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March
12
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Reading
1 - Leviticus 20
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here to Listen
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v.
9 - This respect for authority and particularly for our parents' authority
is a constant theme in scripture. We have all been through times when this
has been hard, and that is based on the recognition of the human failings
of our own parents, but we do have a father that doesn't have these failings
and it is respect for him that we are expected to practice and get right
on our human parents first. This places a big responsibility on those of
us who are parents to earn that respect too. Ex.21:17,
Prov.20:20, 30:11,17. Revised and made harder for us in Matt.5:4,5.
Peter Cresswell |
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2002
v.10-21
- How few of these principles still apply to our world today. These things
which to those who follow God's principles are abomination are largely accepted
practice in at least the western 'civilised(!)' world, and some are even
positively reinforced by society. What must God think?
Peter Cresswell
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20:6
Wizardry and idol worship is likened to whoredom in Scripture because the
one who does these things is compromising his relationship with God. In
like manner any way in which we compromise our relationship with God is
whoredoms.
20:27 That the man or woman who had a familiar spirit be put to death
marks the association with the whore who was to be put to death. This action
was required that the land be not polluted with the unseemly actions of
the wizard.
Peter Forbes |
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Idol worship, sacrificing children to Moloch and such behaviour is an affront
to God because Israel had been separated to him and therefore were not free
to do as they wished. They were to :7
'sanctify' themselves - that is be separate to God. They were 'not their
own' just as we are 'bought with a price' [1
Corinthians 6:20]
Peter Forbes |
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Whilst
Chapters 11-15 dealt with uncleanness from the point of view of a disease
or issue over which man had no control the law now turns to uncleanness
cause by the actions of the person. No one had to violate any to he provision
of the law s outlined in this chapter but if they did they were as unclean
as the one who was unclean through no choice of their own.
Peter Forbes |
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Reading
2 - Psalm 119:129-176
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here to Listen
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v.130
- The theme of light is a wonderful theme - here is a short tour: Ps.119:105,
Prov.6:23, Isa.8:20, Luke 1:77-79, Acts 26:18, 2Cor.4:4-6, Eph.5:13,14,
2Pet.1:19.
Peter Cresswell |
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v.141
- An important principle here where we see (quite often) the humility of
David. This is the king speaking here. I wonder how many subsequent monarchs
would echo these words from their hearts as David clearly does. We have
a great example here. To recognise our own smallness is of paramount importance
to the attitude which facilitates God's grace and salvation. Psa.22:6,
40:17, Prov.15:16, 16:8, 19:1 and the greatest example in Isa.53:3
Peter Cresswell
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Because
David respected God's word (v129)
and realised that they were 'righteous and faithful' (v138)
he was able to uphold them evening difficult times. The degree to which
we are able to maintain our faith is proportionate to how much we value
the Scriptures.
Peter Forbes |
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:148
In saying that his eyes 'prevent the night watches' David is here echoing
thoughts expressed Psalm
16:7 17:3 63:6. David saw the night season as an opportunity to think
about his God. So insomnia should not be seen as a problem but can be seen
as an opportunity to reflect on the Father.
Peter Forbes |
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:176
I likening himself to a 'lost sheep' the Psalmist understood the relationship
between himself and his God. A theme developed by Jesus in parable.
Peter Forbes |
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Reading
3 - Luke 3
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here to Listen
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v.8
- The physical inheritance that they possessed was of no consequence.They
needed the spiritual - 'fruits worthy of repentance' and it is
the same for us. We need to repent - constantly - of our constant sins that
are with us all the time - but we need to do it effectively by the bringing
forth of the fruits. Isa.1:16-18,
Eze.18:27-31, Acts 26:20, Gal.5:22-24.
Peter Cresswell
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v.1-2
The list of dignitaries sets the scene for the message that God does not
call many noble or wise. They were all bypassed because the Word of God
came to John. That he was in the wilderness shows that God expects those
who want to hear His message have to put in some effort.
Peter Forbes
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3:7
The religious leaders did not change. John calls them a 'generation of vipers'.
Three and a half years later they have not been touched by the teaching
of Jesus for he calls them 'Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers' (Matthew
23:33) Hopefully the words of Jesus have a bigger impact on us.
Peter Forbes
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:19-20
is a digression from the text to provide some historical background. It
is this event which caused John to be beheaded. Notice the event is placed
close to the beginning of John's ministry.
Peter Forbes
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