Exodus 39:1-40:38 ~ Mark 1:1-28 ~ Psalm 35:1-16 ~ Proverbs 9:11-12
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Exodus 39:1-40:38 - I see a parallel between all of the LORD's instructions to the Israelites through Moses, in preparation to dwell in the presence of God, and all of the LORD's instructions to us through Jesus, again in preparation to dwell in the presence of God. They had many instructions to follow and much preparation. But finally they were rewarded by the glory of God. We too will be rewarded for following God's commandments and preparing ourselves to live with Him for eternity.
Mark 1:1-28 - Zondervan's introduction to the book of Mark mentions that it was probably the first of the gospels. I'm keenly interested in Jesus' very first words. Mark 1:15: "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" and Mark 1:17: "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." Two thousand years ago, Jesus said the time has come and the kingdom is near. I don't know that civilization will make it another two thousand years before the Lord's triumphant return. Relatively speaking, I think we are in the last days. I feel a sense of urgency. The first thing Jesus says is repent. I believe we should focus on daily repentence. Every instant that we have an urge to think or act inappropriately, we need to turn away from it. Jesus also said believe. I think we need to stay in the Word daily to continually strengthen our belief. Then Jesus said "Come, follow me". So I believe we need to emulate the life of Jesus and His apostles. What did Jesus do? He taught. He drew people to the kingdom of heaven. He duplicated Himself in the disciples; He made them fishers of men. Therefore, we need to learn; teach; lead people to the Word, and encourage them to do the same. Jesus' final words in Matthew 28:18-20 that we just read yesterday echo this same thing.
Psalm 35:1-16 - When David refers to "they" and "those" in this psalm, I believe he's referring to the enemy of our soul. I believe the enemy of our soul is trying to keep us ensnared in sin. We should call upon the Lord as David does to come to our aid, our rescue, our salvation. We are like pawns in a war that is being waged between good and evil. The fight is not so much against us as it is against God. I think if an enemy really wanted to hurt you, it would hurt more if they went after your children. That is what is happening to God. The battle is still being waged everyday, and the stakes are high. People need to wake up and realize what's going on. They need to understand how this war will be won or lost personally. They need to call upon the Lord for salvation.
Proverbs 9:11-12 - It's pretty simple, isn't it? Seek wisdom and you'll be rewarded. Mock or ignore wisdom, and you'll suffer and have no one to blame but yourself.
Exodus 39:1-40:38 - I see a parallel between all of the LORD's instructions to the Israelites through Moses, in preparation to dwell in the presence of God, and all of the LORD's instructions to us through Jesus, again in preparation to dwell in the presence of God. They had many instructions to follow and much preparation. But finally they were rewarded by the glory of God. We too will be rewarded for following God's commandments and preparing ourselves to live with Him for eternity.
Mark 1:1-28 - Zondervan's introduction to the book of Mark mentions that it was probably the first of the gospels. I'm keenly interested in Jesus' very first words. Mark 1:15: "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" and Mark 1:17: "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." Two thousand years ago, Jesus said the time has come and the kingdom is near. I don't know that civilization will make it another two thousand years before the Lord's triumphant return. Relatively speaking, I think we are in the last days. I feel a sense of urgency. The first thing Jesus says is repent. I believe we should focus on daily repentence. Every instant that we have an urge to think or act inappropriately, we need to turn away from it. Jesus also said believe. I think we need to stay in the Word daily to continually strengthen our belief. Then Jesus said "Come, follow me". So I believe we need to emulate the life of Jesus and His apostles. What did Jesus do? He taught. He drew people to the kingdom of heaven. He duplicated Himself in the disciples; He made them fishers of men. Therefore, we need to learn; teach; lead people to the Word, and encourage them to do the same. Jesus' final words in Matthew 28:18-20 that we just read yesterday echo this same thing.
Psalm 35:1-16 - When David refers to "they" and "those" in this psalm, I believe he's referring to the enemy of our soul. I believe the enemy of our soul is trying to keep us ensnared in sin. We should call upon the Lord as David does to come to our aid, our rescue, our salvation. We are like pawns in a war that is being waged between good and evil. The fight is not so much against us as it is against God. I think if an enemy really wanted to hurt you, it would hurt more if they went after your children. That is what is happening to God. The battle is still being waged everyday, and the stakes are high. People need to wake up and realize what's going on. They need to understand how this war will be won or lost personally. They need to call upon the Lord for salvation.
Proverbs 9:11-12 - It's pretty simple, isn't it? Seek wisdom and you'll be rewarded. Mock or ignore wisdom, and you'll suffer and have no one to blame but yourself.
posted by Mike at 12:49 AM
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