SCRIPTURE: Numbers 15
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.’” [Luke 22:19-20]
Numbers 15 describes how every sacrifice must be accompanied by a grain (bread) and drink (wine) offering.
I see this as sacramental, a symbolic picture of fellowship with God (pictured by a meal of bread and wine) restored through the death of the substitute.
I see the bread and wine of the Lord’s Supper as symbol, like the grain and drink offering, of our fellowship with God.
This chapter also describes how these requirements apply to everyone, both Israelite and non-Israelite – portraying the inclusive extent of God’s grace.
It describes the sacrifice for unintentional sin, but also what happens to those who wilfully defy and despise God.
This was the sin of the Sabbath-breaker.
And it finishes with a description of more symbolic reminders (sacraments) of God’s covenant, the tassels on their clothes.
I see this passage as a reminder to me to take the Lord seriously, to not forget about Him through my day.
Every time I eat and drink, I can be reminded of His sacrifice and of my fellowship with Him.
Every time I see a cross, or a bible, or a church, etc.
Like the tassels, they are reminders for us so that we “will be consecrated to our God” and not “prostitute ourselves by going after the lusts of our own hearts and eyes.”
Try this: wear a cross chain or bracelet.
Keep it prominent, visible, for your own accountability.
Think about it as you are tempted to steal, to lie, to lust, or to do anything that you know would dishonour the Lord.
Positively, it can be a reminder of the Lord’s presence in your life.
But what happens when you commit the sin anyway, even though you were reminded of the Lord by the cross?
Well, this would be defiance.
And this passage speaks to that too.
Defiance eventually leads to separation from God (not fellowship), and that eventually leads to death.
Today, allow the cross, or bread and wine, recall Your attention to the Lord’s love, sacrifice, and presence with you.
Do not defy Him, desire Him!
And you will enjoy fellowship with Him!
PRAYER:
Lord, there have been times when I have defied You, done what is wrong fully aware of Your presence. Thank You for Your mercy, help me to change!
God’s Word is for all the people. The community is to have the same rules for the foreigner the rules also apply. God’s Word is for all the people – Jews and Gentiles.
And that Word is not only for food, Sabbath rules, but also for clothing. I like the tassels on the garments idea – dressing differently than all the other people. But the tassels were to remind the people what the Lord God had done for them. Remember the Lord God.
I need a physical reminder as the people did then – whether a bracelet or a cross – it is a visual reminder that I can go forward on His promises.
In my classroom visits, one item that I do look for – a physical evidence that God’s presence is in the classroom – by words – a Bible text, a poster or two – how is this classroom different from a classroom which does not acknowledge God. I need to see that upon entry even with the teacher or students presence. Give me proof.
All things also on this day need to acknowledge Him – the Lord my God. My voice must be like the voice of Thomas with a resounding My Lord and My God! He leads me this day and always and I have ‘helps’ along the way but the best Helper is the gift of His Spirit Who encourages me each day.
I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.
Refrain
I need Thee, O I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee;
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.
I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their power when Thou art nigh.
Refrain
I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is in vain.
Refrain
I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.
Refrain
I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;
O make me Thine indeed, Thou blessèd Son.