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February 12

Reading 1 - Exodus 22

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v. 28 - The 'gods' here are the judges referred to in v. 8,9. We have come across this before, and it is quite surprising the way that scripture uses this idea, to the ultimate praise of the overall ruler of the earth of course. Consider these passages: Ps.82:1-7, 138:1, John 10:34,35. Any ruler was a 'god', so we can include Ex.21:17. Regarding cursing the ruler of our people, consider examples in 1Sam.24:6,10, 26:9, Eccles.10:20, Rom.13:2-7.
Peter Cresswell
v.18 - Deut.18:10-11 expands this thought further. There has to be a lesson here for us to avoid any involvement with those who make claims about spiritualism or devil worship. The whole concept of this is so abhorrent to God that we should simply accept His judgement, and not even show an interest in these things. This is not just what we do either, it is what we choose to read, listen to, or watch as well. We must make informed decisions not to have anything to do with these things if we are to please God.
Peter Cresswell
The way in which the wrongs are dealt with in this chapter is designed to teach man that he 'owns' his own problems. So the person who accidentally sets fire to his neighbours field is still responsible for his actions :6. In like manner we should appreciate that we are responsible for our own actions. Whilst we would never try to attribute our wrongs to the 'Devil' we can easily try to pretend that the matter does not need to be addressed. This chapter clearly shows that this cannot be so.
Peter Forbes
:21 That they had been strangers in Egypt is given as the reason why they should not vex the stranger teaches a powerful lesson which Jesus develops in the parable to the two debtors (Luke 7:21)
Peter Forbes

Reading 2 - Psalms 75 & 76

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75v.10 - The use of the word 'horn' in this context is quite common in scripture, but has fallen completely out of use in modern times (at least in English). It is the normal word for a horn - either an animal's horn or one that you blow to make a sound. It seems, by its usage to refer to a person's (or nation's) well-being, maybe their self-confidence. Here are some passages to consider. Jer.48:25, Zech.1:20,21, Ps.89:17, 92:10, 148:14, Luke 1:69.
Peter Cresswell
76 v.2 - When we read passages like this our minds go to Melchizedek and the piresthood to which Jesus belonged and to which we aspire. These passages will be helpful in consolidating the point made here: Gen.14:18, Heb.7:1-2, Psa.132:13-14, 2Chr.6:6. Isa.12:6
Peter Cresswell
75 v.6 Respect of persons often has as it's motivation self advancement. Here the Psalmist shows that it is God who blesses. We must be careful to think about how we respond to others and to appreciate that God is in control in our lives.

76 v.12 Whilst we recognise that 'the most high ruleth in the kingdom of Men' Daniel 4:17 it is worth noting that this teaching is found elsewhere in Scripture.
Peter Forbes

75:7 In telling us that God 'putteth down one and setteth up another' The Psalmist is stating what God himself says (Daniel 2:21)

76:1 We are so used to talking of Judah - the two tribes and Israel - the ten tribes - that we pass over this distinction in the Psalm without thinking that the Psalm was written before the division! But actually the split was already appearing before David was on the throne in Jerusalem. (1 Samuel 11:8, 17:52 18:16,)
Peter Forbes

Reading 3 - Mark 8

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v. 23-25 - There are a few other occasions that suggest that seeing the light is a two stage process. This makes for an interesting theory, I feel. Just as the New Covenant follows the old, the baptism by Spirit follows the baptism by water, the crossing of the Jordan into the promised land followed the crossing of the Red Sea into the wilderness. Consider Judges 9:36, Isa.29:18 - note obscurity first and then darkness, as if the eyesight improves with time. Isa. 32:3, 1Cor.13:9-12.
Peter Cresswell

v.3 One wonders how long we would be willing to go without food to listen to good exposition of the Word.
v.8 the baskets were large enough for a man to fit in because it is the same word used to speak of the basket in which Paul was let down the wall at Damascus. Acts 9:25
v.11 The request for a 'sign' from Jesus was a repeated feature of those who opposed Jesus. As if they were not willing to accept that the healings that Jesus did were real proof of his claims. Matthew 12:38 16:1 Luke 11:16 John 2:18 6:30
v.13 I doubt that Jesus had gone over to Dalamnutha just to tell the Pharisees that he was not going to give them a sign. That Jesus 'sighed deeply in his spirit' highlights utter frustration, I suggest. I suspect that Jesus did not stay and preach in Dalmanutha because the response, tainted by the Pharisees, was so opposed to his message. We can learn from this. It only takes a few dissenting or apathetic voices to dampen the hearts of the enthusiastic. We must take care that we are not one of those dissenting voices.
Peter Forbes

:10 this visit to 'Dalmanutha' is only mentioned in Matthew 15:39 (as Magdala) but is not mentioned in either of the other gospel records. Whilst Mark tells us [:11] that it as the Pharisees that tempted Jesus Matthew [16:1] informs us that the Sadducees were there as well.
Peter Forbes
:22 We may have noticed that Mark often tells us where Jesus went. There is value in just mapping these locations on a map so that we can see the extent of Jesus' travels and where he spent most of his time.
Peter Forbes
GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD

"What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his own soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Mark 8 v 36 - 37) The answer to these questions will point us to the answer to life.

With so many people searching for fulfillment in any way they can, they devote themselves to getting the most out of life. But in this search they either miss or avoid what they are really looking for. Riches, possessions, fitness, power, fame, good looks or lifestyle will not get us anywhere toward eternal life. On the contrary, many of these will hinder us from gaining eternal life. And there is nothing we can pay to keep our souls, when we have gained all we can in worldly ways. God is not interested in our riches, fame or fortune. But by focussing our search for fulfillment and life on God, we will gain them both - fulfillment and life. In giving our lives to God, we get to keep them.

When Jesus returns we will all be judged. If we have given ourselves to worldly riches, because that is what we have desired, that is the only reward we will have had. On the other hand, if we have given our lives to God - even though we may have lost everything for him, we will be rewarded with eternal life, peace and prosperity for ever. It is no use gaining the world and yet forfeiting your soul, and there is nothing we can give in exchange for our souls. The best we can do is to give God our life.
Robert Prins