 more than the bones of Joseph were carried out of bondage. We are to live with a sense of hope and expectation as we look to the day when Jesus Christ comes again. On that day, there will be a complete deliverance from the bondage of the old sin nature. We read in 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. We see here that the day is coming when we will be fully conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.

Those who have died in Christ will not miss the blessings of this great day. The day is coming when God will redeem our bodies. Our bodies will be like the body of Jesus Christ. We read in Philippians 3:21 how God " shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself." As Joseph spoke concerning his bones, it is a reminder of the nature of our redemption. DW

15th

Sunday, June 15th

Deliverance from Egypt: A Deliverance from the Old Nature

Exodus 3:1-4:17

The children of Israel had been originally brought into the land of Egypt by God to save them from the famine that had plagued the land during Joseph's time. God had a plan for them then, and He had a plan for them during the time of Moses when He led them out. God used the nation of Egypt to preserve the nation of Israel until such time as He decided to take them out. We read of an interesting prayer of Jesus about the church in John 17:15-19. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

There will come a time for all those who have truly believed on the Lord Jesus Christ to leave this earth and go to heaven. Until then, Jesus prayed that we would be kept from evil and that we would be sanctified by the living truth, the Holy Word of God! You see, just like the picture of Egypt and just like the picture of this world, people everywhere have the sin nature in them. The Bible says all have sinned. Yes, that includes you and me. Every person who has ever been born is a sinner and has the sin nature born into him or her. Sadly there are a lot of folks who falsely think that they are going to get to heaven some other way. Somehow they're good enough. But that is not what God says. We need to be delivered from our sin nature and thankfully, God has a plan for that, too. The first step is to repent. Without repentance there will be no remission of sin. We must repent of our own sin. Secondly, we must realize that Jesus paid the price of our own sin. We must accept that free gift and when we repent of our sin and accept Jesus as our Savior, He promises us eternal life. Question! Have you ever repented of your sin? If not, fall on your knees today before our Righteous and Holy God and confess to Him your sin and ask Him to save you today! Romans 10:9,10

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. DM

16th

Monday, June 16th

Serpent on the Pole a Type of Christ on the Cross

The two key passages of Scripture that we will be writing about are the following: And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived. Numbers 21:9 Israel had sinned as recorded in Numbers 21:5 And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. It's very interesting that when Israel was in trouble they always went to Moses for intercession and help. They did acknowledge that they had sinned, but they never learned. You would think they had learned especially when they were being fed the finest food God could provide, "Angel's food!" Psalm 78:25 Man did eat angels" food: he sent them meat to the full.

Moses followed instructions and made a serpent (the type) and put it on a pole and that had a cross bar to hold the brazen serpent in position. The pole was tall enough that anyone from any part of the camp could look and live. In the early days of railroading the railroads had a contest to find the best warning sign they could find to protect the people at a railroad crossing. The winning sign read, "Rail Road Crossing, Look, out for the Cars, Stop-Look-Listen!" It's still used today on all unguarded crossings. You've all seen it and I trust have heeded.

Jesus gave Nicodemus, who was a student of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible. The anti-type John 3:13-14 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up. Yes, for any person to receive the gift of eternal life, he or she must look to the cross. The Apostle Paul gave us the Gospel in four short verses I Corinthians 15:1-4. Today and for the last 2000 years looking to the cross, listening to the message and opening the heart to Christ is the only way to eternal life; confessing to Christ that you are a sinner, repentance of and from sin and putting it away as the Holy Spirit reveals sin to you is the only way to heaven. There are some that think there are other ways, but there is none. He alone is the way, the truth and the life, John 14:6. RJS

17th

Tuesday, June 17th

Smiting the Rock

Exodus 17:1-7

In the law, God is referred to as a rock. We read in Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. Jesus is the Rock of our salvation. When the people were in need of water to drink, God had Moses smite the rock. We read in Exodus 17:6 Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. Later on, we read of God telling him to speak to the rock. Sadly, Moses lost his temper with the people and smote the rock. This sin kept him from entering the Promised Land.

Christ was not crucified twice. Rather he was offered as a once for all sacrifice. The demands of divine justice are infinite. If we bear the just penalty for our own sin, it takes nothing short of eternal damnation, suffering in time and space without end. By becoming man, Jesus was able to offer a sacrifice that was infinite in quality. His suffering and sacrifice is sufficient for all. We read in 1 John 2:2 that he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. It was a terrible misrepresentation of the truth for Moses to smite the rock again.

It is interesting to note that when Moses smote the rock, the water poured out bringing blessing and refreshment to the people. We read in John 7:38, 39 where Jesus said, He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) After Jesus was crucified, the Holy Spirit was given and great blessing flowed to the people.

In the book of Hebrews, we find the difference between the sacrifices of the old covenant and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The sacrifices of the old covenant were on going, every morning and evening and in the case of the Day of Atonement, every year. However, Jesus died once for all. His sacrifice was effective. DW

18th

Wednesday, June 18th

Smiting the Rock the Second Time, Crucifying Christ Afresh

Numbers 20:1-13; Heb. 6:1-12

Moses was a man that God was able to use in a mighty way to deliver Israel from the land of Egypt and through the desert wilderness on their way to the promised land. Moses was not without sin though, and as we shall see, it cost him dearly.

Moses had to lead and deal with a stubborn people. Wow, the children of Israel were the biggest bunch of complainers we have ever seen in the face of the abundant provision of Almighty God and it is amazing how Moses was even able to make it through those 40 years with such a stubborn hearted bunch of ingrates. You know, that is a lot like what we go through today with people; parents leading their stubborn hearted children, pastors leading their stubborn hearted congregations, etc. It is a wonder any of us are even able to make it through, but there is even a more important lesson for us individually, too.

God had provided water the first time for these stubborn people by telling Moses to strike the rock. The second time the people complained about no water, God tested Moses and told him to speak to the rock. Moses, in righteous indignation, instead stuck the rock the second time. He directly disobeyed God. It cost him the opportunity to lead the nation of Israel into the Promised Land. He did not lose his salvation, but his sin cost him dearly. Our text in Hebrews speaks to those who profess to know Christ, but continue to sin. There is no more sacrifice left for you! In other words, those who only profess to know Christ but do not live for Christ and obey Him were probably not saved to begin with. Therefore they will not make it to heaven; a sad, sad day for many who only profess to know Christ, but do not live for Him. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. They will find out in the end as they stand before God asking for entrance into heaven that God never knew them. God will say to many professing people, "Depart from me, ye workers of iniquity, I never knew you." Oh folks who are reading this today, where are you before the Lord?! Turn from your sin and be saved! Many are going to the pit for eternity without Christ. Satan is giving many a heavenly way to go to hell. Which road are you on? Even more sadly, apostates will not even know it was them. God help us to make the right choice! DM

19th

Thursday, June 19^th

Passover Lamb - Blood on the Door-posts and Lintel

Some may not agree with the statement we are about to make, but the frame of the door, where the blood was applied by the Hebrew father, gives us a picture of the cross. The blood was applied to the right and the left door posts and the lintel at the top of the door, the type. The crown of thorns pierced Christ"s head, His hands were pierced by the nails that were driven through them. Here is the picture of the cross, the anti-type.

The second illustration is from the "application of the blood." All in the home where the blood was, were protected. All that will call upon the name of the Lord and believe in their heart are under the protection of the blood shed on the Cross. Some have disclaimed God because of the so called, "Slaughter-house religion" practiced in the Old Testament. Some are repugnant to the bloody teaching of the Scriptures because, "without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins," Hebrews 9:22. The Cherubim, where God resided, were above the Mercy Seat and the Law was under the Mercy Seat, in the ark. When the blood was applied to the Mercy Seat it stood between Jehovah God and the Law. The Seat was of solid gold, a picture of perfection. The ark was made of wood and covered with gold. The application of the blood on the Mercy Seat demanded God's forgiveness of sin and the breaking of the law.

The priest made daily offerings, likewise we are to make confessions and put today's sins under the blood. 1 John 1:6-9 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. The application of the blood today is not the blood of bulls and goats, but of Christ, He who performed the final Sacrifice and opened the door for all generations. The Old Testament believers looked forward by faith and for two thousand years the New Testament believers, by faith, have looked back to Calvary. Let us Praise the LORD and give Him thanks for the precious blood that cleanses from all sin! RJS

20th

Friday, June 20th

The Spirit of God

Matthew 25:1-13

Human language is insufficient to describe the infinite, and the human mind is insufficient to understand the infinite. Yet, God's revelation of Himself is clear. Romans 1:20 " the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead." The Godhead is spoken of in terms of Father, Son and Spirit. Theologians call these personalities. God is three in person, and one is essence. As we think of these three terms, we must be very mindful that there is only one God. Christians are monotheistic.

The Spirit of God is likened to oil in the Bible. We read of the man Jesus Christ, Psalm 45:7 Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness... Galatians 5:22 "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace" This oil of gladness then is the manifestation of the Spirit of God. This manifestation is seen in such characteristics as love and joy.

Under the Old Covenant, leaders were anointed with oil. This was true of prophets, priests and kings. The oil pictured the Spirit of God working on them, in them and through them. In our text, there are two groups of virgins. They all have lamps. In the lamps are oil, however, only 5 take oil with their lamps. If we take only the form of faith and righteousness without the substance, we are foolish. The only way to take the substance is for the Spirit of God to dwell in our hearts and work in and through us. How does God work in and through us? First, He directs us. John 10:27, 28 "27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand". If the Spirit of God rests on us, we will hear the voice of God directing us in life. Second, He empowers us. Why is it that we will never perish? Some speculate that it is possible to turn from the light back to darkness and perish. They fail to understand the power of light. Philippians 2:13 "it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure". If God is working in us, we will never desire to turn, much less turn back to darkness. DW

21st

Saturday, June 21st

The Brazen Altar

Exodus 27:1,2; Heb. 13:7-17

Exodus 27:1,2 And thou shalt make an altar of shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height thereof shall be three cubits. 2 And thou shalt make the horns of it upon the four corners thereof: his horns shall be of the same: and thou shalt overlay it with brass.

Let us take a look at the picture of the Brazen Altar and what it represents. The altar, the offerer, and the sacrifice are all closely related. The association with an altar identifies the offerer with the sacrifice. With certain offerings, the individual further identified himself with the altar and sacrifice by eating some of the sacrifice. The apostle Paul referred to this relationship to an altar when giving instructions to the Corinthians regarding eating meat offered to idols and regarding the observation for the Lord's Supper. Here, the altar is equivalent to the sacrifice of Christ, especially as seen in comparison to the Day of Atonement.

We see an important lesson though, as we further consider this picture of the Brazen Alter. Hebrews 13:10-13 We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. 11 For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. 12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. 13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. The spiritual analogy is made for the believers' identification with Christ, in His rejection by the Jews. The bodies of animals offered on the Day of Atonement were not eaten, but were burned "outside the camp." Jesus, who was the ultimate atoning sacrifice, was similarly crucified outside the gates of Jerusalem. Figuratively, believers must join Him outside the camp of the world, no longer being a part of its unholy systems and practices. By extension, this would also depict the departure from the Levitical system. The uncommitted Hebrews needed to take the bold step of leaving that system and being outside the camp of Old Covenant Israel. Dear Lord God, how we thank You for Your perfect sacrifice for us. Amen. DM

22nd

Sunday, June 22nd

Water: A Type of the Word of God

John 4:1-26, v. 10

Water and Worship is what we will look at today. It is an amazing observation that Jesus was always looking for an opportunity to witness to others. We also see that He was tired and thirsty; picturing the fact that He was truly the God-man. The first question that arises as we look at these examples is that of looking for opportunity to witness. There are some folks who seemingly pray for opportunity to witness, but when the opportunity arises, they find themselves not looking, not prepared, not willing. 1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear. If God is truly sanctified in our lives and hearts, we will be ready and looking for those opportunities and worshiping God in a way that is acceptable to Him.

Jesus is prepared to witness and He uses the Old Testament picture of water as He speaks to the woman at the well. First, He looks past the fact that Jews did not speak to the Samaritans. It really did not matter. What really did matter was that she was unsaved and He wanted her to come to know Him as Savior. He asked her for a drink and then told her of the living water. Jesus, of course is that living water. He turned the physical conversation of physical water immediately into the spiritual conversation of spiritual water. He saw the spiritual need and He was prepared to meet that need by witnessing to the woman who needed salvation. The Old Testament background for the term "living water" comes from several places. Jeremiah 2:13 speaks of the Jews rejecting the "fountain of living water." The OT prophets looked forward to a time when "living waters shall flow out of Jerusalem" in Zech. 14:8.

Jesus used the woman's need for physical water to sustain her life in the arid region in order to serve as an object lesson for her need for spiritual transformation. Say, when have you had opportunity to do the same thing? If we are prepared and ready, we will have opportunity on a daily basis to pray for and reach out to those who are lost with the "Living water" of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Precious Lord and Savior, thank You for the living water of Salvation, Jesus Christ. May we drink from it today and for eternity. May we worship You acceptably. Amen. DM

23rd

Monday, June 23rd

Fire from God and Strange Fire

Numbers 3:2-4

Fire is one of God's chariots and is seen many times in the Scriptures.

1.) Moses saw the fire at the burning bush.

2.) The Pillar of Fire and Pillar of Smoke that led the Israelites from Egypt, for forty years, to the crossing of the Jordan River under Joshua's leadership.

3.) On the top of Mount Sinai Moses was in the presence of Fire.

4.) This was holy Fire and was the same Fire that devoured the first Sacrifice before the Temple on the Brazen Altar before the Tabernacle. The Fire was never to be allowed to go out.

5.) The child, Samuel was the keeper of the fire because, Eli was nearly blind, see 1 Samuel 3:1-3. There are many other references to fire in the Old Testament.

We are concerned with the strange fire found in Numbers 3:2-4 And these are the names of the sons of Aaron; Nadab the firstborn, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests which were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest's office. And Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD, when they offered strange fire before the LORD, in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children: and Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest's office in the sight of Aaron their father. These brothers, sons of Aaron, brought fire from the campfires and disobeyed God. The fire sent down from heaven was to be used in all the Tabernacle ministrations. They had heard Moses tell their father that the heavenly fire only was to be used before the Lord. For these men their sin was the "sin unto death" as recorded in 1 John 5:16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. The above applies to us today.

When God commands something, He expects us to do as commanded. If we do otherwise, we are in trouble with God. When John the Baptist was baptizing and Jesus came to be baptized, John testified that he baptized with water, but Jesus would baptize with fire. This was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost when the tongues of fire descended on the disciples in the upper room and they were filled with the Holy Spirit. RJS

24th

Tuesday, June 24th

Leprosy, a Type of Sin

Leviticus 14:1-7

Leprosy is a good picture of sin. First, it is incurable. The person who had leprosy was without hope short of a miracle. The same is true of all humanity. Without the work of God's grace transforming our hearts, we have no hope of salvation. As the leper was under a sentence of physical death, we are all under the sentence of eternal damnation.

The leper was a social outcast. In the fall, we lost our ability to love God above all else, and love others, as we love ourselves. So it is that love for self that is first among all fallen humanity. As such, we are unfit for any society. Why is it that this world has ever known war, hatred and murder? It is because having lost our ability to love God and others, we are unfit for any society.

The leper saw his leprosy spread and grow until it took his life. Sin is not constant. The corruption spreads and grows. Because this is true, the sinner can never be allowed entrance into heaven. The only solution for this kind of corruption and evil is containment. God created us as beings that will live forever, and the day is coming when God will finally and forever separate all good from all evil.

In order for us to be fit for heaven, we must be cleansed. Thank God, the law allowed for the cleansing of lepers. There was hope even for the hopeless. The old covenant is full of images of sacrifice and the shedding and sprinkling of blood. The blood is a picture of God's great love and grace. The historical record does not give many instances of the cleansing of lepers. There were some. Naaman is one example. However, in the gospel record, we read where Jesus cleansed many lepers.

When Jesus Christ came and sent the lepers to the priests, they should have recognized something unusual was happening. They should have recognized that just as He could heal the leper, He could cleanse from all sin as He said. We need to believe that Jesus Christ is the only one who can take away our sin. He is our only hope. DW

25th

Wednesday, June 25th

Manna: A Type of Christ and Bread from Heaven

John 6:22-59

Today, we see a lesson and picture for us and our selfish society, who many times is only interested in Christ if He will give them what they physically want, rather than what they spiritually need. It is not a new phenomena among people, seeking after physical things rather than what is most important, spiritual food. People were in the same need in Jesus day, as they sought Him only because He had given them a meal.

Jesus was always speaking in the spiritual sense, but the people only had a heart and eyes for the physical things. They wanted more bread. They wanted more signs of the miraculous. They wanted the physical kingdom. Jesus then told them that He was the bread of life. They said they wanted this bread, but they said this out of the blindness of their heart, as they were only looking at the physical part.

Before we become too judgmental on these unbelieving Jews, let us take a look at our own hearts. Have we eaten of the Bread of Life ourselves? Are we continuing to eat of the Bread of Heaven daily? Are we fully trusting in Jesus Christ, the bread of Eternal life for our salvation? It is a fearful thing to consider that many folks today are in the same boat as the spiritually blind Jews were during Jesus day. Many people are only out for self. Everywhere we turn today, we see this attitude prevalent, but let us be careful to consider our own hearts, lest we somehow miss the message ourselves. It is easy to see what others need, but many times we miss the spiritual message ourselves, and the spiritual implications of what Jesus truly wants us to learn.

Just as God gave the daily portions of manna from heaven to the people of Israel while they were in the wilderness, representing a type of Christ, He also gave us His only Son, Jesus, who is the Bread of Heaven. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father except by me." John 6:35,36 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. 36 But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not." Is that where you stand too? Or do you know the Bread of Heaven?! Choose you this day whom you will serve! Dear God of Heaven, the great "I AM," You are the great Jehovah! Amen. DM

26th

Thursday, June 26th

Old Testament Atonement and Christ our Reconciliation

Ex. 29:33 and Romans 5:11

Text: Exodus 29:33 And they shall eat those things wherewith the atonement was made, to consecrate and to sanctify them: but a stranger shall not eat thereof, because they are holy. The Hebrew word for atonement is "kaphar" and means to cover. The first time "kaphar" was used in the Scriptures was when Noah was directed by the LORD to cover the inside and outside of the ark with pitch, Gen. 6:14. It is always important to understand the first reference of a word, because that determines the use of the word throughout the Bible. On the Day of Atonement (once a year) the High Priest went into the Tabernacle and sprinkled the blood on the Mercy Seat. The blood was to cover the sins of the people and they were forgiven of past sins. This is an annual Jewish Holy Day "Yom Kippur" observed in September or October.

The word "Atonement" is only found one time in the New Testament, Romans 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. The Greek word here is "katalasso" and it means to "reconcile." I don't know why the translators called this word the atonement in the King James translation All later translations use "reconciliation." Most all KJV Bibles that have center references or footnotes recommend "reconciliation." Remember, God hates sin, but loves the sinner. There was no way God could save us other than by and through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. The shed Blood of our Saviour was what purchased our salvation 1 Peter 1:18-19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers. But with the precious blood of Christ as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. Therefore, our salvation does not need to be renewed every year, but is a one time, once for all, permanently established, relationship with God. However, we need to remember that we need a daily cleansing and the formula for that is found in 1 John 1:7 "if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin". RJS

27th

Friday, June 27th

Seven Churches

Revelation 1:19, 20

Seven is the number of completion or perfection. The seven churches spoken of in the Book of Revelation gives us a picture of the character of churches in the church age. They also give us an entire picture of the church age. In every age, churches have existed that manifest the characteristics of these churches. For example, when the apostle John wrote it, the churches named were actual churches.

However, the language goes beyond just this time. For example, Revelation 3:20 tells of the church and the end of the age. Here were read where Jesus says, Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. In other words, by the end of the age, the professing church, as a whole, will have grown so corrupt that Christ will seek fellowship with faithful individuals from outside the church. Faithful folk will have to go outside the door of the church in order to fellowship with Christ.

Many historians have noted how that there are predictable cycles to civilization. Kingdoms rise and kingdoms fall. Evidently, there are cycles to spiritual things as well, and this cycle is presented to us in the seven churches. There are exceptions, but the general pattern fits. I believe we are near the end of this age. The general pattern of the church in this age then would be that of Laodicia. It is a time of great outward prosperity. Revelation 3:17 "thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked"

Outwardly, they were rich. Inwardly, they were destitute. This is an accurate picture of our current age. There are exceptions, but this is the rule. Therefore, we would do well to note the warning of verse 19. Here we read, As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. The implication is that many are not God's children. In other words, the end of the age will be marked by apostasy in the church. DW

28th

Saturday, June 28th

Alter of Incense: A Type of our Prayers

Luke 1:8-10; Ex. 30:7-10; 2 Chron. 29:11

Prayer! This is the way that God wants us to speak to Him. God speaks to us through His Word and so He wants us to spend time with Him, too, in prayer. In fact, we are to pray continually. We are to pray without ceasing. We are to offer the sacrifice of our lips unto God Most Holy!

Prayer is so important! It is so important that God prescribed the Alter of Incense in Exodus 30:7-10 And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the lamps, he shall burn incense upon it. And when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even, he shall burn incense upon it, a perpetual incense before the LORD throughout your generations. Ye shall offer no strange incense thereon, nor burnt sacrifice, nor meat offering; neither shall ye pour drink offering thereon. And Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of it once in a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonements: once in the year shall he make atonement upon it throughout your generations: it is most holy unto the LORD. This is what Zacharias was doing in Luke 1. This was a very high privilege. Not many priests even had this opportunity; the opportunity to offer prayer before the Lord in God's prescribe way.

Prayer is so important, and yet sadly, many folks never avail themselves of this most sacred mode of communication with God. Daniel, who was a man known for his prayer life, prayed 3 times a day. We also know that Daniel was on his knees, too. He was faithful to pray day in and day out. He sought the Lord regardless of his own time constraints. He did not give up prayer when faced with the death sentence.

Can we ask some personal questions here? Are we people of prayer? Do we spend the time needed with God as we ought? Have we humbled ourselves before our Creator and Savior? If not, why not do so today?! God desires His people to talk and walk with Him. He loves us and He desires our prayer. Let us be obedient people of prayer! The prayer of a righteous man availeth much. 2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

Dear Lord God, help us to humble ourselves and to be people of prayer. Amen. DM

29th

Sunday, June 29th

Bezaleel was Chosen and Filled for a Special Job

Ministers are Chosen and Filled for a Lifetime

of Service to Christ's Body, the Church

Exodus 31:1-6 and Ephesians 4:11-16

God calls and fills men by name for specific jobs, and here we see a chosen worker, Bezaleel anointed and filled to be the man used to make all the furniture and materials for the construction of the Tabernacle. Bezaleel was given workers to help him according to the text in Exodus and today, God gives ministers to help in the ministry of the church. He was filled, Exodus 31:3-5 I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship. In the Old Testament, men and women were filled for a specific duty or time to do something for God. More than twenty times it is recorded in the O.T. that people were filled for something special that they should do.

Ministers are God's precious gifts to the church in this age! They have the responsibility to feed and nurture the family of God leading them from the new birth to a mature person. This is recorded in the second text below. Eph. 4:12-16 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. Be careful how you treat the minister of God, both in words and deeds. Many have met an untimely death because of their mistreatment of the man of God. RJS

30th

Monday, June 30th

The Chief Corner Stone

Matthew 21:42-44

In our text, we read where Jesus said, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? The nation and its leaders wanted a kingdom. They wanted freedom from the domination of the Roman Empire. However, they could not have a kingdom without the king, and they chose to reject the King.

The stone is rejected, but note that the rejection is not final. The destiny of the stone is to become the head of the corner. In other words, the day is coming when a new generation will demonstrate the spiritual qualities that are necessary to establish the kingdom. The chief priests and the elders were the builders, had the oversight of the Jewish church, which was God's building: and they would not allow Christ a place in their building, would not admit his doctrine or laws into their constitution; they threw him aside as a despised broken vessel, a stone that would serve only for a stepping-stone, to be trampled upon. Henry, Matthew, Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Bible, (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers) 1997.

As we noted, the day is coming when this will change. Jesus is to become the head of the corner. This world is rapidly moving to the judgment of the end of the age. That judgment will culminate in the spiritual conversion of the nation of Israel, and the spiritual apostasy of the professing church. The prophet Zechariah tells of this day. We read in Zechariah 12:10 where God says, I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son". Jesus Himself said, (Matthew 23:39) Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. In other words, they would see Him again and they would receive Him.

The rejection was not final. God would prepare, purge and purify the nation. In that day, the people would cry out in truth Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. DW

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