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March 6

Reading 1 - Leviticus 12 & 13

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12 v. 3 - When we consider how it is reported that the practice of circumcision - commanded by God - the bond of their covenant relationship that they had with him - fell away and was not obeyed, one wonders how many of these other laws were adhered to. 80 (14+66 v.5) days (for a girl) is a very long time to be restricted by the law. We need to learn, as ever, from Israel's disobedience, especially with regard to circumcision. In their ignoring of this essential command, they threw away their chance of salvation as God had organised it for them. Let us make sure that we don't do the same by ignoring His requirements now. Deut.30:6, and consider also the significance of Jesus' words in John 7:22-23 in this context.
Peter Cresswell
13 v.37 - The hebrew word used for the growing of this black hair is 06779 tsamach. It occurs 33 times throughout the OT in some very interesting places all of things which spring forth - usually from the ground, some good, some evil (e.g.Gen.2:9 speaks of the creation of plants and Gen.3:18 of the thorns and the thistles of the curse). Psa.85:11 speaks of truth springing out of the ground, and clearly points to Jesus - good which overcame evil. In this connection see also Isa.61:11 (spring forth) Jer.33:15 (grow up) Ezek.29:21 (cause to bud) Zech.6:12 (grow up)
Peter Cresswell

The period of uncleanness for the woman is longer - twice as long - when she has a daughter.

12:2 Man child 7 days + 33 days = 40 days
12:5 Maid child - 80 days

This is not to say that a daughter is more unclean than a son. Rather we are reminded that Eve was in the transgression.

13:3 'hair turned white' See Matthew 5:36 the only place outside the law of the leper so I suspect that Jesus is referring to this passage. Jesus' point is that as it is impossible to heal oneself from leprosy it is impossible to change one's own nature.
Consider - there is a vast amount of detail about leprosy and how to identify and deal with men and women who have the plague but there is no information in the law about any other disease.
This is because leprosy is such a powerful pattern of 'sin in the flesh' that it is the only disease that is relevant to consider when talking about holiness.
Peter Forbes

12:6 The 'young pigeon or turtledove' is what is quoted in Luke 2:24. Why is the order reversed in Luke and why does it say 'two' when Leviticus only indicates one?

ch.13 - The long list of details in this chapter break down into different aspects of the law of leprosy thus if we see the following verses as marking new sections of the description.
:2,:24,:29,:38,:47
Peter Forbes

12:3 Circumcision on the eighth day is in fulfilment of the command to Abraham - Genesis 17:12.

13:47 In saying that the garment was also unclean - even though it was an inanimate object with no feelings or conscience - marks the point that uncleanness is contagious. It can be passed on. The lesson for us? 1 Corinthians 15:33.
Peter Forbes

EXAMINED BY THE PRIEST

Throughout the Bible Leprosy is used as a parallel with sin because it is a disease that eats away at the flesh of a person until they are consumed by it. The Hebrew word that we read translated as "an infectious skin disease" has traditionally been translated "Leprosy" and is the Hebrew word used to describe various diseases of the skin.

When someone discovered that they had a skin disease, whether it was leprosy or some other skin disease, they were to go to see a priest. The job of the priest was to examine the sore, rash or spot to decide whether it was infectious or not. God had instructed the priests and they knew what to look for.

Today we do not have priests to go to, while leprosy and other skin diseases are largely treatable. But we are still afflicted with the leprosy-like condition of sin and we do have a great High Priest in heaven, Jesus Christ. So let us regularly appear before the Lord Jesus Christ and let him examine our lives. Let us allow him to show us our sin and do for us what the priests could not do - to forgive and cleanse us from our sin. Then may we go and sin no more.
Robert Prins

Reading 2 - Psalms 113 & 114

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113:6 - The correct way to view God's power is from our own position of total reliance on Him, which brings about humility. Here we are shown how God demonstrates that for us, but humbling himself to look down on us - Ps.11:4, 138:6, Isa.57:15, 66:2.
Peter Cresswell
114 v.7 - The concept of the earth trembling at the presence of the Lord is often in the context of natural occurrences such as thunderstaorms or even earthquakes and volcano eruptions. Psa.77:18, 97:4,5, 104:32
Peter Cresswell

Psalm 113 This Psalm presents a wonderful contrast. The creator of the universe humbles himself that he might elevate those who are of 'low degree'. His son was involved in this for our sakes in taking on him the form of a servant [Philippians 2:7] - do we appreciate the majesty of what our God has done for us?

Psalm 114 In speaking poetically of the events of the entry into the land of Canaan the Psalmist was giving an exhortation to Israel. If the physical creation could respond to the majesty of God why should they be fearful of elements of His creation - their enemies?
Peter Forbes

113:7 in speaking of 'raising up the poor' we see a repeating concern that our Father has. Of course it is not that material poverty is to be replaced with material plenty. Rather the poverty is a poverty of spirit - that is a recognition of one's own position. It is those of whom Jesus speaks Matthew 5:3.
Peter Forbes

113:3 In stating that God's name will be praised we have an indication of the state in the kingdom. That the gentiles will also be involved is seen when similar words are used - Malachi 1:11 .

114:1-3 This speaks of the Exodus of Israel from Egypt and their entry into the land of Canaan. SO when we read of the earth trembling (:7) speaks of the inhabitants of Canaan whose fear is exemplified by Rahab Joshua 2:9-10
Peter Forbes

Reading 3 - 2Corinthians 5, 6 & 7

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5 v.3 - A study of the uses of the concept of nakedness in scripture is very worthwhile. It starts back in Gen 2:25 and goes through Gen 3:7-11, Ex.32:25, Rev.3:18, 16:5. Today's chapter is a continuation of an argument, showing us the way that we should be clothed - with (v.5) the earnest of the Spirit, for we walk by faith, not by sight.
Peter Cresswell

5:2,3 - In speaking of being 'clothed' and 'naked' the apostle is echoing the language of the fall in Genesis 3. In particular (3:21) 'clothed' 'naked' (3:7). So when we see 'if one died for all' (:14) quoted from Romans 5:15 Paul developing the argument that Christ died to deliver those who are condemned through Adam's actions. That is why 'the ministry of reconciliation' (5:18) has been committed to 'us'.

6:1 Being a 'worker together with him …' is a wonderful privilege. I wonder whether we really appreciate that our lives in Christ are a working with Christ?

ch.7 - More uses of the word 'comfort'
7:6 Comforteth
Comforted
7:7 Consolation
Comforted
7:13 Comforted
Comfort
Paul returns to the theme introduced in chapter 1. Paul received encouragement because he heard how the brethren and sisters in Corinth were through the words of Titus. We should consider how we should feel when we hear that brethren and sisters we love are doing well, we might also consider how we should feel if they are suffering.
Peter Forbes

5:18-19 Isn't it wonderful! God was working in Christ for our reconciliation and now we are reconciled we have the opportunity to share this knowledge with others!

6:18 The offer that God would be the father of those who 'came out' draws on the promise of 2Samuel 7:14 showing that we can be involved in those wonderful promises that God made to David.

7:1 Knowing the things that those in Christ do know should actually change the way that one thinks and behaves. But does it?
Peter Forbes