NUMBERS 28:16-29:40
Instructing the New Generation: They kept Passover, Pentecost, with prominence given to Feast of Tabernacles because it points to the Land, the Kingdom of God --- where they would live in peace, joy, Rest (in the finished work of Jesus Christ), and do battle from the position of victory. The Day of Atonement, preceded by the Feast of Trumpets, east of the Jordan was to keep them from being cut off in the Wilderness, and was part of the final preparations for entering the Land.
RESPONSE: Instead of relying on the parents and grandparents to pass down all these instructions to the new generation, God had Moses do it himself, making these instructions first-hand. Let there be no misunderstandings - their spiritual health depended on getting this right this time. Their future as God's people depended on it. They became a sacrifice, God became their Source and their Victory. Isn't that the way it is?
LUKE 3:23-38
Thirty: Jesus was thirty years old when He began His ministry. OT references are: (Gen 41:46) "Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt." (Num 4:39) "From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation..." referring to the age of service for Levites. (2 Sam 5:4) "David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years." Thirty was considered full maturity in OT times, and men got married then and took over the family business.
RESPONSE: Jesus held to the tradition of priests by beginning His ministry at age 30. It was when Joseph and David came to rulership. The people looking at Jesus didn't realize it, but He was ruling then, too. He upset the order of things in the heavenlies, and made a way for man to rule again. He actually took His throne 3-1/2 years into His ministry, even though it didn't look like it. He came from royal stock, you know. Both sides of the family.
PSALM 62:1-12
Kingdom Psalm #2: Written from a cave, hiding from his son, Absalom. The word "only" is used 6 times (including v.1 "truly" and v.9 "surely") ...as in v.1 "My soul waits ONLY on God." "Wait" both times means to wait in silence - being still while under stress. It is only in turning to God that we find the ability to hold still when things around are falling apart under pressure. Rest quietly on Him. Since I belong only to God, I am out-of-reach to anyone else. Strength and mercy belong to the Lord.
PROVERBS 11:18-19
Sinners cheat themselves. (Rom 7:11) "For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me."
RESPONSE: I think it's a good idea to be quiet in times of stress. That's when I tend to say all the wrong things, and probably "cheat myself" out of the life of God. I could insulate myself better if I would just trust God, keep my focus, and shut up.
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