Thoughts on the readings for March 16th, (Leviticus 24, Psalms 131, 132, 133, 134, Luke 7)

Leviticus 24 outlines what was required for the furniture within the Tabernacle's Holy Place - the pure olive oil for the seven branched Lampstand; the Shewbread, or more literally in the Hebrew "the bread of the faces" to be placed on the Table of Shewbread, as an offering to God from the faithful labours of His covenant people. They symbolically gazed on the veil where the 4 cherubic faces were embroidered; then followed a case instructing the nation in what to do with blasphemy; verses 17to 21 repeat matters relating to murder and personal injury. Important regulations about proper living among neighbours is repeated for reinforcement. Verses 1-4 tell us that the wicks were to be trimmed morning and evening, so that the pure light shone brightly illuminating an otherwise dark place (Psalm 119:105). The lamps were trimmed at the same time that the incense oil was being attended to - the Word of the LORD and prayer must accompany each other. If we neglect our Sovereign's guidance our prayers are powerless (Proverbs 28:9; Revelation 8:3-4). Verses 5-9 tell us of the unleavened shewbread made from the finest wheaten flour and beaten exceedingly small. Care and diligence must be evident in our faithful labours for the Father. There were 12 cakes - one for each of Israel's tribes - arranged into two piles of six. They were anointed with the same oil as was to be used for the Lampstand - again showing of the connection between these two pieces of furniture which were at the heart of acceptable worship of Yahweh. Verses 10-16 give instructions for dealing with blasphemy - the entirely opposite principle to what was being taught through the worship involving the Lampstand and the Table of Shewbread. Our Creator is not to be worshipped in a casual, or flippant, way. Any who fail to approach Him reverently and as He has directed will be eradicated. Psalm 131 is a song of ascension from the pen of David. He explains that he has calmed and quieted his life through his confidence and his trust in his Sovereign God. It teaches us that despite the turmoils of life and the calamities which come upon us that the Almighty is in control. Those whose hope is in Yahweh will never be disappointed. Psalm 132 is another glorious Psalm of David's. It outlines the journeys of the ark of the covenant over a time span of close to two centuries. It began in the days of Eli when the Philistines captured the ark; through its sojourns back among the LORD's people; to the disastrous attempt to bring the ark to Jerusalem on a new cart - this resulted in the death of Uzzah. David was devastated and could not rest until he understands from the Holy Scriptures the manner of bringing the ark to Zion. The 2nd of Samuel 6 and 1 Chronicles 15 and 16 describe these events. David enacted a parable in 2nd Samuel 6 and 7 which spoke of Messiah's kingdom. Psalm 132 explains David's understanding of the parable that illustrated the truths of his greater son's kingdom - the Messiah - the anointed Son of the Father - our Lord Jesus Christ. Read the Psalm slowly and carefully and revel in the prospects it reveals. Psalm 133 is a Psalm that speaks of the profuse anointing of Aaron the High Priest. It tells of the head and body United in joyous fellowship by the oil that flowed down the garments of the High Priest. This is likened to the refreshing snows from Mount Hermon bringing blessings to the people of the Promised Land. Psalm 134 is the last of the 15 songs of ascent in which the faithful worshippers are called upon to ascribe greatness to their Omnipotent Creator and to come before Him with thankfulness. How fitting that this section of the Psalms should finish with an ascribing of power to the Maker of heaven and earth. Luke 7 begins with the healing of a faithful and loved Roman Centurion's servant. The Centurion had built a synagogue for the Jewish people - most likely in Capernaum. As a man in command and also under the authority of Rome he saw our Lord Jesus Christ as the emissary of God. Jesus announces that the Centurion's faith exceeded any faith that could be found in Israel. This man was truly the seed, and heir of Abraham's kingdom (Romans 4:13; Genesis 12:3). In the town of Nain Jesus raises a widow's son. Messengers are sent to our Lord Jesus Christ from a disconsolate John the Baptist, who was languishing in Herod's prison at Machaerus. Jesus immediately performs many miracles before John's messengers and refers them to Isaiah 61. The Lord then remonstrates with the crowd on their fickleness - Jesus and John are both the Father's wise children. Not a greater man among had ever been born of a woman than John, except the Messiah himself. The chapter next says that a sinful woman, who comes into the house of Simon the Pharisee, anoints Jesus' feet in love - and because of her great love she is forgiven greatly for her sins. Simon and those with him are instructed by Christ on the basis of divine forgiveness ie love. Let us pause, ponder and learn this. Penned by Warwick Rosser and his team, produced by Christadelphianvideo.org See more Thoughts from the Christadelphian Dialy Bible Reading Planner (By R.Roberts) here... https://christadelphianvideo.org/thoughts-on-the-readings-for-march-16th-leviticus-24-psalms-131-132-133-134-luke-7/?feed_id=87285&_unique_id=67d51d9039438