Exodus 28
SCRIPTURE
Exodus 28:29
“Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of decision as a continuing memorial before the Lord.
OBSERVATION - What does it say?
Whenever Aaron and his sons entered into God’s presence, they wore these heavy ceremonial garments. And each part of their garments had a special symbolic meaning and served as continual reminders.
One element of these priestly garments was that they were covered with the names of the tribes of Israel as a continuing memorial. In other words, it served as an ongoing reminder of their holy calling to come before God to represent His people, not their own interests.
UNDERSTANDING - What does it mean?
The priests didn’t just represent themselves but all God’s people.
When they came before God, the priests were reminded when they saw the names of the 12 tribes on their shoulders that they weren’t just coming to God for their own needs and desires but on behalf of all Israel. Under the New Covenant, God considers all believers priests. Writing to all believers scattered around the world, the Apostle Peter said:
1 Peter 2:9 "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession…"
Every believer is considered chosen and set apart by God as a priest, representing the ‘holy nation’ of believers around the world. Throughout the New Testament is this dominating theme of believers having a corporate mindset who should view themselves not as individuals but as those connected to, and representatives of, all believers. A few examples:
When Jesus taught his disciples to pray he didn’t have them pray, “My Father… Give me… Forgive me… Lead me..” but rather “Our Father… Give us… Forgive us… Lead us..” (Matthew 6:9-13).
The Apostle Paul commended the young pastor Timothy for being one who didn’t look out for his own interests but rather showed genuine concern for the welfare of the church (Philippians 2:20-21).
The Apostle Paul referred to each believer as a member of the body of Christ, each of us connected to each other (1 Corinthians 12:27).
LIFE APPLICATION
Be reminded that I’m not just representing myself when I come before God!
Are my prayers primarily revolving around my individual interests, needs and desires? Or am I seeking God for the needs and interests of his people.
Use language like ‘us’ and ‘we’ more than ‘I’ and ‘me’ when praying.
God, thank you for inviting us to come to you with our personal needs and concerns. But thank you for the reminder that we are called to seek you on behalf of our local church family and the family of believers around the world. What an awesome privilege! Thank you that we aren’t alone in this world, but are part of your church body. We seek you today for grace and favor and blessing not just for us individually but for all believers everywhere. Amen.
-Pastor Levi Thompson
Luke 13
Scripture
Luke 13:18-19
So He was saying, “What is the kingdom of God like, and to what shall I compare it? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and threw into his own garden; and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air nested in its branches.”
Observation-What does it say?
The parable of the mustard seed is also found in Matthew 13:31-33 and Mark 4:30-34. Several times throughout scripture, trees and plants are used to represent kingdoms and nations. The mustard seed, though we now know of smaller seeds, was the smallest seed used in agriculture in the region. In favorable conditions, the mustard seed could grow to heights up to ten feet tall. Both the mustard seed and yeast seem to be insignificant, but will have a great effect on their surroundings. The body of Christ, similarly, started as a small group of apostles and disciples and continues to grow, spreading far and wide into all parts of the world. Ultimately, we know the Kingdom of Heaven is the only true and lasting kingdom.
Understanding-What does it mean?
Sometime last year I noticed there was a slow leak at the diode that controls our sprinklers. It seemed pretty insignificant and didn’t seem to be causing any harm, especially because it was leaking directly into a planter. I made note of it and planned on fixing it “later.” But, with my work schedule, later can sometimes mean a month or two down the line. To be quite honest, I forgot about the leak within a few days of finding it. It wasn’t until my wife opened the water bill and noticed a significant change in our bill, something close to a 25% increase in our usage. When she brought this to my attention, I made a quick trip to the hardware store to buy the supplies to fix the leak. What seemed so small and insignificant had silently and without much fanfare become a big deal, mostly because I don’t really care for throwing my money literally into the ground.
Sometimes, I feel a lot like I am a mustard seed or a small amount of yeast, both small and insignificant. I feel my impact on the world around me goes largely unnoticed, which is discouraging and often makes me feel like giving into the temptations of the world around me. But, through this verse I know that small steps and actions of love result in a big impact over time. To the church in Galatia, Paul wrote, “Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (6:8-10)
Life Application
Lord, help me to always look for the ways I can do good around me, for in doing so I am sharing the gospel to those around me. Give me strength to continue in doing good, even when it feels like the world is pressing in on me from all directions. Fill me with your spirit afresh each new day.
-Tyler Galloway
Luke 12 - 6.24.21
Scripture - What stood out?
Luke 12
31 Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.
32 “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Observation - What does it say?
A heavily red lettered chapter of the bible there is a wealth of information, knowledge, and wisdom being freely given by Jesus himself.
Understanding - What does it mean?
If we value the beauty of holiness, we shall not crave the luxuries of life - Matthew Henry
I would like to say “Forget luxuries Mr. Henry, some of us are just trying to survive!”
To which I believe he would reply, “Fear not, little flock…”
It amazes me how much I have grown in my time at Desert Streams Church. I am equally amazed therefore at how much further I have yet to grow! I have read some of these bible verses enough times now for some of my reading sessions to border on the mechanical side. And that is why it is so important to keep going because eventually God takes notice and kicks you in the behind like He did to me with this verse.
I am a planner. I like to strategize using big picture ideas, pay little to no attention to details, and then execute and hope for the best. And so I really have a hard time letting ALL of it go so that I can seek his kingdom. It is that tiny shred (perhaps not so tiny) of whatever I cling to inside my heart that causes me stress and anxiety. And so I really needed to hear this from Mr. Henry. Do I value the beauty of holiness? If so then why am I riddled with anxiety? What luxuries do I secretly crave?
As soon as I read that verse again, I knew God was talking to me, “Fear not, little flock…” For whatever it is you think you need, God is prepared to give you more. It all.
Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today?
I don’t want to crave the luxuries of life. No matter how great or how small. Show me the value of holy living today, Lord. I don’t want to live for this world anymore. Help me to cast aside my fears. I put my faith and my trust that my journey with You will be far more satisfying then anything I could possibly lay up for myself here on earth. I choose You. I desire to be more like You, a perfect Father, a loving Son, and Holy Spirit.
In the name of Jesus, amen.
-kenneth lee