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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for April 2015
May 1, 2015
Exodus 22:28 - Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.
Thought: This passage references their allegiance to their political rulers. God has always expected His people to respect and submit to their leaders as long as they are not demanding something contrary to God’s will. We may not like some of our leaders beliefs or practices. And we should never take pleasure in sin by any means. Still, we must remember that God gives authority to those in power and commands our respect on their behalf. Always vote for candidates whose views fit closest with the scriptures. However, when a candidate gets put into office we must respect and honor them regardless if we voted for them or not.
Romans 13:2
May 2, 2015
Exodus 23:2 - Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:
Thought: We, as Christians, need to be reminded of this very often. No matter how many people have joined together to support anything contrary to the will of God we cannot join hands with them. The attitude that “the majority rules” may be true when voting on something, but spiritually speaking it could not be more false. In fact, the broad path is the one that leads to destruction spiritually. We need to be sure we are with the minority, because sadly the minority is what Christians will always be. It is no wonder why Christ would call His path the narrow one.
Matt 7:13-14
May 3, 2015
Exodus 23:20 - Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.
Thought: Angels have always been intriguing and somewhat mysteries creatures. While the Bible does not give us all the answers we might seek we do know God has always used them to fulfill His will. While we have no evidence that angels guard us in some sense today, we do know that they are ministers of His will. In some sense angels administer God’s will still today even though we cannot see them. Many want to believe we each have a guardian angel but the Bible does not teach such. What do they do today as ministering spirits? Perhaps they are involved in God’s providence as He works in the lives of His children every day.
Hebrews 1:14
May 4, 2015
Exodus 23:21 - Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him.
Thought: There appears to be a special angel often referred to as the angel of the Lord in the Old Testament. It is interesting to study this particular angel as He is referenced as being God and having God’s name on multiple occasions. I believe upon further study one must conclude this angel being referenced is none other than Jesus Christ. This angel can forgive sins, accept worship, and has the name of God in Him. We know from the book of Revelation that angels cannot accept worship. Deity alone is worthy of worship and therefore this angel must be our Lord.
Revelation 22:8-9
May 5, 2015
Exodus 23:33 - They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin against me: for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare unto thee.
Thought: Notice God will not allow the Canaanites to live in the Promised Land with Israel because their influence WILL cause them to serve other gods. God didn’t say their influence might affect them if they aren’t strong, He said it WILL. We are over confident to think we can spend time around poor influences on a regular basis and not be led to compromise our spirituality as well. No one is strong enough to avoid sin when surrounded by it daily. Paul knew what he meant when he told Christians to be careful about thinking they cannot fall. He also understood that evil companionships corrupt our good morals.
1 Cor 15:33
May 6, 2015
Exodus 24:3 - And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD hath said will we do.
Thought: The people of Israel agreed to obey all of the words of the Lord. Many Christians obey the word of God as long as it is convenient for them to do so. Basically, they are picking and choosing which commands to obey and which ones are not as important. Every individual struggles with some commands more than others. However, this does not give us the right to obey 90% of them and disregard the others. It is a scary thought, but one willful sin will keep man separated from God in eternity. Willful sin makes the cross void and without the cross we are lost.
Hebrews 10:26
May 7, 2015
Exodus 24:10 – And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness.
Thought: Not only does God use numbers as a symbol at times, but also colors. For example, red is often used as a symbol of man and his need for forgiveness. Rahab let out the messengers down a red thread. Another example would be the blood on the Israelites doorposts during the final plague. However, here we see the color blue associated with God. This is important because the tabernacle, as you recall, is made up of blue, red, and purple. Red is for man and blue is for God. What happens when you combine blue and red together? And furthermore, what might that symbolize as those three colors were placed on the veil of the tabernacle or the robe that was placed on Christ?
Exodus 36:35
May 8, 2015
Exodus 24:18 - And Moses went into the midst of the cloud, and gat him up into the mount: and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights.
Thought: The number forty is another number God uses a lot throughout the Bible. Again, the repetition of certain numbers throughout the Bible is not a coincidence. We also see the number forty used during the time the rains descended during the flood, the days in which the spies searched the land of Canaan, and with Jesus’ fasting in the wilderness, and many other times. This number seems to always appear during a time of testing and or judgement. Here we see a time of testing for Moses as he fasts without food and even water for this period of time. God was with him and sustained his life miraculously during this time.
Matthew 4:2
May 9, 2015
Exodus 25:2 - Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.
Thought: God is not and has never been interesting in our offerings that are given from an unwilling heart. Christianity must be from the heart. Everything we do for the Lord as a living sacrifice must be with proper intentions. Consider why you give of your time when you attend worship. Consider why you give of your means when the plate is passed down the aisle. Are you doing it because you love the Lord and are glad to do His will? Or are you doing it because you have to? Remember that God knows our hearts and anytime we offer to Him unwillingly our offering is no good.
Luke 16:15
May 10, 2015
Exodus 25:8 - And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.
Thought: This sanctuary, or tabernacle, was to be built at God’s command. He desired to be with His people, but there was not yet full remission of sin. Therefore, God had the people build a place in which God could come and be with His people without being near sin. Even when we are in sin God desires so strongly to be close with us. He loves us so much He would do and did do everything He could to make the path and decision easy for us to be close with Him. Yet, every time we sin we draw ourselves farther from Him. Knowing how much it hurts God to be apart from us why would we choose to sin against Him today?
Ezekiel 14:11
May 11, 2015
Exodus 25:9 - According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.
Thought: God had a specific blueprint to be used when building the tabernacle. Interestingly, the Hebrew writer tells us that the pattern was modeled after things in Heaven. While we cannot see Heaven we can get the slightest glimpse of its beauty in the finished product of the tabernacle. Like the Tabernacle, Heaven is a place of service to God. It is a place of His dwelling and where we can worship Him always. However, unlike the tabernacle, Christ has torn down the veil and we will see Him face to face forever. It truly is as the title of the song says, “What a day that will be”.
Hebrews 8:5
May 12, 2015
Exodus 25:14 - And thou shalt put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, that the ark may be borne with them.
Thought: God had them build the ark of the covenant with two rings on either side of it. They were to also make two poles and insert those poles into those rings. The ark was one of several holy items that were to be placed inside the tabernacle and could not be touched under any circumstances. However, the tabernacle and all things within had to be broken down and moved as Israel traveled. Therefore, in order to transport these items God had these poles inserted so that Israel could carry these items without actually touching them. God has always been very specific and detailed with His commands and their reasons. When we fail to listen, such as was in the case of Uzzah, we deserve the outcome.
2 Cor 9:8
May 13, 2015
Exodus 25:15 - The staves shall be in the rings of the ark: they shall not be taken from it.
Thought: Again we see the nature of our loving God who desires that His people succeed. He specifically instructed the people not to ever remove the poles from the sides of the ark. Why would He command such? Well, what might happen when it came time to move the tabernacle and the poles were packed or lost when it came time to move the ark? They couldn’t touch it or they would die nor could they leave it as that too would be contrary to God’s Will. In short, God did not want them to fail and so He gave them a command in order to heighten their chances of remembering their duty and fulfilling it appropriately. What a wonderful God we serve!
Deuteronomy 6:24
May 14, 2015
Exodus 25:23 - Thou shalt also make a table of shittim wood: two cubits shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof.
Thought: The table of showbread was another of the holy items made to be placed in the tabernacle. Unlike the ark, the table was to be placed in the holy place which is a type of the church. Just as we partake of the Lord’s Supper today they had unleavened bread in their worship in the tabernacle. In the book of Leviticus we learn that this table and the bread thereon was to be used as a memorial. Of course, when we gather around the Lord’s Table today we use this as a memorial of Christ death on the cross for our sins. Sometimes we may want to overlook the details God gave in building these materials in the tabernacle but there is great symbolism therein.
Leviticus 24:7
May 15, 2015
Exodus 25:31 - And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, shall be of the same.
Thought: The candlestick was another item to be built and located in the holy place. This would be the light in the room and was also symbolic of a part of our worship. What is it that is a light to our path? Of course, the candlestick represents the word of God. His Word is the light of our services as we teach and preach it in spirit and in Truth. In addition, the candlestick was to be made with seven lamps. Seven is a number of perfection, or completion. This certainly pertains to the word of God today which is certainly perfect having all we need for life and godliness. Be sure to pick up that lamp and allow it to light your path today.
2 Pet 2:3
May 16, 2015
Exodus 26:31 - And thou shalt make a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims shall it be made:
Thought: The vail itself was also very symbolic within the tabernacle. This was not only due to its coloration, which symbolizes man (red) and God (blue) coming together (purple), but also its purpose. Remember that the vail separated the holy and most holy place. Only the high priest could pass through the vail once per year where God dwelt. The vail had to remain because of man’s sin. However, when Christ died on the cross the vail of the temple was torn in two. Now we are able to draw nearer to God as we approach His throne without a barrier. This is because of Christ’s sacrifice through which we can be sinless. It would be detrimental to read over this section regarding the vail and to miss its significance for Christian’s even today.
Mark 15:38
May 17, 2015
Exodus 27:1 - And thou shalt make an altar of shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height thereof shall be three cubits.
Thought: This altar is known as the brazen altar. It is in contrast to the altar of incense which was inside of the tabernacle. This altar, on the other hand, was located outside of the tabernacle in the court. This is the altar used for the burnt offerings. It is certainly self-explanatory as to why this altar was not inside the tent. However what does it symbolize? Recall that burnt offerings are to be offered on behalf of sin. While sin is still applied to our soul we cannot be part of the church. Likewise the burnt offering took place outside of the tabernacle on behalf of sin. Only those who were holy could enter the tabernacle just as only the holy are added to the church today.
Acts 2:47
May 18, 2015
Exodus 27:20 - And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always.
Thought: Pure olive oil was to be used as the burning agent to keep the lamp lit all night and day. The lamp was not to go out. What a symbol of the light of God’s Word never dwindling in our lives. What a symbol of our example as we are to never let our light stop shining. As much as we would like to turn off our being an example for a day it is just not possible. In fact, every moment anyone is in our presence in any way we are being an example. That fact never changes. However, what kind of example we are being is a different story. As you are around people in your home and in public today be sure not to let you light dwindle.
Matt 5:16
May 19, 2015
Exodus 28:1 - And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons.
Thought: We recall that only descendants of Levi were eligible to partake in the priesthood and the services of the tabernacle. Aaron and his sons were certainly part of that lineage. There is great symbolism when we consider that we, as Christians, are New Testament priests today. Only those who have become part of the lineage of Christ, through obedience to the Gospel, are part of the priesthood today. As priests we have services to perform as we work and labor in His kingdom, the church. As you go about your day today remember that you are always in service to the Lord. Never forget who you represent and become apathetic toward your work as a Christian and member of the church.
1 Peter 2:5
May 20, 2015
Exodus 28:2 - And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty.
Thought: Moses spends the next several verses discussing the great detail that would go into making these garments. God cared about what they were into His service and wanted their garments to mean something and embedded them with great symbolism. If God cared about what the priests were in His tabernacle then do you think He cares about what we wear in His worship today? Certainly, He does not give us specific detailed dress codes but at the same time our dress delivers a message today as it did then. For example, when you attend a funeral why don’t you wear flip flops and shorts? Or why not wear a ball cap to a wedding? We understand the dress communicates respect or disrespect. Again, there is no dress code for worship service as each individual has his/her own attire they can afford to buy. Yet, do we put on the best outfits we have to show respect to our Lord when we worship Him?
Hebrews 12:28
May 21, 2015
Exodus 28:39 - And thou shalt embroider the coat of fine linen, and thou shalt make the mitre of fine linen, and thou shalt make the girdle of needlework.
Thought: Commentators are unanimous when discussing this coat given to the high priest. They believe this coat had no seam in it. Why is that significant? Do you remember why the Roman soldiers cast lots for Jesus’ tunic while He hung on that cross? It was because there was no seam like His other garments had. Therefore, they would have had to tear this tunic in order to divide it between the four of them. Instead, they decided to cast lots for it and the winner got the whole cloak. It seems very probable that this tunic, while also prophesied, represented Christ as our High Priest. The Hebrew writer, after all, discusses Christ as being our High Priest once and for all. The Bible is littered with symbols and shadows if we but dig deeper every day in His Word.
John 19:24
May 22, 2015
Exodus 28:42 - And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach
Thought: Modesty has always been important in the eyes of God. From the beginning we see God enforcing an appropriate covering of our bodies even with Adam and Eve. We sometimes pick on women with this subject as men are prone to visual stimulation. However, this passage is referencing the men. Notice the immodesty is revealing the upper leg in this case. The thigh would have represented everything above the knee cap according to many Biblical scholars. Whenever the temperature rises we may decide to wear shorts and thinner shirts. But be sure not to reveal more of your body than God would deem acceptable.
Gen 3:21
May 23, 2015
Exodus 29:12 - And thou shalt take of the blood of the bullock, and put it upon the horns of the altar with thy finger, and pour all the blood beside the bottom of the altar.
Thought: These sacrifices were a very bloody and gory scene. This seems to be symbolic of the way that God looked at sin. These sacrifices were offered due to sin and were gross like sin is to God. We sometimes view sin as pleasurable and great to look upon in our fleshly bodies. However, to God sin is as disgusting as you can imagine. Maybe there are things that you cannot even watch or look at because of the effect it has on your stomach. In a spiritual sense, God cannot even look upon sin as it is the opposite of who He is and what He loves.
Hab 1:13
May 24, 2015
Exodus 29:20 - Then shalt thou kill the ram, and take of his blood, and put it upon the tip of the right ear of Aaron, and upon the tip of the right ear of his sons, and upon the thumb of their right hand, and upon the great toe of their right foot, and sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about.
Thought: Notice that the blood from the sacrifice was to be put on the extremities of the body. It was put on the tip of the ear, hand, and great toe of their foot. This seems to be symbolic in nature as well. The atonement for sin covers every bit of man from one tip to the other. God’s forgiveness is not marginal although it is conditional. When God’s grants atonement it is full and complete. Every sin man has committed, no matter how awful it may seems to be, is forgiven by the blood of Christ. What a blessing to know God forgives us from top to bottom. But what does that say about the way we must forgive our fellow man?
Eph 4:32
May 25, 2015
Exodus 29:33 - And they shall eat those things wherewith the atonement was made, to consecrate and to sanctify them: but a stranger shall not eat thereof, because they are holy.
Thought: There are some things God allows only His people to participate in. In this case no stranger of Israel could eat of the sacrificial meat. There are many spiritual things that can be done by all man, such as kindness, love, and marriage. However, there are also some things reserved only for those who are Christians. For example, only Christians partake of the Lord’s Supper and receive positive answers from the Lord in prayer. Only a Christians can truly be overwhelmed with all the spiritual blessings God bestows upon us in this world. Are you a faithful Christian today being one who receives these daily blessings?
1 Pet 3:12
May 26, 2015
Exodus 29:46 - And they shall know that I am the LORD their God, that brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, that I may dwell among them: I am the LORD their God.
Thought: In this last verse of the chapter the Lord makes it clear that one of the primary reasons for all these statutes is to remind Israel that God is among them and the He is their Lord. We serve a God who has emotion. He feels joy, compassion, and sometimes anger. He loves His people and all He wants is for them to love Him back. Everything God asks us to do is for our good and to remind us the He is there caring for us. The beauty of nature around us and the design of all His creation also serve as a reminder of our omnipotent God. How is it that we can go through a day and forget Him? Why is it we allow sin into our lives and push God aside? You must answer that question for yourself today.
1 John 4:19
May 27, 2015
Exodus 30:1 - And thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon: of shittim wood shalt thou make it.
Thought: Another part of the holy place within the tabernacle was an altar better known as the altar of incense. The incense would be burned and come up before God as a sweet smelling savor. This symbolizes yet another aspect of our worship. Just like the fumes of burning incense, prayer goes up to God as a wonderful smelling aroma. As we petition our heart’s desire to God He hears our prayer and loves that His children speak with Him. What a blessing and privilege that we can easily neglect in our daily lives. Have you prayed to God yet today? Will you pray to Him again before bed tonight? Don’t neglect to “burn incense” in your home today.
Romans 10:1
May 28, 2015
Exodus 30:12 - When thou takest the sum of the children of Israel after their number, then shall they give every man a ransom for his soul unto the LORD, when thou numberest them; that there be no plague among them, when thou numberest them.
Thought: Every soul was to be held accountable and was precious to God. Additionally, with the count the people were to give a “ransom for his soul” in the form of money. It is interesting that the rich were not asked to give more nor the poor less. This was not a percentage but an assigned amount. When it came to symbolizing the salvation of the soul all people are equal before God. Every person must make the same sacrifices and devote his life the same way in order to be ransomed by Jesus Christ. No amount of money today will save us from sin but the precious blood of Christ.
1 Pet 1:18-19
May 29, 2015
Exodus 30:14 - Every one that passeth among them that are numbered, from twenty years old and above, shall give an offering unto the LORD.
Thought: God gave a specific age for those who were accountable to offer unto the Lord. Anyone under the age of twenty He did not hold accountable. Why is that? God often used the number twenty as an age of accountability for Israel. In fact, those who were destroyed in the wilderness, and did not enter the Promised Land, were twenty years old and above. Many teach that man is born in sin and accountable even as a baby. However, the Bible makes it clear that those who are not old enough to understand right and wrong are not accountable for sin. Babies are not born in sin and in Hell when aborted or die as a child. They are innocent before God until they know better.
Ezekiel 18:20
May 30, 2015
Exodus 30:18 - Thou shalt also make a laver of brass, and his foot also of brass, to wash withal: and thou shalt put it between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein.
Thought: The laver was another part of the tabernacle that was placed in the court. The priests had to wash their hands and feet with the water therein before entering the tabernacle. The symbolism of the laver is very clear. Before man can enter the church of Jesus Christ he must first be washed in baptism for the remission of sins. Some believe we are saved, part of the church, before baptism. However, just as the laver was not inside the tabernacle so baptism is not inside the church. The washing at the laver took place before entry and so does baptism today before entry into the body of Christ.
1 Peter 3:21
May 31, 2015
Exodus 31:2 - See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:
Thought: God selected a couple of men to help Moses build the tabernacle and all therein. God gave these men particular talents and wisdom so that they could complete the work as needed. Again we see the symbolism as it relates to the church today. God gives each of His children particular talents that need to be used in growing the church today. Some might be preachers or teachers and others might be cleaners. No matter how untalented you may think you are, there is work to be done that you are capable of doing. Are you doing your part to labor in growing the church where you attend? Find the abilities you have that can help the church, whether you deem them great or small, and use them to labor for the Lord as He would have you to.
Eph 4:16
Read devotionals for June 2015