Thoughts on the readings for March 27th (Numbers 8, 9, Proverbs 5, Luke 19)

The first 4 verses of Numbers 8 describe the construction of the seven branched golden Lampstand. Verses 5 to 22 tells of cleansing of the Levites. They were sprinkled with water of purification before having all hair shaved from their bodies. The Levites were now symbolically as as a newborn baby: sinless. A newborn baby is of course one who will in the course of time become an inevitable sinner. The required sacrifices were a bull to be offered for a sin offering.; followed by a waive offering signifying the Levites being given to the LORD by way of consecration. The Levites were then given back to the nation to serve on behalf of their Sovereign. The service of the Levites was by way of working for Aaron and his sons the priests. The Levites were through these sacrifices ceremonially pure and therefore ready for their ministry on behalf of their God. There would be no plague on Israel when these procedures were followed. The end of the chapter tells us that the Levites term of office was from 25 years of age to 50 years of age, at which time the Levites were retired from service. Numbers 9 describes the first keeping of the Passover one year after it had been kept in Egypt. It wouldn't be kept again until Israel was in the Promised Land 39 years later. The details are the same as those outlined in Exodus 12. The record tells us that there was a group that were unable to keep the Passover at the specified date because they were ceremonially unclean. Moses brought the matter to God who advised that provision could be made to celebrate the Passover on the 14th day of the second month. This provision was used when king Hezekiah kept the greatest Passover ever. Verses 15 to 23 of Numbers 9 speaks of the cloud from the LORD, which covered the Tabernacle. The cloud also determines when the Israelites journeyed and when they rested ie set up their camp. The cloud spoke of Yahweh's authority, His Word of command. Our journeys ought to be at our Sovereign's word and we will, God willing, take our rest in the kingdom of His Son. Proverbs 5 is a warning against adultery. We met the strange woman in chapter 3. Now her activities and her lurking wickedness are described in detail in this chapter. Proverbs 5 is described by brother Crawford as, "Wisdom and Chastity". Verses 1-6 tells us about the seductress. She is very prominent in every age, but perhaps even more brazen in this amoral age. Human nature being what it is and the willingness of foolish many to allow themselves to be trapped. A wise word of warning would implore our young men to shun pornography; for as evil as this is it leads on to an increased downward spiral towards certain destruction. The seductress is practiced in smooth double speak. Verses 7 to 14 tells of the catastrophic cost that must be paid by every trapped man. Wise advice is to avoid going to any place where our minds might be captured by the impure displays which prey on our known impulses. Verses 15-23 counsels faithfulness in marriage. The father tells his son of the blessings of a joyful compatible marriage. Our Lord Jesus tells us that sadly not all men will have that experience. 1 Corinthians 6 tells us that there is no such thing as a casual relationship with a strange woman that does not damage a son of God. Marriage to a non believer is forbidden, as is any illicit sexual relationship. Verse 22 of Proverbs 5 reminds us that everything we do is before the eyes of our Almighty Sovereign. We would hate to hurt Him by our failure to be faithful. Our God gave us the institution of marriage and He insists on our faithfulness to the vows that we made. Luke 19 records the story of tiny Zacchaeus who had climbed a mulberry tree to catch sight of Jesus, who would pass by among the crowd. The Lord, who was always able to read people's minds, stopped underneath the tree where the tax gatherer was. Jesus said to Zacchaeus, "Today I must dine at your house". In a statement of true repentance Zacchaeus indicates how there would be a recompense to any person defrauded by him (using the language of the trespass offering). This statement by Zacchaeus could indicate that he was already trying to tread the path of the just. Zacchaeus hastily prepared a great feast and invites Jesus to dine with him. The chapter tells of Jesus speaking the parable of the ten Minas. This parable was given because because of the disciples' false expectation that the kingdom of God would immediately appear. The parable was based on the well known historical circumstances surrounding the life of Herod Antipas. The parable is based on the utilisation of abilities which have been distributed by the Lord. The parable tells of the enemies of the kingdom being slaughtered before the king. The chapter next describes the Lord Jesus triumphant entry to Jerusalem on a donkey, which had never been ridden. The crowds acclaimed our Lord as they waved palm branches and recited the words of Psalm 118 and Zechariah 9. The chapter says that Jesus paused as he came over the brow of the hill and caught sight of the city. He wept over it with great tenderness. He explains his love and desire for that city. But like the leprous house the stones of that city would be torn down one by one. Jesus laments that the next time his people would see him would be at a time of Jewish conversion and repentance. At that time the nation of Israel would declare, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of Yahweh". This time will bring blessing for the whole world - at last. 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-27th-numbers-8-9-proverbs-5-luke-19/?feed_id=88561&_unique_id=67e3a6531e3ab