Sunday, May 10, 2015

Sunday, May 10th: Numbers 35-36, Matthew 5:1-26 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Numbers 35-36; Matthew 5:1-26

In Numbers 35 we see that the people were to be intolerant of sin, but impartial to the accused in order that justice would be served.  It is wrong to overlook wrongdoing, but it is also wrong to jump to conclusions.  It's a good reminder for us to stand up for justice, protect those who have not yet been proven guilty, and to listen to all sides of the story before making judgment.

As Chapter 36 shows us, there are always exceptions to the rule.  Wise leaders are able to sort out the legitimate concerns and make sure that justice is done in these cases.

In Matthew we have the passage that probably demonstrates how counter-cultural the biblical worldview is more than any other passage.

I liked this quote from my Life Application Bible....
The Beatitudes can be understood in at least four ways: (1) They are a code of ethics for the disciples and a standard of conduct for all believers. (2) They contrast kingdom values (what is eternal) with worldly values (what is temporary). (3) They contrast the superficial "faith" of the Pharisees with the real faith Christ wants.  (4) They show how the Old Testament expectations will be fulfilled in the new kingdom.  These beatitudes are not multiple choice - pick what you like and leave the rest. They must be taken as a whole. They describe what we should be like as Christ's followers.

I know MacArthur has pointed out that the attitudes described in the Beatitudes are essential to the gospel message.  Only those who recognize how poor in spirit they are, who mourn their lost condition, are humble enough to recognize they cannot save themselves, and who long to be made righteous will accept the gift of salvation, and in return show mercy to others.




Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage passage: Jonah 1-4; Matthew 5:27-48

2 comments:

Conrad said...

"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness," (vs 10a)

In The Message translation it translates to you're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution.

Not that the other verses are easy to accomplish, but this one in particular is a hard one for me. Fear of rejection is tough.

Pamela said...

first of all did you notice 'Noah' was a girl's name too?

10 The daughters of Zelophehad did as the Lord commanded Moses, 11 for Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married to sons of their father's brothers.

Second...

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a STAND, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that[b] they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Is my life worthy of being put on a stand?