The Nation of Israel
Today's "Knoxville News-Sentinel" has an article on how skulls have become a big fashion statement. What used to be reserved for the underground and Goth kids has become mainstream. Skulls are everywhere. The fashion designers use them because of their connection with poison, danger, pirates, and death. Although most popular with the young, they can give an edge to older fashionistas who want to look tough. Isaiah 65:4 tells us of those "Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels." The Maniac of Gadara who was delivered by Jesus Christ also had "his dwelling among the tombs" (Mark 5:3). We have a generation that is given to death. They dwell among the tombs and need to be delivered from the evil one.
The Book of Numbers is a great book when looking for devotional material.In chapters 1-10 the people seem to be wholly following the commandments of the Lord. However,chapter 11 is the beginning of woes.The very first phrase is "And when the people complained, it displeased the Lord".In chapter 12, we find the murmuring moving up the poles into the leadership and infecting Miriam and Aaron as they murmur against Moses. In chapter 13, ten of the twelve spies come back with an evil report concerning the land of promise. In chapter 14, we find the people wanting to make a captain to return to Egypt and then wanting to stone Joshua and Caleb for their report of faith.This chapter includes the decision of the Israelites not to go into the land of promise and then their decision to go into the land of promise after the Lord told them they could no longer go in. The Israelites decide to go against the commandments of the Lord and try to take the land of Canaan on their own, only to be smitten by the Amalekites and Canaanites.
What does it mean when the Bible says that an evil spirit was sent by God to torment Saul (reference 1 Samuel 16:14-15)?
God has filled this short chapter with vivid pictures of redemption and wonderful verses of encouragement. Perhaps the theme of this chapter is that the Lord
David established a standing army as well as officers over different areas of the economy. God gave David a genius for organization that is clearly seen in this chapter.
In a long list that began at verse fifteen, the Lord continues to describe the curse that will fall on Israel if they fail to do the commands that He has given them in the law. This chapter has 14 verses of blessing and 54 verses of curses. Though we are not under the law today, we can learn much from this lesson about how much God hates disobedience to His word.
Zechariah sees the vision of the golden candlestick and the two olive trees. The olive oil is a picture of the work of the Holy Spirit. God accomplishes His work, not by might or by power, but by the working of His Spirit. The entire vision centers on this truth.
God compares Israel to a barren or a forsaken woman in this chapter. For a small moment, He has hid His face from her. But He will bless her with everlasting kindness and show mercy unto her because of His covenant with her. This chapter is full of encouragement and kindness.
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