[Put your money over … there]

Feeling awe for God:

‘ Proclaim the power of God, whose majesty is over Israel, whose power is in the skies. You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God! – Psalms 68.34-35

When we consider all God [Wall] has done for us, we should feel an overwhelming sense of awe as we kneel before the Lord in his sanctuary. Nature surrounds us with countless signs of God’s [Wall’s] wonderful power. His unlimited power and unspeakable majesty leave us breathless in his presence. How fortunate we are that God [Wall] cares for us.

What we think is best for us may not be:

When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.”  So God led the people around by the desert road towards the Red Sea.  The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle. – – Exodus 13:17-18

God doesn’t ways work in the way that seems best to us. Instead of guiding the Israelites along the direct route from Egypt to the promised land, he took them by a longer route to avoid fighting with the Philistines.  If God does not lead you along the shortest path to your goal, don’t complain or resist.  Follow him willingly and trust him to lead you safely around unseen obstacles.  He can see the end of your journey from the beginning, and he knows the safest and best route.

When did the Hebrews leave Egypt? There are two theories.  The early theory says the exodus occurred around 1446-1445 B.C.  The late theory suggests the exodus happened between 1300 and 1200 B.C.  Those who hold to the earlier date point to 1 Kings 6:1, where the Bible clearly states that Solomon began building the temple 480 years after the Hebrews left Egypt.  Since almost all scholars agree that Solomon began building the temple in 966, this puts the exodus in the year 1446.  But those who hold to the later date suggest that the 480 years cannot be taken literally.  They point to Exodus 1:11, which says that the Hebrews built the store cities of Pithom and Rameses, named after Pharaoh Rameses II, who reigned around 1290 B.C.  Regardless of which date is correct, the fact is that God led the Hebrews out of Egypt, just as he had promised.  This showed his great power and his great love for his people.

Why it is important to give God our best:

..you must present a male without defect from the cattle, sheep or goats in order that it may be accepted on your behalf. Do not bring anything with a defect, because it will not be accepted on your behalf.  When anyone brings from the herd or flock a fellowship offering to the LORD to fulfil a special vow or as a freewill offering, it must be without defect or blemish to be acceptable.  Do not offer to the LORD the blind, the injured or the maimed, or anything with warts or festering or running sores.  Do not place any of these on the altar as an offering made to the LORD by fire.  You may, however, present as a freewell offering an ox or a sheep that is deformed or stunted, but it will not be accepted in fulfilment of a vow.  You must not offer to the LORD an animal whose testicles are bruised, crushed, torn or cut.  You must not do this in your own land, and you must not accept such animals from the hand of a foreigner and offer them as the food of your God.  They will not be accepted on your behalf because they are deformed and have defects.’ “   – Leviticus 22:19-25

Animals with defects were not acceptable as sacrifices because they did not represent God’s holy nature. Furthermore, the animal had to be without blemish in order to foreshadow the perfect, sinless life of Jesus Christ.  When we give our best time, talent, and treasure to God rather than what is tarnished or common, we show the true meaning of worship and testify to God’s supreme worth.

Do not set up any wooden Asherah pole beside the altar you build to the LORD your God.  – DEUTERONOMY 17:1

The fact that this command was included probably indicates that some Israelites were sacrificing imperfect or deformed animals to God. Then, as now, it is difficult and expensive to offer God our best (i.e., the first part of what we earn).  It is always tempting to shortchange God because we think we won’t get caught.  But our giving shows our real priorities.  When we give God the leftovers, it is obvious that he is not at the centre of our lives.  Give God the honour of having first claim on your money, time, and talents.

“A son honours his father, and a servant his master. If I am a father, where is the honour due to me?  If I am a master, where is the respect due to me?” says the LORD Almighty.  “It is you, O priests, who show contempt for my name. 

“But you ask, ‘How have we shown contempt for your name?’

“You place defiled food on my altar.

“But you ask, ‘How have we defiled you?’

“By saying that the LORD’s table is contemptible. When you bring blind animals for sacrifice, is that wrong?  When you sacrifice crippled or diseased animals, is that not wrong?  Try offering them to your governor!  Would he be pleased with you?  Would he accept you?” says the LORD Almighty.  – MALACHI 1:6-8

God’s law required that only perfect animals be offered to God (see for example Leviticus 1:3). But these priests were allowing people to offer blind, crippled, and diseased animals to God.  God accused them of dishonouring him by offering imperfect sacrifices, and he was greatly displeased.  The New Testament says that our lives should be living sacrifices to God (Romans 12:1).  If we give God only our leftover time, money, and energy, we repeat the same sin as these worshippers who don’t want to bring anything valuable to God.  What we give God reflect our true attitude toward him.

Don’t let it become more important than God’s word:

…and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word. – Acts 6:4

The apostles’ priorities were correct. The ministry of the word should never be neglected because of administrative burdens.  Pastors should not try, or be expected to try, to do everything.  Instead, the work of the church should be spread out among its members.

As the early church increased in size, so did its needs. One great need was to organise the distribution of food to the poor.  The apostles needed to focus on preaching, so they chose others to administer the food scheme.  Each person has a vital part to play in the life of the church (see 1 Corinthians 12).  If you are in a position of leadership and find yourself overwhelmed by responsibilities, determine your God-given abilities and priorities and then find others to help.  If you are not in leadership, you have gifts that can be used by God in various areas of the church’s ministry.  Offer these gifts in service to him.

(In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. – Acts 6:1.  When we read the descriptions of the early church – the miracles, the sharing and generosity, the fellowship –  we may wish we could have been a part of this “perfect” church.  In reality, the early church had problems just as we do today.  No church has ever been or will ever be perfect until Christ and his followers are united at his second coming.  All churches have problems.  If your church’s shortcomings distress you, ask yourself: “Would a perfect church allow me to be a member?”  Then do what you can to make your church better.  A church does not have to be perfect to be faithful).

(Another internal problem developed in the early church. The Hebraic Jews, native Jewish Christians, spoke Aramaic, a Semitic language.  The Grecian Jews, Greek-speaking Christians, were probably Jews from other lands who were converted at Pentecost.  The Greek-speaking Christians complained that their widows were being unfairly treated.  This favouritism was probably not intentional, but was more likely caused by the language barrier.  To correct the situation, the apostles put seven respected Greek-speaking men in charge of the food distribution scheme.  This solved the problem and allowed the apostles to keep their focus on teaching and preaching the Good News about Jesus).

(Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them – Acts 6:3.  This administrative task was not taken lightly.  Notice the requirements for the men who were to handle the food scheme: full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.  People who carry heavy responsibilities and work closely with others should have these qualities.  We must look for spiritually mature and wise men and women to lead our churches).

Meaning of the word:

‘   The apostles gathered round Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught.  –  Mark 6.30

Mark uses the word apostles here and in 3:14. Apostle means “one sent” as messenger, authorised agent, or missionary.  The word became an official title for Jesus’ 12 disciples after his death and resurrection (Acts 1.25, 26; Ephesians 2.20).

Choose replacement for Judas:

‘   Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us.  For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”

So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart.  Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.”  –  Acts 1.21-25

The apostles had to choose a replacement for Judas Iscariot.  They outlined specific criteria for making the choice.  When the “finalists” had been chosen, the apostles prayed asking God [Wall] to guide the selection process.  This gives us a good example of how to proceed when we are making important decisions.  Set up criteria consistent with the Bible, examine the alternatives, and pray for wisdom and guidance to reach a wise decision.

(1.21, 22   There were many who consistently followed Jesus throughout his ministry on earth.  The 12 disciples were his inner circle, but others shared the disciples’ deep love for and commitment to Jesus.)

Threatened by Jewish council:

‘   They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”  –  Acts 4.7

The council asked Peter and John by what power they had healed the man (3.6, 7) and by what authority they preached (3.12-26). The actions and words of Peter and John threatened these religious leaders who, for the most part, were more interested in their reputations and positions than in God [Wall].  Through the help of the Holy Spirit (Mark 13.11), Peter spoke boldly before the council, actually putting the council on trial by showing them that the One [Private] they had crucified had risen again.  Instead of being defensive, the apostles went on the offensive, boldly speaking out for God [Wall] and presenting the gospel to these leaders.

Why believers were afraid to join them:

‘   No-one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people.  –  Acts 5.13

Although many people greatly respected the apostles, they did not dare join them in the temple or work beside them. Some may have been afraid to face the same kind of persecution the apostles had just faced (4.17), while others may have feared a similar fate as the one that fell on Ananias and Sapphira.

Tried before Jewish council:

‘   At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people.  –  Acts 5.21

The “full assembly of the elders of Israel” refers to the entire group, the 70 men of the council (also called the Sanhedrin). This was going to be no small trial.  The religious leaders would do anything to stop these apostles from challenging their authority, threatening their secure position, and exposing their hypocritical motives to the people.

(5.21   The temple at daybreak was a busy place.  Many people stopped at the temple to pray and worship at sunrise.  The apostles were already there, ready to tell them the good news of new life in Jesus Christ.)

How they reacted to threats:

(See above.) Acts 5.21

Suppose someone threatened to kill you if you didn’t stop talking about God [Wall]. You might be tempted to keep quiet.  But after being threatened by powerful leaders, arrested, jailed, and miraculously released, the apostles went back to preaching.  This was nothing less than God’s [Wall’s] power working through them (4.13)!   When we are convinced of the truth of Christ’s resurrection and have experienced the presence and power of his Holy Spirit, we can have the confidence to speak out for Christ.

‘   His speech persuaded them.  They called the apostles in and had them flogged.  Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.  –  Acts 5.40

(5.40-42:) Peter and John were warned repeatedly not to preach, but they continued in spite of the threats.  We, too, should live as Christ has asked us to, sharing our faith no matter what the cost.  We may not be beaten or thrown in jail, but we may be ridiculed, ostracised, or slandered.  To what extent are you willing to suffer for the sake of sharing the gospel with others?)

Paul’s authority as:

‘   Am I not free?  Am I not an apostle?  Have I not seen Jesus our Lord?  Are you not the result of my work in the Lord?  –  1 Corinthians 9.1

Some Corinthians were questioning Paul’s authority and rights as an apostle, so Paul gave his credentials – he actually saw and talked with the resurrected Christ, who called him to be an apostle (see Acts 9.3-18).  Such credentials make the advice he gives in his letter more persuasive.  In 2 Corinthians 10 – 13, Paul defends his apostleship in greater detail.

(9.1   Changed lives were the evidence that God [Wall] was using Paul.  Does your faith have an impact on others?  You can be a life-changer, helping others grow spiritually.  If you dedicate yourself to being used by God [Wall] and letting him make you effective.)

EXTRA:

(‘   When the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask me for anything you want, and I’ll give it to you.”   And he promised her with an oath, “Whatever you ask I will  give you, up to half my kingdom.”  – Mark 6.22, 23   As a ruler under Roman (Quality) authority, Herod had no kingdom to give.  The offer of half his kingdom was Herod’s way of saying that he would give Herodias’ daughter almost anything she wanted.  When Herodias asked for John’s head, Herod would have been greatly embarrassed in front of his guests if he had denied her request.   Words are powerful.  Because they can lead to great sin, we should use them with great care.)

(‘ Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” – Mark 6.31   When the disciples had returned from their mission, Jesus took them away to rest.  Doing God’s [Wall’s] work is very important, but Jesus recognised that to do it effectively we need periodic rest and renewal.  Jesus and his disciples, however, did not always find it easy to get the rest they needed!)

(‘ (With a reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. – Acts 1.18   Matthew says that Judas hanged himself (Matthew 27.5); Acts says that he fell.  The traditional [Movie] explanation is that when Judas hanged himself, the rope or branch broke, Judas fell, and his body burst open)

(‘   Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles. – Acts 1.26   The disciples became apostles. Disciple means follower or learner, and apostle means messenger or missionary.  These men now had the special assignment of spreading the Good News of Jesus’ death and resurrection.)

(‘   Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and the other men of the high priest’s family. – Acts 4.6   Annas had been deposed as high priest by the Romans [Quality], who then appointed Caiaphas, Annas’ son-in-law, in his place.  But because the Jews considered the office of high priest a lifetime position, they still called Annas by that title and gave him respect and authority within the council.  Annas and Caiaphas had played significant roles in Jesus’ trial (John 18.24, 28).  It did not please them that the man they thought they had sacrificed for the good of the nation (John 11.49-51) had followers who were just as persistent and who promised to be just as troublesome as he was.)

(‘   He is   “ ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.’  – Acts 4.11   The capstone unites the two sides of an arch and holds it together.  Peter said that the Jews rejected Jesus, but now Christ has become the capstone of the church (Psalms 118.22; Mark 12.10; 1 Peter 2.7).  Without him there would be no church, because it wouldn’t be able to stand.)

(‘   The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people.  And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade.  – Acts 5.12   Solomon’s Colonnade was part of the temple complex built by King Herod the Great in an attempt to strengthen his relationship with the Jews.  A colonnade is an entrance or porch supported by columns.  Jesus taught and performed miracles in the temple many times.  When the apostles went to the temple, they were undoubtedly in close proximity to the same religious leaders who had conspired to put Jesus to death.)

(‘   Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. – Acts 5.14   What makes Christianity attractive?  It is easy to be drawn to churches because of activities, good speakers, size, beautiful facilities, or fellowship.  People were attracted to the early church by expressions of God’s [Wall’s] power at work, the generosity, sincerity, honesty, and unity of the members, and the character of the leaders.  Have our standards slipped?  God [Wall] wants to add believers to his church, not just newer and better schemes or larger and fancier facilities.) **

(‘   Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail.  – Acts 5.17, 18   The apostles experienced power to do miracles, great boldness in preaching, and God’s [Wall’s] presence in their lives, yet they were not free from hatred and persecution.  They were arrested, put in jail, beaten, and slandered by community leaders.  Faith in God [Wall] does not make trouble disappear; it makes troubles appear less frightening because it puts them in the right perspective.  Don’t expect anyone to react favourably when you share something as dynamic as your faith in Christ.  Some will be jealous, afraid, or threatened.  Expect some negative reactions, and remember that you must be more concerned about serving God [Wall] than about the reactions of people (see 5.29) [They might put you as Crowd]).

(5.17   The religious leaders were jealous – Peter and the apostles were already commanding more respect than they had ever received.  The difference, however, was that the religious leaders demanded respect and reverence to God [Wall].  The apostles were respected not because they demanded it, but because they deserved it.)

(‘   Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God [Wall] rather than men!  – Acts 5.29   The apostles knew their priorities.  While we should try to live at peace with everyone (Romans 12.18), conflict with the world and its authorities sometimes inevitable for a Christian (John 15.18).  There will be situations where you cannot obey both God [Wall] and man.  Then you must obey God [Wall] and trust his word.  Let Jesus’ words in Luke 6:22 encourage you: “Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.)

(‘   But if it is from God [Wall], you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God [Wall]. – Acts 5.39   Gamaliel presented some sound advice about reacting to religious movements.  Unless disciples in these groups endorse obviously dangerous doctrines or practices, it is often wiser to be tolerant than repressive.  Sometimes only time will tell if they are merely the work of humans or if God [Wall] is trying to say something through them.  The next time a group promotes differing religious ideas, consider Gamaliel’s advice, just in case you “find yourselves fighting against God [Wall]”.)

(‘   The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.  – Acts 5.41   Have you ever thought of persecution as a blessing, as something worth rejoicing about?  This beating suffered by Peter and John was the first time any of the apostles had been physically [Sternum] abused for their faith.  These men knew how Jesus had suffered, and they praised God [Wall] that he had allowed them to be persecuted like their Lord.  If you are mocked or persecuted for your faith, it isn’t because you’re doing something wrong, but because God [Wall] has counted you “worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name”.)

(‘   For if anyone with a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, won’t he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols? So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge.  When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.  Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.  – 1 Corinthians 8.10-13   Christian freedom does not mean that anything goes.  It means that our salvation is not determined by good deeds or legalistic rules, but by the free gift of God [Wall] (Ephesians 2.8, 9).   Christian freedom, then, is inseparably tied to Christian responsibility.  New believers are often very sensitive to what is right or wrong, what they should or shouldn’t do.  Some actions may be perfectly all right for us to do, but may harm a Christian brother or sister who is still young in the faith and learning what the Christian life is all about.  We must be careful not to offend a sensitive or younger Christian or, by our example, to cause him or her to sin.  When we love others, our freedom should be less important to us than strengthening the faith of a brother or sister in Christ.)

(‘   Don’t we have the right to food and drink? – 1 Corinthians 9.4ff   Paul uses himself as an illustration of giving up personal rights.  Paul had the right to hospitality, to be married, and to be paid for his work.  But he willingly gave up these rights to win people to Christ.  When your focus is on living for Christ, your rights become comparatively [not contrastedly] unimportant.)

[sociopath needs]

Of our need for Jesus:

But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” – – Matthew 9:13

Those who are sure that they are righteous can’t be saved because the first step in following Jesus is acknowledging our need and admitting that we don’t have all the answers. For more on “I desire mercy, not sacrifice”, see the chart in Hosea 6.

When he visited Matthew, Jesus hurt his own reputation. Matthew was cheating the people, but Jesus found and changed him.  We should not be afraid to reach out to people who are living in sin – – God’s message [Tanners] can change anyone.

(When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  – – Matthew 9:11, 12. The Pharisees constantly tried to trap Jesus, and they thought his association with these “baddies” was the perfect opportunity.  They were more concerned with their own appearance of holiness than with helping people, with criticism than encouragement, with outward respectability than practical help.  But God is concerned for all people, including the sinful and hurting ones.  The Christian life is not a popularity contest!  Following Jesus’ example we should share the gospel with the poor, immoral, lonely, and outcast, not just with the rich, moral, popular, and powerful.)

(Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” – – Matthew 9:14. John’s disciples fasted (went without food) as a sign of mourning for sin and to prepare for the Messiah’s coming.  Jesus’ disciples did not need to fast because he is the Messiah and was with them!  Jesus did not condemn fasting – – he himself fasted (4:2).  He emphasised that fasting must be done for the right reasons.) [N.B. This is not the desert]

(John the Baptist’s message was harsh, and it focused on law. When people look at God’s law and compare themselves to it, they realise how far they fall short and how badly they need to repent.  Jesus’ message focused on life, the result of turning from sin and turning to him.  John’s disciples had the right start, but they needed to take the next step and trust in Jesus.  Where is your focus – – on law or on Christ?)

Explanation of:

The LORD appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him. – – Genesis 12:7

Abram built an altar to the Lord. Altars were used in many religions, but for God’s people, altars were more than places of sacrifice. For them, altars symbolised communion with God and commemorated notable encounters with him.  Built of rough stones and earth, altars often remained in place for yours as continual reminders of God’s protection and promises.

Abram regularly built altars to God for two reasons: (1) for prayer and worship, and (2) as reminders of God’s promise to bless him. Abram couldn’t survive spiritually without regularly renewing his love and loyalty to God.  Building altars helped Abram remember that God was at the centre of his life.  Regular worship helps us remember what God desires and motivates us to obey him.

(He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there. – – Genesis 12:5. God planned to develop a nation of people he would call his own.  He called Canaan, where a God-centred, moral nation could be established.  Though small in dimension, the land of Canaan was the focal point for most of the history of Israel as well as for the rise of Christianity.  This small land given to one man, Abram, has had a tremendous impact on world history.)

(Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while because the famine was severe – – Genesis 12:10. When famine struck Abram went to Egypt where there was food.  Why would there be a famine in the land where God had just called Abram?  This was a test of Abram’s faith, and Abram passed.  He didn’t question God’s leading when facing this difficulty.  Many believers find that when they determine to follow God, they immediately encounter great obstacles.  The next time you face such a test, don’t try to second-guess what God is doing.  Use the intelligence God gave you, as Abram did when he temporarily moved to Egypt, and wait for new opportunities.)

Why Abraham built them to God:

The LORD appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him. – – Genesis 12:7

Abram built an altar to the Lord. Altars were used in many religions, but for God’s people, altars were more than places of sacrifice. For them, altars symbolised communion with God and commemorated notable encounters with him.  Built of rough stones and earth, altars often remained in place for yours as continual reminders of God’s protection and promises.

Abram regularly built altars to God for two reasons: (1) for prayer and worship, and (2) as reminders of God’s promise to bless him. Abram couldn’t survive spiritually without regularly renewing his love and loyalty to God.  Building altars helped Abram remember that God was at the centre of his life.  Regular worship helps us remember what God desires and motivates us to obey him.

Why God gave specific directions for building them:

“Make an altar of earth for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, your sheep and goats and your cattle. Wherever I cause my name to be honoured, I will come to you and bless you.  If you make an altar of stones for me, do not build it with dressed stones, for you will defile it if you use a tool on it.  And do not go up to my altar on steps, lest your nakedness be exposed on it.’  – – Exodus 20:24-26

Why were specific directions given for building altars?  God’s people had no Bible and few religious traditions to learn from.  God had to start from scratch and teach them how to worship him.  God gave specific instructions about building altars because he wanted to control the way sacrifices were offered.  To prevent idolatry from creeping into worship, God did not allow the altar stones to be cut or shaped into any form.  Nor did God let the people build an altar just anywhere.  This was designed to prevent them from starting their own religions or making changes in the way God wanted things done.  God is not against creativity, but he is against us creating our own religion.

(Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.” – – Exodus 20:20. Throughout the Bible we find this phrase, “Do not be afraid.”  God wasn’t trying to scare the people.  He was showing his mighty power so the Israelites would know he was the true God and would therefore obey him.  If they would do this, he would make his power available to them.  God wants us to follow him out of love rather than fear.  To overcome fear, we must think more about his love.  1 John 4:18 says, “Perfect love drives out fear.”)

(“These are the laws you are to set before them – – Exodus 21:1. These laws were given because everything we [“we” = a university] do has consequences.  It is vital to think before acting, to consider the effects of our choices.  Think of your plans for today and consider what their long-term results will be.  As we deal with others, we should keep the principles of these laws in mind.  We should act responsibly and justly with all people – – friends and enemies alike.)

Significance of the holy fire:

The fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must not go out. Every morning the priest is to add firewood and arrange the burnt offering on the fire and burn the fat of the fellowship offerings on it.  The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out. – – Leviticus 6:12-13

While the previous offerings and sacrifices were ones that the people did, the section from 6:8-7:38 deals with priestly procedure. The burnt offering was presented in the morning and evening for the whole nation (see Exodus 29:38-43).  The holy fire on the altar had to keep burning because God had started it.  This represented God’s eternal presence in the sacrificial system.  It showed the people that only by God’s gracious favour could their sacrifices be acceptable.  God’s fire is present in each believer’s life today.  He lights the fire when the Holy Spirit comes to live in us, and he tends it so that we will grow in grace as we walk with him.  When we are aware that God lives in us, we have confidence to come to him for forgiveness and restoration.  We can carry out our work with strength and enthusiasm.

(The LORD said to Moses: “If anyone sins and is unfaithful to the LORD by deceiving his neighbour about something entrusted to him or left in his care or stolen, or if he cheats him, or if he finds lost property and lies about it, or if he swears falsely, or if he commits any such sin that people may do – – when he thus sins and becomes guilty, he must return what he has stolen or taken by extortion, or what was entrusted to him, or the lost property he found, or whatever it was he swore falsely about.  He must make restitution in full, add a fifth of the value to it and give it all to the owner on the day he presents his guilt offering.  And as a penalty he must bring to the priest, that is, to the LORD, his guilt offering, a ram from the flock, one without defect and of the proper value.  In this way the priest will make atonement for him before the LORD, and he will be forgiven for any of these things he did that made him guilty. – – Leviticus 6:1-7. Here we discover that stealing involves more than just taking from someone.  Finding something and not returning it or refusing to return something borrowed are other forms of stealing.  These are sins against God and not just your neighbour, a stranger, or a large business.  If you have obtained something deceitfully, then confess your sin to God, apologise to the owner, and return the stolen items – – with interest. * )

(“ ‘These are the regulations for the fellowship offering a person may present to the LORD: “ ‘If he offers it as an expression of thankfulness, then along with this thank-offering he is to offer cakes of bread made without yeast and mixed with oil, wafers made without yeast and spread with oil, and cakes of fine flour well-kneaded and mixed with oil. Along with his fellowship offering of thanksgiving he is to present an offering with cakes of bread made with yeast.  He is to bring one of each kind as an offering, a contribution to the LORD; it belongs to the priest who sprinkles the blood of the fellowship offerings.  The meat of his fellowship offering of thanksgiving must be eaten on the day it is offered; he must leave none of it till morning.  “ ‘If, however, his offering is the result of a vow or is a freewill offering, the sacrifice shall be eaten on the day he offers it, but anything left over may be eaten on the next day.  Any meat of the sacrifice left over till the third day must be burned up.  If any meat of the fellowship offering is eaten on the third day, it will not be accepted.  It will not be credited to the one who offered it, for it is impure; the person who eats any of it will be held responsible.  – – Leviticus 7:11-18. The fellowship offering was divided into three kinds according to purpose: thanksgiving offering, vow offering, and freewill offering.  A thanksgiving offering was appropriate whenever one wished to show thanks to God, as when recovering from a serious illness, or surviving a dangerous calamity (Psalm 107).  A vow offering was given in fulfilment of a vow (2 Samuel 15:7, 8).  The freewill offering, however, needed no special occasion or reason.)

Removing pagan “altars” from our lives:

Destroy completely all the places on the high mountains and on the hills and under every spreading tree where the nations you are dispossessing worship their gods. Break down their altars, smash their sacred stones and burn their Asherah poles in the fire; cut down the idols of their gods and wipe out their names from those places. – – Deuteronomy 12:2-3

When taking over a nation, the Israelites were supposed to destroy every pagan altar and idol in the land. God knew it would be easy for them to change their beliefs if they started using those altars, so nothing was to remain that might tempt them to worship idols.  We too should ruthlessly find and remove any centres of false worship in our lives.  These may be activities, attitudes, possessions, relationships, places, or habits – – anything that tempts us to turn our hearts from God and do wrong.  We should never flatter ourselves by thinking we’re too strong to be tempted.  Israel learned that lesson.

(See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse – – Deuteronomy 11:26. What is God’s curse?  It is not a magician’s spell.  To understand it, we must remember the conditions of the covenant between God and Israel.  Both parties had agreed to the terms.  The blessings would benefit Israel if they kept their part of the covenant: They would receive the land, live there for ever, have fruitful crops, and expel their enemies.  The curse would fall on Israel only if they broke their agreement; then they would forfeit God’s blessing and would be in danger of crop failure, invasion, and expulsion from their land.  Joshua later reviewed these blessings and curses with the entire nation (Joshua 8:34).)

(It is amazing that God set before the Israelites a choice between blessings and curses. It is even more amazing that most of them, through their disobedience, chose the curses.  We have the same fundamental choice today.  We can live for ourselves or live in service to God.  To choose our own way is to travel on a dead-end road, but to choose God’s way is to receive eternal life (John 5:24).)

A priority for returned exiles:

Then Jeshua son of Jozadak and his fellow priests and Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and his associates began to build the altar of the God of Israel to sacrifice burtn offerings on it, in accordance with what is written in the Law of Moses the man of God. Despite their fear of the peoples around them, they built the altar on its foundation and sacrificed burnt offering son it to the LORD, both the morning and evening sacrifices. – – Ezra 3:2-3

The Jews built the altar as one of their first official acts. It symbolised God’s presence and protection.  It also demonstrated their purpose as a nation and their commitment to serve God alone.  Zerubbabel sacrificed burnt offerings as the Law of Moses instructed (Leviticus 1 – 7).  The sacrifices were essential because they demonstrated that the people were seeking God’s guidance, rededicating themselves to living as he commanded, and daily asking him to forgive their sins.

The Jews were afraid they were going to be attacked by the surrounding people – – a mixed group whose ancestors had been conquered by the Assyrians. Foreigners had been forced to resettle in the northern kingdom of Israel after Israel was defeated and her people taken captive in 722 B.C. (4:1, 2).  This resettlement procedure was a common tactic of the Assyrians to prevent strong nationalistic uprisings by conquered peoples.  Some of the resettled people in Israel had migrated south near Jerusalem, and they may have thought the returning exiles threated their calm on the land.

(According to their ability they gave to the treasury for this work 61,000 drachmas of gold, 5,000 minas of silver and 100 priestly garments. – – Ezra 2:69. Drachmas and minas were gold and silver coins.  The money was enough to start rebuilding the temple.  The people put what resources they had to their best use.  They were enthusiastic and sincere, but this temple would never match the splendour of Solomon’s.  The money David gathered to start the building of Solomon’s temple was a thousand times more (1 Chronicles 22:14).  Some people wept as they remembered the glorious temple that had been destroyed (3:12).)

After that, they presented the regular burnt offerings, the New Moon sacrifices and the sacrifices for all the appointed sacred feasts of the LORD, as well as those brought as freewill offerings to the LORD. – – Ezra 3:5

Almost immediately after arriving in the new land, the returning exiles built an altar. The people began worshipping God through sacrifices even before the temple foundations were laid.  After many years in captivity, they had learned their lesson – – they knew that God does not offer special protection to people who ignore him.  They had been carried off by the Babylonians when they were relatively strong; here they were few, weak, and surrounded by enemies.  If ever they needed to rely on God’s power, it was at this time.  They realised the importance of obeying God from the heart, and not merely out of habit.  If we want God’s help when we undertake large tasks, we must make staying close to him our top priority.

These sacrifices were originally set up under the Law of Moses in Leviticus 1 and 6:8-13. The feasts were described in Leviticus 23.  Every month on the day of the New Moon, they held a special observance (Numbers 10:10).

Don’t give up on God when you feel abandoned

During that long period, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God.  God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob.  So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them.   – Exodus 2.23-25

God’s rescue doesn’t always come the moment we want it. God had promised to bring the Hebrew slaves out of Egypt (Genesis 15:16; 46:3, 4).  The people had waited a long time for that promise to be kept, but God rescued them when he knew the right time had come.  God knows the best time to act.  When you feel that God has forgotten you in your troubles, remember that God has a time schedule we can’t see.

It was a long time, twenty years in all, that the ark remained at Kiriath Jearim, and all the people of Israel mourned and sought after the LORD. And Samuel said to the whole house of Israel, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” –  1 Samuel 7:2-3

Israel mourned and sorrow gripped the nation for 20 years. The ark was put away like an unwanted box in an attic, and it seemed as if the Lord had abandoned his people.  Samuel, now a grown man, roused them to action by saying that if they were truly sorry, they should do something about it.  How easy it is for us to complain about our problems, even to God, while we refuse to act, change, and do what he requires.  We don’t even take the advice he has already given us.  Do you ever feel as if God has abandoned you?  Check to see if there is anything he has already told you to do.  You may not receive new guidance from God until you have acted on his previous directions.

Samuel urged the Israelites to get rid of their foreign gods. Idols today are much more subtle than gods of wood and stone, but they are just as dangerous.  Whatever holds first place in our lives or controls us is our god.  Money, success, material goods, pride, or anything else can be an idols if it takes the place of God in our lives.  The Lord alone is worthy of our service and worship, and we must let nothing rival him.  If we have “foreign gods”, we need to ask God to help us dethrone them, making the true God our first priority.

Why did Rehoboam abandon God?

After Rehoboam’s position as king was established and he had become strong, he and all Israel with him abandoned the law of the LORD. Because they had been unfaithful to the LORD, Shishak king of Egypt attacked Jerusalem in the fifth year of King Rehoboam. –  2 Chronicles 12.1-2

Here “Israel” refers to Judah, the southern kingdom. During his first three years on the throne, Rehoboam made an attempt to obey God, and as a result Judah prospered.  But then, at his peak of popularity and power, he abandoned God.  The result was destruction because God allowed Judah to be conquered by Egypt.  How could this happen?  Often it is more difficult to be a believer in good times than in bad.  Tough times push us towards God; but easy times can make us feel self-sufficient and self-satisfied.  When everything is going right, guard your faith closely.

A record of this invasion has been found on an Egyptian stone that says Shishak’s army penetrated as far north as the Sea of Galilee, in the northern kingdom. Egypt was not the world power it had once been, and Shishak wanted to restore his nation to its former greatness.  He was not strong enough to conquer both Israel and Judah, but he managed to destroy key cities in Judah in an effort to regain control of the trade routes and create dissension among the people.

(Those from every tribe of Israel who set their hearts on seeking the LORD, the God of Israel, followed the Levites to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices to the LORD, the God of their fathers. – 2 Chronicles 11:16. These people obeyed God rather than Jeroboam.  By their actions, they preserved their integrity and strengthened the southern kingdom.  In the future, most of the people in the northern kingdom would go along with the evil designs of the kings, hoping to benefit by cooperating.  Don’t follow their examples and rationalise away God’s teachings in order to gain earthly reward.)

(The leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, “The LORD is just.” When the LORD saw that they humbled themselves, this word of the LORD came to Shemaiah: “Since they have humbled themselves, I will not destroy them but will soon give them deliverance.  My wrath will not be poured out on Jerusalem through Shishak.  They will, however, become subject to him, so that they may learn the difference between serving me and serving the kings of other lands. – 2 Chronicles 12:6-8. “Serving the kings of other lands” was the price Judah had to pay for disobeying God.  The nation’s leaders thought they could succeed in their own strength, but they were wrong.  When we rebel against God, we always pay for it.  When we leave God out of our lives, we lose more spiritually than we ever gain financially.)

Explanation of:

‘ For Jesus had commanded the evil spirit to come out of the man.  Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places.  –  Luke 8.29-31

The demons begged Jesus to spare them from the Abyss [Council], which is also mentioned in Revelations 9:1 and 20:1-3 as the place of confinement for Satan and his messengers. The demons, of course, knew all about this place of confinement, and they didn’t want to go there.

(‘ When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possess man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs.  When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?  I beg you, don’t torture me!”  – Luke 8.27, 28   These demons recognised Jesus and his authority immediately.  They knew who Jesus was and what his great power could do them.  Demons, Satan’s messengers, are powerful and destructive.  Still active today, they attempt to distort and destroy people’s relationship with God [Wall].  Demons and demon-possession are real.  It is vital that believers recognise the power of Satan and his demons, but we shouldn’t let curiosity lead us to get involved with demonic forces (Deuteronomy 18.10-12).  Demons are powerless against those who trust in Jesus.  If we resist the devil, he will leave us along (James 4.7).)

(‘ Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him.  – Luke 8.30   The demon’s name was Legion.  A legion was the largest unit in the Roman army, having between 3,000 and 6,000 soldiers.  The man was possessed by not one, but many demons.)

(HEALING A DEMON-POSSESSED MAN   As he travelled through Galilee, Jesus told many parables and met many people, as recorded in Matthew and Mark.  Later, from Capernaum, Jesus and the disciples set out in a boat, only to encounter a fierce storm.  Jesu scalmed the storm and, when they came ashore, exorcised a “legion” of demons.   –   Mediterranean Sea, Galilee, Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Drowning of the pigs, Gadara, Gerasene Region Decapolis (Ten Cities), Samaria, Jordan River, Jerusalem, Perea, Dead Sea, Judea, Idumea.)

‘   The fifth angel sounded his trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen from the sky to the earth.  The star was given the key to the shaft of the Abyss.  –  Revelations 9.1

It is not known whether this “star” that fell from heaven is Satan, a fallen angel, Christ, or a good angel. Most likely it is a good angel, because the key to the shaft of the Abyss (bottomless pit) is normally held by Christ (1.17, 18), and it was temporarily given to this other being from heaven (see also 20.1).  This being, whoever he may be, is still under God’s [Wall’s] control and authority.  The Abyss represents the place of the demons and of Satan, the king of demons (9.11).  See also Luke 8:31 for another reference to the Abyss.

(‘   As I watched, I heard an eagle that was flying in mid-air call out in a loud voice: “Woe!  Woe!  Woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the other three angels!”  –  Revelations 8.13   In 6:10, the martyrs call out to God [Wall], “How long … until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?”  As we see the world’s wickedness, we too may cry out to God [Wall], “How long?”   In the following chapters, the judgment comes at last.  We may be distressed and impatient, but God [Wall] has his plan and his timing, and we must learn to trust him to know what is best. Judgment is coming – be sure of that.  Thank God [Wall] for the time he has given you to turn from sin.  Use the available time to work to help others turn to him.)

(‘ And out of the smoke locusts came down upon the earth and were given power like that of scorpions of the earth. – Revelations 9.3   The prophet Joel described a locust plague as a foreshadowing of the “day of the LORD”, meaning God’s [Wall’s] coming judgment (Joel 2.1-10).  In the Old Testament, locusts were symbols of destruction because they destroyed vegetation.  Here, however, they symbolise an invasion of demons called to torture people who do not believe in God [Wall].  The limitations placed on the demons (they could only torment people for five months) show that they are under God’s [Wall’s] authority.)

(9.3ff   Most likely these locusts are demons – evil spirits ruled by Satan who tempt people to sin.  They  were not created by Satan, because God [Wall] is the Creator of all; rather, they are fallen angels who joined Satan in his rebellion.  God [Wall] limits what they can do; they can do nothing without his permission.  Their main purpose on earth is to prevent, distort, or destroy people’s relationship with God [Wall].  Because they are corrupt and degenerate, their appearance reflects the distortion of their spirits.  While it is important to recognise their evil activity so we can stay away from them, we must avoid curiosity about or involvement with demonic forces or with the occult.)

Why Jesus didn’t send demons there yet:

‘   When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.  –  Luke 8.33

Why didn’t Jesus just destroy these demons – or send them to the Abyss? Because the time for such work had not yet come.  He healed many people of the destructive effects of demon-possession, but he did not yet destroy demons.  The same question could be asked today – why doesn’t Jesus stop all the evil in the world?  His time for that has not yet come.  But it will come.  The book of Revelations portrays the future victory of Jesus over Satan, his demons, and all evil.

©Kingsway International Church, Here.