Exodus 36
Gifted men responsible for Tabernacleverse 1
Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab – and every WISEHEARTED man
in whom the LORD put wisdom and understanding to know
how to work all manner of work for the
SERVICE of the SANCUARY
according to all that the LORD had commanded
Workers receive all the offeringsverses 2-3
And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab
and every WISEHEARTED man
in whose heart the LORD had put WISDOM
Even every one whose heart stirred him up to come
to the work to do it
And they received of Moses all the offering
which the children of Israel had brought
for the work of the service of the sanctuary
to make it withal
And they brought yet unto him free offerings every morning
People giving too muchverses 4-5
And all the wise men – that wrought all the work of the sanctuary
came every man from his work which they made
And they spoke to Moses
saying
The people bring much more than enough for the
SERVICE of the work
which the LORD commanded to make
Moses sends message to people stating “Enough”verses 6-7
And Moses gave commandment
and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp
saying
Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the
offering of the sanctuary
SO the people WERE RESTRAINED from bringing
FOR the stuff they had was SUFFICIENT for all the work
to make it and TOO MUCH.
Curtains madeverses 8-13
And every WISE HEARTED man among them that wrought the
work of the tabernacle made TEN CURTAINS of
fine twined linen – blue – purple – scarlet
with cherubim of cunning work made he them
The LENGTH of one curtain was twenty and eight cubits
the BREADTH of one curtain four cubits
the curtains were all of ONE SIZE
And he coupled the FIVE CURTAINS one to another
and the other five curtains he coupled one to another
And he made loops of blue on the edge of one curtain from the selvedge
in the coupling – likewise he made in the uttermost
side of another curtain – in the coupling of the second
Fifty loops made he in one curtain
and fifty loops made he in the edge of the curtain which was
in the coupling of the second
the loops held one curtain to another
And he made fifty taches of gold
and coupled the curtains one unto another with the taches
so it became ONE tabernacle
Covering curtains madeverses 14-19
And he made curtains of goats’ hair for THE TENT OVER
the tabernacle – eleven curtains he made them
The LENGTH of one curtain was thirty cubits
and four cubits was the BREADTH of one curtain
the eleven curtains were of ONE SIZE
And he coupled five curtains by themselves
and six curtains by themselves
And he made fifty loops upon the uttermost edge of the curtain
in the coupling – and fifty loops made he upon the
edge of the curtain which coupled the second
And he made fifty taches of brass to couple the tent together
that it might be ONE
And he made a covering for the tent of rams’ skins dyed red
and a covering of badgers’ skins above that
Framework madeverses 20-30
And he made BOARDS for the tabernacle of shittim wood
standing up
The LENGTH of a board was ten cubits
and the BREADTH of a board one cubit and a half
one board had two tenons
equally distant one from another
thus did he make for all the
boards of the tabernacle
And he made boards for the tabernacle
twenty boards for the SOUTH side southward
and forty sockets of silver he made under the
twenty boards – two sockets under one board
for his two tenons
and two sockets under another board for his two tenons
And for the other side of the tabernacle
which is toward the NORTH corner – he made twenty boards
and their forty sockets of silver
two sockets under one board
and two sockets under another board
And for the sides of the tabernacle WESTWARD he made six boards
and two boards made he for the corners of the tabernacle
in the two sides
And they were coupled beneath
and coupled together at the head thereof – to one ring
thus he did to both of them in both the corners
And there were eight boards
and their sockets were sixteen sockets of silver
under every board two sockets
Cross bars madeverses 31-34
And he made BARS of shittim wood
five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle
and five bars for the boards of the
other side of the tabernacle
and five bars for the boards of the tabernacle
for the sides WESTWARD
And he made the middle bar to shoot through the boards
from the one end to the other
And he overlaid the boards with GOLD
and made their rings of GOLD to be places for the bars
and overlaid the bars with GOLD
Veil and Pillars madeverses 35-36
And he made a VEIL of blue – purple – scarlet – fine twined linen
with cherubim made he it of cunning work
And he made thereunto four pillars of shittim wood
and overlaid them with GOLD
their hooks were of GOLD
and he cast for them four sockets of SILVER
Entrance veil madeverses 37-38
And he made an HANGING for the tabernacle door of
blue – purple – scarlet – fine twined linen – of needle work
and the five pillars of it with their hooks
and he overlaid their chapiters and their
fillets with GOLD
but their five sockets were of BRASS
COMMENTARY:
DAILY SPIRITUAL BREAKFAST: Young Believers
: 3 And they received of Moses all the offering, which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of the sanctuary, to make it withal. And they brought yet unto him free offerings every morning. (5071 “free offerings” [nadabah] means voluntary offering, willing offerings, voluntariness, readiness of mind, willing mind, spontaneous offering, freewill offering, or prompted only by impulse)
DEVOTION: The people were acting on impulse when they brought these offerings. They just couldn’t stop themselves as there was a special project being done and they wanted to be a part of this project.
Of course, the project was building the first Tabernacle where God would enter and visit with them from time to time. They wanted to see the presence of God in the camp. They seemed to be a people that needed to see what God was doing rather than just hear about what God was doing. If they could see the cloud come into the camp they knew that God was meeting with Moses to give instructions.
The people had a mind to give. This happens on other occasions throughout the Word of God. When there was a special project that seemed to get the attention of the people they were giving until they didn’t have any more to give.
This should happen today in the local church without the pastor having to preach a series on the obligation of every believer to bring their offering to the LORD on a weekly basis to see the church move forward for the LORD.
Giving is not for the pastor or the church but for the LORD and must be used to build HIS kingdom. If the pastor takes too much of the offerings he will have to answer to the LORD. If the people give to little, then they will have to answer to the LORD.
We are to occupy until the LORD returns and that means we are to build God’s house for HIS glory in your community. If the community doesn’t see the church members coming with the offerings with a smile on their face they will wonder if the God we serve is worth believing in. No one should have to force a believer to bring an offering impulsively to the LORD.
The need has to be made known and they we should just watch the people of God fulfill the need. The children of Israel did this on this occasion.
CHALLENGE: God wants us to bring to the point where HIS name is glorified by our giving. Remember you can’t out give God.
DAILY SPIRITUAL LUNCH: Transitional Believers
: 6 And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing. (3607 “restrained” [kala’] means to restrict, finish, forbid, keep back, shut up, or withhold)
DEVOTION: How would it be like to come to church one Sunday and the pastor informs you that there will be no offering today? He stated that there was enough money in the bank to keep the church going without an offering. The problem was that the people really wanted to keep giving to the church.
When the LORD assigns a project to HIS people HE always provides the gifts needed to complete the project. In this chapter we see that those with the gifts of building came forward to do the work of the ministry. They were talented enough to get the job done and get it done right. Too often we think that if we get the job done it doesn’t matter if it is done right but in God’s eyes we have to complete both parts of a job.
In our daily life we have to constantly remind ourselves that as follower of Christ HE wants us to make sure that we do the job HE has assigned but also to do it in the right manner. Too often those who work for the church are satisfied with half a job. That doesn’t bring honor to the LORD.
The LORD told Moses what the construction of the Tabernacle was to be. Moses took the list to the people. The people were asked to bring a willing offering of the material for the tabernacle. They brought the offering.
The workers came to Moses and told them that they had enough material to build the Tabernacle. Not only did they have enough but they had too much. The people responded well to the need.
Moses had to tell them to stop bringing any more offering. There was sufficient material. The people were willing to give more. God wants that attitude to be one that we follow when we serve HIM. HE will only ask for what we can give.
In our wildest dreams could we imagine a pastor taking a special offering and telling the people to STOP!
It has been found that if the cause is good enough, there is always money for special projects. Here is an example of a special offering being taken for the things needed for the tabernacle. The people of Israel gave TOO MUCH.
Could that be our problem today? Our God provides all our needs. Sometimes HE blesses us with some of our wants. Are we giving all we can for the work of the ministry? Will a ministry that has enough tell you to stop giving today? Should it?
CHALLENGE: If God gives us a major project to do, do we think that HE will provide enough for the project to be completed? How would we rate our giving to the LORD?
: 7 For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much. (4078 “sufficient” [madday] means what is required, enough, necessary supply what is enough, large enough to achieve a purpose or a large enough quantity)
DEVOTION: Each church has needs. Each church can express a genuine need to the people and watch the LORD work.
When the people of the church see a genuine need for a project to be done there should be a willingness to give enough to complete the project. Many times we find that some churches start projects but never seem to complete them. This is a poor testimony to the people of the church and the community.
Before a project is started there should be a time of prayer to make sure the project is of the LORD. Once there is agreement that the LORD wants the project completed there should be a willingness of the people to not stop giving and working until the project is complete.
Do you see a need for a project? Is there something that the LORD has laid on your heart that would bring glory to the LORD if it was done? Is it something that you can complete by yourself or do you need the help of others?
Special projects should be done on a regular basis to help the people of the church see how God is working in their midst. No church should stay with the status quo when it comes to helping the community or the members of the local church.
There are children’s projects. There are building projects. There are special group project.
CHALLENGE: All of these need to be brought before the LORD first and then to the people of the church, so that, the LORD can watch the project come to completion.
DAILY SPIRITUAL SUPPER: Mature Believers
: 34 And he overlaid the boards with gold, and made the rights of gold to be places for the bars, and overlaid the bars with gold. (2091 “gold” [zahab] means a soft, yellow, malleable, ductile, metallic element that was considered precious, a precious metal, or coin as a medium of exchange)
DEVOTION: The Tabernacle and the Temple were building that would know the presence of the LORD. They were houses of worship. They were the place where the priests would serve the LORD.
Offering were to be used to complete the building projects. God wanted the best that they could give. HE wanted them to bring the precious metals to HIM to show that they thought more of HIM than their possessions.
Gold was used to cover many items in the Tabernacle. It was not just the color but what the gold represented. It was precious. It was valuable. It was something that was kept because it gave security to the person that owned it.
When gold was given it showed that the people believed their true security came from God. When we give an offering to the LORD while we sometimes think that we need it more than HE does yet we give it to bring glory to HIS name.
God wants our best not our second best. HE wants us to come to HIM and worship HIM with our best.
Too often we come to church thinking that God doesn’t need our money and that is true. We need to give HIM our money to show HIM that we trust HIM and need HIM.
CHALLENGE: Are you giving your gold to HIM? Are you trusting HIM?
:37 And he made a hanging for the tabernacle door of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, of needlework. (4539 “hanging” [macak] means 1 covering, rag, screen. 1a covering. 1b screen (of the tabernacle). [Strong, J. (1995). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship])
DEVOTION: Moses went about the work which God had instructed him regarding the construction of the tabernacle. This included the putting together of several veils which would separate the parts of the tabernacle, as well as one which would open to the court in front of the tabernacle. These were elaborate veils which required a lot of needlework, and the practice of using veils was continued in the construction of all the temples (both Solomon’s and King Herod’s).
The whole purpose of the hangings or veils, then, was to separate people from each other and from the presence of God. People were to think about the holiness of God before approaching Him, and were not to do so lightly or wrongfully. Instead, they were supposed to do so reverently and with awe. This led to the false concept of a distant god, along the same lines as deism, where God is viewed as transcendent and not immanent.
When Christ died, the veil in front of the Holy of Holies was ripped open from top to bottom, signifying that God had provided the way for His people to come directly into His presence. In the same way, He abolished the veil that separated the courts for those who were Jewish from those who were Gentiles. God opened Himself to be accessed 24/7/365 by any who wanted to come to Him.
CHALLENGE: There is no longer a veil which is hanging in any part of God’s economy which limits or blocks access to Him. Praise Him for that!
DISCIPLINES OF THE FAITH:
BODY
Chastity (Purity in living)
Fasting (Time alone with LORD without eating or drinking)
Sacrifice (Giving up something we want to serve the LORD)
Submission (Willing to listen to others and LORD)
Solitude (Going to a quiet place without anyone)
SOUL
Fellowship (Gathering together around the Word of God)
Frugality (wise use of resources)
Free offerings brought to the LORDverse 3
Journalizing (Writing down what you have learned from the LORD)
Study and Meditation (Thinking through your study in the Word)
Secrecy (Doing your good deeds without others knowing but God)
SPIRIT
Celebration (Gathering around a special occasion to worship LORD)
Confession (Tell the LORD we are sorry for our sins on a daily basis)
Prayer (Conversation with God on a personal level)
Silence (Letting the LORD deal with some problems and needs)
Worship (Time to praise the LORD alone or in a group)
Sanctuaryverses 1, 3, 4, 6, 8
Offering of the sanctuaryverse 6
Ten curtains –fine twined linenverses 8-13
Eleven curtains – goats hairverses 14-18
Covering for the tent – rams’ skinsverse 19
Boards of shittim wood – overlaid with goldverses 20-34
Veilverse 35
Pillars of shittim wood overlaid with goldverse 36
Hangings for the tabernacle doorverses 37-38
DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH:
Scripture (66 inerrant books of the Bible)
God the Father (First person of the Godhead)
LORD (Jehovah)verses 1, 2, 5
Put wisdom and understanding
God the Son (Second person of the Godhead – God/man, Messiah)
God the Holy Spirit (Third person of the Godhead – our comforter)
Trinity (Three persons of the Godhead who are co-equal = ONE God)
Angels (Created before the foundation of the world – Good and Evil)
Cherubimverses 8, 35
Man (Created on the sixth twenty-four hour period of creation)
Sin (Missing the mark set by God on man and angels)
Salvation (Provided by Christ’s death on the cross for our sins)
Wisdom from the LORDverses 1, 2
Understanding from the LORDverse 1
Israel (Old Testament people of God)
Bezaleel and Aholiab continue buildingverses 1, 2
every wise hearted man
heart was stirred
Every wise hearted manverses 1, 2, 4, 8
Heart stirred up to come and work
Mosesverse 2
Children of Israelverse 3
Offerings brought every morning more than enough people restrained from giving too much sufficient
Church (New Testament people of God)
Last Things (Future Events)
DONATIONS:
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QUOTES regarding passage
Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise-hearted man, &c.—Here is an illustrious example of zeal and activity in the work of the Lord. No unnecessary delay was allowed to take place; and from the moment the first pole was stuck in the ground till the final completion of the sacred edifice, he and his associates labored with all the energies both of mind and body engaged in the work. And what was the mainspring of their arduous and untiring diligence? They could be actuated by none of the ordinary motives that give impulse to human industry, by no desire for the acquisition of gain; no ambition for honor; no view of gratifying a mere love of power in directing the labors of a large body of men. They felt the stimulus—the strong irresistible impulse of higher and holier motives—obedience to the authority, zeal for the glory, and love to the service of God. (Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 1, p. 71). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.)
36:2–7. Bezalel and Oholiab took oversight of the project with every skilled person to whom the Lord had given ability (v. 2; cf. v. 1) and who was willing to … work. Again (cf. 35:21, 29) the emphasis is on the willingness of the people to participate with labor and materials. In fact the people brought so many materials—even more than enough—that they had to be restrained. An inventory of materials brought is included in 38:21–31. (Hannah, J. D. (1985). Exodus. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, p. 160). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
Whether it’s for building the tabernacle in the Old Testament, building the church in the New Testament, or building our lives and ministries today, the Holy Spirit of God must equip us and enable us to do the job. God gave Bezalel and Oholiab the skill and wisdom they needed, but He also equipped the craftsmen who worked under them, and led by the Spirit, in obedience to the Word, they constructed the tabernacle and its furniture.
God appointed Bezalel and Oholiab to direct the work, for without leaders there would be chaos, but He called for craftsmen to volunteer to assist them (35:10). We are born with different abilities, and at conversion, we received different gifts from the Holy Spirit, to be used for the good of the church and the glory of God (1 Cor. 12:1–13; Eph. 4:1–16; Rom. 12). “For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Phil. 2:13, nkjv). The Jews built a tent that long ago turned to dust, but we’re helping to build “a habitation of God in the Spirit” (Eph. 2:22) that will glorify God eternally. (Wiersbe, W. W. (1998). Be delivered (p. 135). Colorado Springs, CO: Chariot Victor Pub.)
35:30–36:1 The Lord also gave the two named craftsmen skill in teaching their trades. This substantiates that they were most probably the supervisors or leaders of the construction teams. See notes on 28:3; 31:1–11. (MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (Ex 35:30–36:1). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.)
Ver. 1. Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise-hearted man, &c.] Or every ingenious artificer under them: when they began to work is not precisely said, but it is very probable they set about it directly, as soon as they were furnished with materials for it, nor is it said where they wrought; it is very likely there was a particular place, where they were ranged according to their respective manufactories, and where they did their work under the inspection, and by the direction of these two men: in whom the Lord put wisdom and understanding, to know how to work all manner of work, for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the Lord had commanded; for as all the wisdom and understanding, which Bezaleel and Aholiab had for the building of the tabernacle, and making every thing appertaining to it, and for instructing others to do the same, were from the Lord; so all the wisdom, understanding, and capacity in the artificers to learn of them, and work according to their directions, were also from him; who in a very extraordinary manner enlarged their faculties, and increased their natural abilities, to take in what was suggested to them, and perform their work exactly agreeable thereunto.
Ver. 2. And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise-hearted man, &c.] It was not enough that they had qualifications for this work, but they must have a call to it from Moses, to whom the whole affair was committed, to see that it was done according to the pattern shewn him in the mount: so all that are concerned in the public work and service of the church of God should have a call unto it both from the Lord and from the church: in whose heart the Lord had put wisdom, even every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it; who had not only abilities given him of God, but a mind disposed for it, a willingness of heart, a readiness of soul for such service, was even eager upon it, and in haste to be at it. (Gill, J. (1810). An Exposition of the Old Testament (Vol. 1, p. 533). London: Mathews and Leigh.)
1. Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab. Although Moses might have seemed to be unnecessarily prolix in recording the injunctions which God gave respecting the building of the tabernacle, yet he repeats the same narrative here almost in the same words; and this he does with the best design, and for very good reasons. For it was of much importance that it might be seen by actual comparison how exactly the artificers had conformed everything to the pattern laid down by God: and this, not only in commendation of their obedience, but because it behoved that there should be nothing human in the structure; for although they might each of them have exerted themselves strenuously in the work, still it was not lawful for them to give the slightest scope to their own inventions; nay, this would have been a profanation of the sacred edifice, not to follow in every part what had been so carefully dictated to Moses. And this might avail as a restraint upon them in future times, so that they might not violate God’s commands by any change or innovation. They did not indeed understand the reason of everything either in reference to number or measure; but it became them to be assured that God had commanded nothing without a purpose. Hence, also, their minds should have been elevated to the heavenly pattern, so as reverently to look up to the mysteries, obscure as they were, which it contained, until its full manifestation. This verbal repetition, then, reminds us how accurately the labour and art of men in the building corresponded with the command of God.
2. And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab. It is not without reason that Moses so often exalts the grace of God’s Spirit in the ingenuity and artistic skill of the workmen. In the first place he speaks of them as skilful architects, and then, by way of correction, adds that they were furnished from above with such intelligence. Thus the absurdity of the Papists is refuted, who, in order to prove free-will, think it sufficient to drag forward the passages in which rectitude of will is commended: whereas, even though men may will aright, it is foolish to infer that therefore they are possessed of free-will, unless it be proved that the will proceeds from themselves. Consequently, what follows in the text,—that every one contributed either of his labour or his substance to the building of the tabernacle, according as their hearts stirred them up,—does not so make men the authors of pious affections, as to defraud God of His praise. It is true that men understand—are willing—encourage themselves to holy endeavours; but the question is, from whence comes their intelligence, their will, and their zeal in well-doing? Scripture decides that they are the gifts of God and the Spirit: the Papists improperly arrogate them to themselves. (Calvin, J., & Bingham, C. W. (2010). Commentaries on the Four Last Books of Moses Arranged in the Form of a Harmony (Vol. 3, pp. 300–301). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.)
FROM MY READING:
(Remember the only author that I totally agree with is the HOLY SPIRIT in the inerrant WORD OF GOD called THE BIBLE! All other I try to gleam what I can to help me grow in the LORD!!)
The SHEPHERD AS LEADER BY John MacArthur
It is easy to be proud when we are right. Our theology is right . Our understanding of the Word of God is right. Our view of Scripture as the inerrant revelation of the holy God is right. Our understand of the gospel is right. We have the right message to preach to the world. It is difficult to the humble when we are right, for we can become intolerant and heavy-handed. The reminder to be humble is a helpful one. The reminder to speak the truth in love and to be patient is necessary. Ironically, we live in a world that exalts self-love, self satisfaction, self promotion. For the world, it is considered virtuous to exalt self. But as pastors we are forced to live in a counterculture way by being models of selfless humility in a world that sees that as a weakness. Page 9
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HEAVEN is a place on EARTH by Michael E. Wittmer
They are right to tell us that we were created for worship, ministry, evangelism, fellowship, and discipleship, but they are wrong to stop there. (p. 11)
If I do my job well, you will come away from this book convinced of two important truths. First, God wants us to enjoy our earthly existence. We need not feel guilty for feeling at home in this world, for this planet is precisely where God wants us to be. As we learn from the opening pages of Genesis, it’s good to be human and it’s good to be here, on planet earth. Second, because this life matters to God, you will also be challenged to redirect every aspect of this existence to his honor and glory. No longer free to bruch aside the earthly life as mere batting practice for our future, heavenly existence, we now recognize that whatever we do, regardless how seemingly small and insignificant, should be done with excellence “in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3: 17). (p.12)
Husband: My wife is missing. She went shopping yesterday and has not come home!
Sheriff: Height?
Husband: I’m not sure. A little over five-feet tall.
Sheriff: Weight?
Husband: Don’t know. Not slim, not really fat.
Sheriff: Color of eyes?
Husband: Sort of brown I think. Never really noticed.
Sheriff: Color of hair?
Husband: Changes a couple times a year. Maybe dark brown now. I can’t remember.
Sheriff: What was she wearing?
Husband: Could have been pants, or maybe a skirt or shorts. I don’t know exactly.
Sheriff: What kind of car did she go in?
Husband: She’s in my truck.
Sheriff: What kind of truck was it?
Husband : A 2016 pearl white Ram Limited 4X4 with a 6.4 Liter Hemi V8 engine ordered with the Ram Box bar and fridge option, LED lighting, back up and front camera, Moose hide leather heated and cooled seats, climate controlled air conditioning. It has a custom matching white cover for the bed, Weather Tech floor mats. Trailing package with gold hitch, sunroof, DVD with full GPS navigation, satellite radio, Cobra 75 WX ST 40-channel CB radio, six cup holders, 3 USB ports, and 4 power outlets. I added special alloy wheels and off-road Toyo tires. It has custom retracting running boards and under-glow wheel well lighting.
At this point the husband started choking up.
Sheriff: Take it easy sir, we’ll find your truck.
PROPHECIES ABOUT CHRIST’S BIRTH
But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. Micah 5:2
Take a number of prophecies with regard to Christ’s birth. First of all we are told something with regard to the time of His appearance. In Malachi 3:1 the prophet says, “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.” That is very significant. Furthermore, you remember that in Micah 5:2 we are given an exact prophecy with regard to the place of His birth”that it was to be in Bethlehem. “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” We are told that He was to be of the tribe of Judah and of the house of David in Jeremiah 23:5-6: “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.”
Then in Isaiah 7:14 we are told that He is to be born of a virgin. The prophet is promising a sign, and a sign is obviously something unusual. If a virgin has a child, it is unusual, and it is a sign. We are specifically told in Matthew 1:22-23 that this verse in Isaiah was indeed a prophecy that our Lord would be born of a virgin.
A Thought to Ponder: We are given an exact prophecy with regard to the place of His birth. (From God the Father, God the Son, pp. 249-250, by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
Our Sins
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6)
As Christ hung on the cross, the Jewish leaders felt that He was guilty of blasphemy—a mere man, claiming to be God. In short, they felt that He was dying for His own sins. Their tragic misconceptions were predicted centuries before, as recorded in the treasured 53rd chapter of Isaiah: “We hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not….we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted” (vv. 3-4).
But not so! God did not punish Him for His sins but for ours. “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities” (v. 5). “For the transgression of my people was he stricken” (v. 8).
The penalty for sin has always been death, and even though “he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him” (vv. 9-10). He was the perfect “offering for sin” (v. 10), and “he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors” (v. 12). Justice has been served! “He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many” (v. 11).
Furthermore, through His death, even our griefs have been borne and our sorrows carried (v. 4). In addition to all this, our peace has been gained through His chastisement, and our healing has been accomplished with His stripes (v. 5).
Such considerations can drive us only to the most complete prostration of wonder and amazement. Necessitated because “all we like sheep have gone astray,” God’s justice has been satisfied, because Christ, in love, has taken upon Himself “the iniquity of us all.” As in the hymn: “Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.”
(JDM, The Institute for Creation Research)
Acts 8
The stoning of Stephen initiates a wave of persecution, led by Saul.
INSIGHT
As the Jewish believers flee Jerusalem, Philip comes upon an Ethiopian dignitary who is struggling to understand the Scriptures. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asks. “How can I, unless someone guides me?” is the reply (vv. 30-31). We are God’s method to reach the world for Christ. The Lord could have resorted to skywriting, sending personal visions to all people, or sending angels. Instead, He chose men and women to reach other men and women. Our responsibility is simple: to manifest the character of Christ and proclaim His name wherever we go. The work is God´s, and He will use you if you will let Him. (Quiet Walk)
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