Day 55 of the 3rd Bible Study Journey - 24 February 2023 reflections
Day 55, 24 Feb 2023
1) Numbers 3 - 4
NUMBERS 3
The Sons of Aaron
1 (Ex 6:20) These also are the generations of Aaron and Moses
in the day that the Lord spoke with Moses in Mount Sinai.
2 (Ex 6:23; Nu 26:60) These are the names of the sons of Aaron:
Nadab the firstborn, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
3 (Ex 28:41; Lev 8:1-9) These are the names of the sons of Aaron,
the priests who were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister as priests.
4 (Lev 10:1-2; Nu 26:61) Nadab and Abihu died before the Lord when
they brought strange fire before the Lord in the Wilderness of Sinai,
and they had no children, and Eleazar and Ithamar ministered
as priests in the sight of Aaron their father.
Duties of the Levites
5 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
6 Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them before Aaron the priest,
and they will minister to him.
7 (Nu 1:50; 8:11)nThey will keep his directives, and serve the whole
congregation before the tent of meeting, to do the service of the tabernacle.
8 They will keep all the instruments of the tent of meeting,
and attend to the needs of the children of Israel,
to do the service of the tabernacle.
9 (Nu 8:19) You will give the Levites to Aaron and to his sons.
They are wholly given to him from the children of Israel.
10 (Nu 1:51; 3:38) You will appoint Aaron and his sons,
and they will attend to their priesthood,
and the foreigner that approaches will be put to death.
11 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
12 (Nu 3:41; 8:16) I Myself have taken the Levites from among
the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn that open
the womb among the children of Israel. Therefore the Levites will be Mine
13 (Ex 13:2; 13:12) because all the firstborn are Mine, for on the day
that I struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I set apart to Me
all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast. They will be Mine.
I am the Lord.
A Census of the Levites
14 The Lord spoke to Moses in the Wilderness of Sinai, saying:
15 (Nu 26:62) Number the children of Levi after the house of their fathers,
by their families. You will number every male from a month old and older.
16 Moses numbered them according to the word of the Lord, as he was commanded.
17 (Ge 46:11; Ex 6:16-19) These were the sons of Levi by their names:
Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari.
18 (1Ch 6:17) These are the names of the sons of Gershon by their families:
Libni and Shimei;
19 (Ex 6:18; 1Ch 6:18) the sons of Kohath by their families:
Amram, and Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel;
20 (Ex 6:19; 1Ch 6:19) the sons of Merari by their families:
Mahli and Mushi.
These are the families of the Levites according to the house of their fathers.
21 From Gershon was the family of the Libnites
and the family of the Shimeites. These are the families of the Gershonites.
22 Those who were numbered of them, according to the number of all the males,
from a month old and older, those who were numbered of them were 7500.
23 (Nu 1:53) The families of the Gershonites were to camp
behind the west side of the tabernacle.
24 The chief of the house of the father of the Gershonites was Eliasaph
the son of Lael.
25 (Ex 25:9) The charge of the sons of Gershon in the tent of meeting
included the tabernacle, and the tent, its covering, and the hanging
for the door of the tent of meeting,
26 (Ex 35:18) the hangings of the court, the curtain for the opening
of the court that is around the tabernacle and the altar,
and its cords-all the service pertaining to these.
27 (1Ch 26:23) Of Kohath was the family of the Amramites,
and the family of the Izharites, and the family of the Hebronites,
and the family of the Uzzielites. These are the families of the Kohathites.
28 The number of all the males, from a month old and older, were 8600,
keeping the guard of the sanctuary.
29 (Nu 1:53) The families of the sons of Kohath
were to camp on the south side of the tabernacle.
30 The chief of the house of the father of the families of the Kohathites
was Elizaphan the son of Uzziel.
31 Their duty included the ark, and the table, and the lampstand,
and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary they minister with,
and the hanging, and all its service.
32 Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest was to be chief over the leaders
of the Levites and to have the oversight of those who kept the guard
of the sanctuary.
33 Of Merari was the family of the Mahlites and the family of the Mushites.
These are the families of Merari. 34Those who were numbered of them,
according to the number of all the males from a month old and older,
were 6200.
35 (Nu 1:53; 2:25) The chief of the house of the father of the families
of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail.
These were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle.
36 (Ex 26:32; 26:37) Under the oversight and guard of the sons of Merari
were the frames of the tabernacle, the bars, the pillars, the sockets,
all their accessories, all the service pertaining to these,
37 and the pillars of the court all around, with their sockets,
and pins, and cords.
38 (Nu 1:53; 3:10) But those who were to camp before the tabernacle
toward the east, even before the tent of meeting on the east side,
were Moses, and Aaron and his sons, keeping the guard
of the sanctuary for the guard of the children of Israel,
and the foreigner who approached was to be put to death.
39 (Nu 26:62) All who were numbered of the Levites,
which Moses and Aaron numbered at the commandment of the Lord,
throughout their families, all the males from a month old and older,
were twenty-two thousand.
The Redemption of the Firstborn
40 (Nu 3:15) The Lord said to Moses: Number all the firstborn of the males
of the children of Israel from a month old and older
and take the number of their names.
41 (Nu 3:12; 3:45) You will take the Levites for Me (I am the Lord)
instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel,
and the livestock of the Levites instead of all the firstborn
among the livestock of the children of Israel.
42 Moses numbered, as the Lord commanded him,
all the firstborn among the children of Israel.
43 All the firstborn males, by the number of names,
from a month old and upward, of those who were numbered of them,
were 22273.
44 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
45 (Nu 3:12) Take the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the children
of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites instead of their livestock,
and the Levites will be Mine. I am the Lord.
46 (Ex 13:13) For those who are to be redeemed of the 273 of the firstborn
of the children of Israel, which are more than the Levites,
47 (Ex 30:13; Lev 27:6) you will take five shekels
(About 2 ounces, or 58 grams.) apiece by the poll;
according to the shekel of the sanctuary you will
take them (the shekel is twenty gerahs).
48 And you will give the money, by which the number of them is to be redeemed,
to Aaron and to his sons.
49 Moses took the redemption money of those who were over
and above those who were redeemed by the Levites.
50 (Nu 3:46-47) Of the firstborn of the children of Israel he took the money,
1356 shekels, (About 35 pounds, or 16 kilograms.)
after the shekel of the sanctuary.
51 (Nu 3:48) And Moses gave the money of those who were redeemed to Aaron
and to his sons, according to the word of the Lord,
as the Lord commanded Moses.
Numbers 3
[1] These also are the generations of Aaron and Moses in the day that the
LORD spake with Moses in mount Sinai.
[2] And these are the names of the sons of Aaron; Nadab the firstborn, and
Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
[3] These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests which were
anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest's office.
[4] And Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD, when they offered strange fire
before the LORD, in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children: and
Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest's office in the sight of Aaron
their father.
[5] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
[6] Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them before Aaron the priest,
that they may minister unto him.
[7] And they shall keep his charge, and the charge of the whole congregation
before the tabernacle of the congregation, to do the service of the
tabernacle.
[8] And they shall keep all the instruments of the tabernacle of the
congregation, and the charge of the children of Israel, to do the service of
the tabernacle.
[9] And thou shalt give the Levites unto Aaron and to his sons: they are
wholly given unto him out of the children of Israel.
[10] And thou shalt appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall wait on their
priest's office: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.
[11] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
[12] And I, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of
Israel instead of all the firstborn that openeth the matrix among the
children of Israel: therefore the Levites shall be mine;
[13] Because all the firstborn are mine; for on the day that I smote all the
firstborn in the land of Egypt I hallowed unto me all the firstborn in
Israel, both man and beast: mine shall they be: I am the LORD.
[14] And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, saying,
[15] Number the children of Levi after the house of their fathers, by their
families: every male from a month old and upward shalt thou number them.
[16] And Moses numbered them according to the word of the LORD, as he was
commanded.
[17] And these were the sons of Levi by their names; Gershon, and Kohath,
and Merari.
[18] And these are the names of the sons of Gershon by their families;
Libni, and Shimei.
[19] And the sons of Kohath by their families; Amram, and Izehar, Hebron,
and Uzziel.
[20] And the sons of Merari by their families; Mahli, and Mushi. These are
the families of the Levites according to the house of their fathers.
[21] Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites, and the family of the
Shimites: these are the families of the Gershonites.
[22] Those that were numbered of them, according to the number of all the
males, from a month old and upward, even those that were numbered of them
were seven thousand and five hundred.
[23] The families of the Gershonites shall pitch behind the tabernacle
westward.
[24] And the chief of the house of the father of the Gershonites shall be
Eliasaph the son of Lael.
[25] And the charge of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the
congregation shall be the tabernacle, and the tent, the covering thereof,
and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation,
[26] And the hangings of the court, and the curtain for the door of the
court, which is by the tabernacle, and by the altar round about, and the
cords of it for all the service thereof.
[27] And of Kohath was the family of the Amramites, and the family of the
Izeharites, and the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the
Uzzielites: these are the families of the Kohathites.
[28] In the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, were eight
thousand and six hundred, keeping the charge of the sanctuary.
[29] The families of the sons of Kohath shall pitch on the side of the
tabernacle southward.
[30] And the chief of the house of the father of the families of the
Kohathites shall be Elizaphan the son of Uzziel.
[31] And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick,
and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister,
and the hanging, and all the service thereof.
[32] And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be chief over the chief
of the Levites, and have the oversight of them that keep the charge of the
sanctuary.
[33] Of Merari was the family of the Mahlites, and the family of the
Mushites: these are the families of Merari.
[34] And those that were numbered of them, according to the number of all
the males, from a month old and upward, were six thousand and two hundred.
[35] And the chief of the house of the father of the families of Merari was
Zuriel the son of Abihail: these shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle
northward.
[36] And under the custody and charge of the sons of Merari shall be the
boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and
the sockets thereof, and all the vessels thereof, and all that serveth
thereto,
[37] And the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their
pins, and their cords.
[38] But those that encamp before the tabernacle toward the east, even
before the tabernacle of the congregation eastward, shall be Moses, and
Aaron and his sons, keeping the charge of the sanctuary for the charge of
the children of Israel; and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to
death.
[39] All that were numbered of the Levites, which Moses and Aaron numbered
at the commandment of the LORD, throughout their families, all the males
from a month old and upward, were twenty and two thousand.
[40] And the LORD said unto Moses, Number all the firstborn of the males of
the children of Israel from a month old and upward, and take the number of
their names.
[41] And thou shalt take the Levites for me (I am the LORD) instead of all
the firstborn among the children of Israel; and the cattle of the Levites
instead of all the firstlings among the cattle of the children of Israel.
[42] And Moses numbered, as the LORD commanded him, all the firstborn among
the children of Israel.
[43] And all the firstborn males by the number of names, from a month old
and upward, of those that were numbered of them, were twenty and two
thousand two hundred and threescore and thirteen.
[44] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
[45] Take the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the children of
Israel, and the cattle of the Levites instead of their cattle; and the
Levites shall be mine: I am the LORD.
[46] And for those that are to be redeemed of the two hundred and threescore
and thirteen of the firstborn of the children of Israel, which are more than
the Levites;
[47] Thou shalt even take five shekels apiece by the poll, after the shekel
of the sanctuary shalt thou take them: (the shekel is twenty gerahs:)
[48] And thou shalt give the money, wherewith the odd number of them is to
be redeemed, unto Aaron and to his sons.
[49] And Moses took the redemption money of them that were over and above
them that were redeemed by the Levites:
[50] Of the firstborn of the children of Israel took he the money; a
thousand three hundred and threescore and five shekels, after the shekel of
the sanctuary:
[51] And Moses gave the money of them that were redeemed unto Aaron and to
his sons, according to the word of the LORD, as the LORD commanded Moses.
NUMBERS 4
Duties of the Kohathites
1 And the Lord spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying:
2 Take the sum of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi,
after their families, by the house of their fathers,
3 (Nu 4:23) from thirty years old and older, even to fifty years old,
all that enter into the host, to do the work in the tent of meeting.
4 (Nu 4:19) This will be the service of the sons of Kohath in the tent
of meeting, concerning the holiest things.
5 (Mt 27:51; Heb 9:3) And when the camp sets out, Aaron will come,
and his sons, and they will take down the covering curtain,
and cover the ark of the testimony with it,
6 (Ex 25:13-15) and will put on it the covering of porpoise skins,
and will spread over it a cloth completely of blue, and will put in its poles.
7 (Lev 24:5-8) Upon the table of showbread they will spread a cloth of blue,
and put the dishes on it, and the spoons, and the bowls, and covers to cover
it, and the showbread will be on it.
8 And they will spread on them a cloth of scarlet, and cover the same with
a covering of porpoise skins, and will put in its poles.
9 (Ex 25:31-39) They will take a cloth of blue, and cover the lampstand
of the light, and its lamps, and its tongs, and its snuff dishes,
and all its oil vessels, with which they minister to it.
10 And they will put it and all its vessels within
a covering of porpoise skins and will put it on a carrying pole.
11 Upon the golden altar they will spread a cloth of blue,
and cover it with a covering of porpoise skins, and will put in its poles.
12 (1Ch 9:29) And they will take all the instruments of ministry,
with which they minister in the sanctuary, and put them in a cloth of blue,
and cover them with a covering of porpoise skins, and will put
them on a carrying pole.
13 And they will take away the ashes from the altar
and spread a purple cloth on it.
14 They shall put on it all the instruments with which they minister there,
the censers, the flesh hooks, the shovels, the basins, all the utensils
of the altar. And they will spread on it a covering of porpoise skins
and insert its poles.
15 (2Sa 6:6-7; Nu 7:9) When Aaron and his sons have finished covering
the sanctuary, and all the instruments of the sanctuary, as the camp
is to set out, after that, the sons of Kohath will come to carry it.
But they will not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These things
are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tent of meeting.
16 (Ex 25:6; Lev 24:2) To the office of Eleazar, Aaron the priest's son,
pertains the oil for the light, and the sweet incense,
and the daily grain offering, and the anointing oil,
and the oversight of all the tabernacle, and of all that is in it,
in the sanctuary, and in the instruments thereof.
17 The Lord spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying:
18 Do not cut the tribe of the families of the Kohathites
from among the Levites.
19 But do this to them, that they may live and not die, when they approach
the most holy things. Aaron and his sons will go in, and appoint each one
to his service and to his burden.
20 (Ex 19:21; 1Sa 6:19) But they will not go in to see when the holy things
are covered, lest they die.
Duties of the Gershonites
21 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
22 Take also the sum of the sons of Gershon, throughout the houses
of their fathers, by their families.
23 (Nu 4:3) From thirty years old and older to fifty years old
you will number them, all that enter in to perform the service,
to do the work in the tent of meeting.
24This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, to serve,
and to work.
25 (Ex 26:14; Nu 3:25-26) And they will carry the curtains
of the tabernacle, and the tent of meeting, its covering,
and the covering of the porpoise skins that is on it,
and the hanging for the door of the tent of meeting,
26 and the hangings of the courtyard,
and the hanging for the opening of the gate of the courtyard,
which is by the tabernacle and by the altar all around,
and their cords, and all the instruments of their service,
and all that is made for them. So they will serve.
27 At the appointment of Aaron and his sons will be all
the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all their burdens,
and in all their service. And you shall assign to them all their tasks as their duty.
28 (Nu 4:33) This is the service of the families of the sons of Gershon
in the tent of meeting. And their charge will be under the hand of Ithamar
the son of Aaron the priest.
Duties of the Merarites
29 As for the sons of Merari, you will number them by their families,
by the house of their fathers.
30 (Nu 4:3; 4:23) From thirty years old and older, even to fifty years old,
you will number them, everyone who enters into the service, to do the work
of the tent of meeting.
31 (Nu 3:36-37) This is the charge of their burden, according to all their
service in the tent of meeting. The boards of the tabernacle, and its bars
thereof, and its pillars, and its sockets,
32 (Ex 38:21) and the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets,
and their pins, and their cords, with all their instruments, and with all
their service, and by name you will list the instruments of the charge of
their burden.
33 (Nu 4:28) This is the service of the families of the sons of
according to all their service, in the tent of meeting,
under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.
Census of the Levites
34 Moses, Aaron, and the leaders of the congregation numbered
the sons of the Kohathites by their families, and by the house of
their fathers,
35 (Nu 4:23; 1Ch 23:24) from thirty years old and older to fifty years old,
everyone who entered into the service, for the work in the tent of meeting.
36 And those who were numbered by their families were 2750.
37 These were the ones listed of the families of the Kohathites,
all who might do service in the tent of meeting, which Moses and Aaron
numbered according to the commandment of the Lord by the hand of Moses.
38 Those who were numbered of the sons of Gershon, throughout their families,
and by the house of their fathers,
39 from thirty years old and older to fifty years old, everyone who entered
into the service, for the work in the tent of meeting,
40 even those who were numbered of them, throughout their families,
by the house of their fathers, were two thousand six hundred and thirty.
41 These were the ones listed by the families of the sons of Gershon,
of all who might do service in the tent of meeting, whom Moses and Aaron
numbered according to the commandment of the Lord.
42 Those who were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari,
throughout their families, by the house of their fathers,
43 from thirty years old and older to fifty years old, everyone who entered
into the service, for the work in the tent of meeting,
44 even those who were numbered by their families, were 3200.
45 These were the ones listed of the families of the sons of Merari,
whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the word
of the Lord by the hand of Moses.
46 All those who were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses, Aaron,
and the leaders of Israel numbered, by their families, and by the
house of their fathers,
47 (Nu 4:3) from thirty years old and older to fifty years old,
everyone who came to do the service of the ministry, and the service
of the work in the tent of meeting,
48 (Nu 3:39) even those who were numbered were 8580.
49 (Nu 4:15; 4:21) According to the commandment of the Lord
they were numbered by the hand of Moses,
each according to his service, and according to his burden.
Thus they were numbered by him, as the Lord commanded Moses.
Numbers 4
[1] And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,
[2] Take the sum of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, after their families, by the house of their fathers,
[3] From thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all that
enter into the host, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation.
[4] This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the
congregation, about the most holy things:
[5] And when the camp setteth forward, Aaron shall come, and his sons, and
they shall take down the covering vail, and cover the ark of testimony with
it:
[6] And shall put thereon the covering of badgers' skins, and shall spread
over it a cloth wholly of blue, and shall put in the staves thereof.
[7] And upon the table of shewbread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and
put thereon the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and covers to cover
withal: and the continual bread shall be thereon:
[8] And they shall spread upon them a cloth of scarlet, and cover the same
with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put in the staves thereof.
[9] And they shall take a cloth of blue, and cover the candlestick of the
light, and his lamps, and his tongs, and his snuffdishes, and all the oil
vessels thereof, wherewith they minister unto it:
[10] And they shall put it and all the vessels thereof within a covering of
badgers' skins, and shall put it upon a bar.
[11] And upon the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of blue, and cover
it with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put to the staves thereof:
[12] And they shall take all the instruments of ministry, wherewith they
minister in the sanctuary, and put them in a cloth of blue, and cover them
with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put them on a bar:
[13] And they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple
cloth thereon:
[14] And they shall put upon it all the vessels thereof, wherewith they
minister about it, even the censers, the fleshhooks, and the shovels, and
the basons, all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread upon it a
covering of badgers' skins, and put to the staves of it.
[15] And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary,
and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after
that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any
holy thing, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath
in the tabernacle of the congregation.
[16] And to the office of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest pertaineth the
oil for the light, and the sweet incense, and the daily meat offering, and
the anointing oil, and the oversight of all the tabernacle, and of all that
therein is, in the sanctuary, and in the vessels thereof.
[17] And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,
[18] Cut ye not off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among
the Levites:
[19] But thus do unto them, that they may live, and not die, when they
approach unto the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and
appoint them every one to his service and to his burden:
[20] But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest
they die.
[21] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
[22] Take also the sum of the sons of Gershon, throughout the houses of
their fathers, by their families;
[23] From thirty years old and upward until fifty years old shalt thou
number them; all that enter in to perform the service, to do the work in the
tabernacle of the congregation.
[24] This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, to serve, and
for burdens:
[25] And they shall bear the curtains of the tabernacle, and the tabernacle
of the congregation, his covering, and the covering of the badgers' skins
that is above upon it, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the
congregation,
[26] And the hangings of the court, and the hanging for the door of the gate
of the court, which is by the tabernacle and by the altar round about, and
their cords, and all the instruments of their service, and all that is made
for them: so shall they serve.
[27] At the appointment of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of
the sons of the Gershonites, in all their burdens, and in all their service:
and ye shall appoint unto them in charge all their burdens.
[28] This is the service of the families of the sons of Gershon in the
tabernacle of the congregation: and their charge shall be under the hand of
Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.
[29] As for the sons of Merari, thou shalt number them after their families,
by the house of their fathers;
[30] From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou
number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the
tabernacle of the congregation.
[31] And this is the charge of their burden, according to all their service
in the tabernacle of the congregation; the boards of the tabernacle, and the
bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and sockets thereof,
[32] And the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their
pins, and their cords, with all their instruments, and with all their
service: and by name ye shall reckon the instruments of the charge of their
burden.
[33] This is the service of the families of the sons of Merari, according to
all their service, in the tabernacle of the congregation, under the hand of
Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.
[34] And Moses and Aaron and the chief of the congregation numbered the sons
of the Kohathites after their families, and after the house of their
fathers,
[35] From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one
that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the
congregation:
[36] And those that were numbered of them by their families were two
thousand seven hundred and fifty.
[37] These were they that were numbered of the families of the Kohathites,
all that might do service in the tabernacle of the congregation, which Moses
and Aaron did number according to the commandment of the LORD by the hand of
Moses.
[38] And those that were numbered of the sons of Gershon, throughout their
families, and by the house of their fathers,
[39] From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one
that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the
congregation,
[40] Even those that were numbered of them, throughout their families, by
the house of their fathers, were two thousand and six hundred and thirty.
[41] These are they that were numbered of the families of the sons of
Gershon, of all that might do service in the tabernacle of the congregation,
whom Moses and Aaron did number according to the commandment of the LORD.
[42] And those that were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari,
throughout their families, by the house of their fathers,
[43] From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one
that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the
congregation,
[44] Even those that were numbered of them after their families, were three
thousand and two hundred.
[45] These be those that were numbered of the families of the sons of
Merari, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the word of the LORD by
the hand of Moses.
[46] All those that were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron and
the chief of Israel numbered, after their families, and after the house of
their fathers,
[47] From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one
that came to do the service of the ministry, and the service of the burden
in the tabernacle of the congregation,
[48] Even those that were numbered of them, were eight thousand and five
hundred and fourscore.
[49] According to the commandment of the LORD they were numbered by the hand
of Moses, every one according to his service, and according to his burden:
thus were they numbered of him, as the LORD commanded Moses.
(THat is a large priesthood. Remember Christians belong
to a huge priesthood)
2) Our Daily Bread for 25 February 2022 titled
Praying in Difficult Times By Glenn Packiam
Psalms 61
For the Music Director. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.
1 Hear my cry, O God,
attend to my prayer.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) From the end of the earth I will cry to You;
when my heart faints,
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) For You have been a refuge for me,
and a strong tower from the enemy.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) I will abide in Your tent forever;
I will seek refuge in the covering of Your wings. Selah
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) For You, O God, have heard my vows;
You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) May You prolong the king's life,
and may his years be as many generations.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) May he sit enthroned before God forever;
oh, prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Thus will I sing praise to Your name forever,
that I may fulfill my vows day by day.
Psalms 61
[1] Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.
[2] From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is
overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
[3] For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.
[4] I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of
thy wings. Selah.
[5] For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of
those that fear thy name.
[6] Thou wilt prolong the king's life: and his years as many generations.
[7] He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may
preserve him.
[8] So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform
my vows.
Author and theologian Russell Moore described noticing the eerie silence in
the Russian orphanage where he adopted his boys. Someone later explained
that the babies had stopped crying because they learned that no one would
respond to their cries.
When we face difficult times, we too can feel that no one hears. And worst
of all, we can feel that God Himself doesn't listen to our cries or see our
tears. But He does! And that's why we need the language of petition
and protest found especially in the book of Psalms. The psalmists petition for
God's help and also protest their situation to Him. In Psalm 61, David brings
his petitions and protests before his Creator, stating, "From the end of the
earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock
that is higher than I." (v. 2). David cries out to God because he knows that
only He is his "refuge" and "strong tower" (v. 3).
Praying the petitions and protests of the psalms is a way of affirming God's
sovereignty and appealing to His goodness and faithfulness. They're proof of
the intimate relationship we can experience with God. In difficult moments, we
can all be tempted to believe the lie that He doesn't care. But He does.
He hears us and is with us.
Refleact & Pray
How does it encourage you to know that God hears your desperate prayers?
What petitions and protests will you share with Him today?
Dear Jesus, help me to offer You my petitions, protests, and praise.
3) From The Billy Graham Evangelical Ministry Association
Words in Season - Scripture Memory Tools
Week 3 - Saved Now and forever Day 6 - Eternal Life, Beginning now
John 10:28 - I give them eternal life. They shall never perish,
nor shall anyone snatch them from My hand.
28 and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish,
neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
In C.S. Lewis's The Great Divorce, one of the Spirits in heaven, identifying
himself as George MacDonald, makes some startling statements on the nature of
eternal life. Depending upon the individual's choice for or against Christ,
MacDonald says, everything in life takes on the character of haven or hell.
"At the end of ALL THINGS, when the sun rises here (in heaven) and the twilight
turns to blackness down there, the Blessed will say, 'We have never lived
anywhere except in Heaven,' and the Lost, 'We were always in Hell.'
And both will speak truly" - From the Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis.
Lewis was not trying to make a theological case, but to demonstrate
a principle: eternal life begins now.
The choices that we make for or against obedience to God, the life we live,
the patterns we establish, all move us in one direction of the other.
And when we have decided to choose obedience to God (the forsakeness of sin),
when we give ourselves fully into his hands, he is able to take the worst of
circumstances and redeem them for our good, use them to mature us in his image.
Again Jesus says in John 10:28
"I give them eternal life. They shall never perish,
nor shall anyone snatch them from My hand. "
In Christ is a very secure place to be. No experience is lost, no pain is
wasted. Everything in our lives is redeemed by God for our benefit.
Application
a) How have I experienced the truth that "eternal life begins now"?
b) How can this verse help me put life in perspective during times
of stress and anxiety?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Haggai 2:7-9
7 (1Ki 8:11; Isa 60:7) And I will shake all the nations,
and they will come with the wealth of all nations,
and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of Hosts.
8 (Isa 60:17) The silver is mine, and the gold is Mine,
says the Lord of Hosts.
9 (Isa 9:6-7) The glory of this latter house will be greater
than the former, says the Lord of Hosts. And in this place
I will give peace, says the Lord of Hosts.
7 and I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations
shall come: and I will fill this house with glory,
saith the LORD of hosts.
8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine,
saith the LORD of hosts.
9 The glory of this latter house shall be greater
than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place
will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Help in Times of Temptation
James 1:12-18
Trial and Temptation
12 (Jas 2:5; 1Co 9:25; 2Ti 4:8) Blessed is the man who endures temptation,
for when he is tried, he will receive the crown of life,
which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God,"
for God cannot be tempted with evil; neither does He tempt anyone.
14 But each man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed.
15 (Job 15:35; Ps 7:14) Then, when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin;
and when sin is finished, it brings forth death.
16 (Jas 1:19; 2:5) Do not err, my beloved brothers.
17 (Mal 3:6; Nu 23:19; Jn 3:27) Every good gift and every perfect gift
is from above and comes down from the Father of lights,
with whom is no change or shadow of turning.
18 (1Pe 1:23; Jn 1:13; Rev 14:4) Of His own will He brought us forth with
the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.
12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried,
he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised
to them that love him.
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God:
for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
14 but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust,
and enticed.
15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin:
and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,
and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness,
neither shadow of turning.
18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth,
that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
Alberta
Quick facts on Muslims in Alberta
Alberta 2015 population 4121700
est Muslim Population 195240
CNMM Networks: Calgary and Edmonton
It is estimated that Calgary has 82000 Muslims and Edmonton another 50000 .
Alberta may have a total as high as 195240 today.
Calgary is notable as the first Canadian city with a Muslim mayor. It's
become a prominent place of Islamic fundamentalism.
Edmonton's Muslim population is very diverse, with the largest group
coming from Tanzania, followed by Somalia, and then North African countries
such as Egypt, Morocco, etc.
Muslims are coming to faith in Jesus! They overcome huge spiritual,
emotional and cultural hurdles to follow Christ. Yet their challenges still
continue, especially in growing in discipleship. They often fell lost in our
Western congregations, and equally lost trying to find a church body with whom
they can identify. some are even being lured into Christian cult groups.
Please join us in praying for:
- The church to reach out to the growing Muslim populations in Alberta.
- for Canadian churches to start contextualised discipleship ministries to
Muslim-background believers.
- for Muslm-background believers to be well grounded spiritually and socially
in their faith and the Church.
- and for Muslim-background believers to share their faith with their
not-yet-believing family and friendship networks.
- for Farsi and Arabic fellowships to grow in spiritual maturity and outreach.
- for current and new workers among Muslims in these growing Muslim
in these growing Muslim population centres.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 "In the last days it shall be," says God,
"that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.
18 Even on My menservants and maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.
19 And I will show wonders in heaven above and signs on the earth below:
blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness,
and the moon into blood, before that great and glorious day of the Lord comes.
21 And whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."[a]
Footnotes
Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32.
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
Day 24 of the Month
a) Pray that the Lord will open a door for the message for the Gospel
at every level of Canadian Society. (
Col 4:3
3 while praying also for us, that God would open to
us a door of utterance to speak the mystery of Christ,
for which I am also in chains,
3 withal praying also for us, that God would open unto
us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ,
for which I am also in bonds:
)
b) Pray for the Province of Saskatchewan
I) Pray for the leaders of Saskatchewan,
that God's Spirit would influence
then to act justly,
serve with integrity
and honour high moral standards. ( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good
and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use
the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
)
8 ) DAY 19: No Matter What, Be Content
Verse af the day: "11 (Php 3:8; 1Ti 6:6-9)
I do not speak because I have need, for I have learned
in whatever state I am to be content.
[11] Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever
state I am, therewith to be content.
" Philippians 4:11
An online dictionary defines contentment as "the state of being mentally
or emotionally satisfied with things as they are." Today it seems rare to
find anyone genuinely content with their condition in life however the
Bible has a great deal to say about contentment--being satisfied with
what we have, who we are, and where we're going. Jesus said, "Therefore,
I say to you, take no thought
about your life, what you will eat, or what you will drink,
nor about your body, what you will put on.
Is not life more than food and the body than clothing?" Matthew 6:25.
The bumper sticker that reads "He with the most toys wins!" emphasises
our cravings for more and more. Contentment does not come from what
we eat, or where we work or live. Contentment is being satisfied in all
circumstances in our life regardless of what we face or what is happening
Therefore, contentment in our hearts has to be focused solely on God.
Reflection: Am content in my life and circumstances?
Prayer: Father God, how often am I not satisfied with where I am? So
often, I struggle ta be content with what I have and where I am in life. But
I forget more times than I should that You, Lord, have graciously provided
me with every spiritual blessing in Christ and everything I need for life and
godliness.
Thank you for often not giving me what I want because my desires would
draw my heart away from being satisfied in You. Help me be content in
You with what You have given me and not focus on what my flesh wants
or what the world tells me I should have. Protect me, Jesus, from coveting
possessions, people, talent, influence, relationships, or prestige.
Help me learn to be content in any situation, helping me to quickly reject
the idolatry that dwells beneath the surface at my coveting. Fill me with
the joy and satisfaction of contentment in Christ. In Jesus name I pray,
amen.
Scripture reflection: Psalm 23:1
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
1 Timothy 6:6-12,
6 (1Ti 4:8; Heb 13:5) But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 (Job 1:21; Ps 49:17) For we brought nothing into this world,
and it is certain that we can carry nothing out.
8 (Ge 28:20) If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with
these things.
9 (Pr 15:27; 1Ti 3:7) But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation
and a snare and into many foolish and harmful lusts, which drown men
in ruin and destruction.
10 (Dt 16:19) For the love of money is the root of all evil.
While coveting after money, some have strayed from the faith
and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
The Good Fight of Faith
11 (2Ti 2:22; 3:17) But you, O man of God, escape these things, and follow
after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.
12 (1Ti 1:18; 1Co 9:25-66) Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold
on eternal life, to which you are called and have professed
a good profession before many witnesses.
[6] But godliness with contentment is great gain.
[7] For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry
nothing out.
[8] And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
[9] But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into
many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and
perdition.
[10] For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted
after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with
many sorrows.
[11] But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after
righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
[12] Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou
art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
Psalm 34:10b
but the ones who seek the Lord will not lack any good thing.
but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to be part of the royal priesthood.
Pray to the Lord:
"Dear Jesus, help me to offer You my petitions, protests, and praise."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know that Eternity starts now.
Pray to the Lord and pray to remember that everything is his in Glory.
Pray to the Lord and pray to give him all your trials and temptations.
Please join us in praying for:
- The church to reach out to the growing Muslim populations in Alberta.
- for Canadian churches to start contextualised discipleship ministries to
Muslim-background believers.
- for Muslm-background believers to be well grounded spiritually and socially
in their faith and the Church.
- and for Muslim-background believers to share their faith with their
not-yet-believing family and friendship networks.
- for Farsi and Arabic fellowships to grow in spiritual maturity and outreach.
- for current and new workers among Muslims in these growing Muslim
in these growing Muslim population centres.
Pray that the Lord will open a door for the message for the Gospel
at every level of Society.
Pray that God will provide for those expelled from their homes for placing
their faith in Christ in Laos.
Father God, how often am I not satisfied with where I am? So
often, I struggle ta be content with what I have and where I am in life. But
I forget more times than I should that You, Lord, have graciously provided
me with every spiritual blessing in Christ and everything I need for life and
godliness.
Thank you for often not giving me what I want because my desires would
draw my heart away from being satisfied in You. Help me be content in
You with what You have given me and not focus on what my flesh wants
or what the world tells me I should have. Protect me, Jesus, from coveting
possessions, people, talent, influence, relationships, or prestige.
Help me learn to be content in any situation, helping me to quickly reject
the idolatry that dwells beneath the surface at my coveting. Fill me with
the joy and satisfaction of contentment in Christ. In Jesus name I pray,
amen.
1) Numbers 3 - 4
NUMBERS 3
The Sons of Aaron
1 (Ex 6:20) These also are the generations of Aaron and Moses
in the day that the Lord spoke with Moses in Mount Sinai.
2 (Ex 6:23; Nu 26:60) These are the names of the sons of Aaron:
Nadab the firstborn, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
3 (Ex 28:41; Lev 8:1-9) These are the names of the sons of Aaron,
the priests who were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister as priests.
4 (Lev 10:1-2; Nu 26:61) Nadab and Abihu died before the Lord when
they brought strange fire before the Lord in the Wilderness of Sinai,
and they had no children, and Eleazar and Ithamar ministered
as priests in the sight of Aaron their father.
Duties of the Levites
5 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
6 Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them before Aaron the priest,
and they will minister to him.
7 (Nu 1:50; 8:11)nThey will keep his directives, and serve the whole
congregation before the tent of meeting, to do the service of the tabernacle.
8 They will keep all the instruments of the tent of meeting,
and attend to the needs of the children of Israel,
to do the service of the tabernacle.
9 (Nu 8:19) You will give the Levites to Aaron and to his sons.
They are wholly given to him from the children of Israel.
10 (Nu 1:51; 3:38) You will appoint Aaron and his sons,
and they will attend to their priesthood,
and the foreigner that approaches will be put to death.
11 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
12 (Nu 3:41; 8:16) I Myself have taken the Levites from among
the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn that open
the womb among the children of Israel. Therefore the Levites will be Mine
13 (Ex 13:2; 13:12) because all the firstborn are Mine, for on the day
that I struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I set apart to Me
all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast. They will be Mine.
I am the Lord.
A Census of the Levites
14 The Lord spoke to Moses in the Wilderness of Sinai, saying:
15 (Nu 26:62) Number the children of Levi after the house of their fathers,
by their families. You will number every male from a month old and older.
16 Moses numbered them according to the word of the Lord, as he was commanded.
17 (Ge 46:11; Ex 6:16-19) These were the sons of Levi by their names:
Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari.
18 (1Ch 6:17) These are the names of the sons of Gershon by their families:
Libni and Shimei;
19 (Ex 6:18; 1Ch 6:18) the sons of Kohath by their families:
Amram, and Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel;
20 (Ex 6:19; 1Ch 6:19) the sons of Merari by their families:
Mahli and Mushi.
These are the families of the Levites according to the house of their fathers.
21 From Gershon was the family of the Libnites
and the family of the Shimeites. These are the families of the Gershonites.
22 Those who were numbered of them, according to the number of all the males,
from a month old and older, those who were numbered of them were 7500.
23 (Nu 1:53) The families of the Gershonites were to camp
behind the west side of the tabernacle.
24 The chief of the house of the father of the Gershonites was Eliasaph
the son of Lael.
25 (Ex 25:9) The charge of the sons of Gershon in the tent of meeting
included the tabernacle, and the tent, its covering, and the hanging
for the door of the tent of meeting,
26 (Ex 35:18) the hangings of the court, the curtain for the opening
of the court that is around the tabernacle and the altar,
and its cords-all the service pertaining to these.
27 (1Ch 26:23) Of Kohath was the family of the Amramites,
and the family of the Izharites, and the family of the Hebronites,
and the family of the Uzzielites. These are the families of the Kohathites.
28 The number of all the males, from a month old and older, were 8600,
keeping the guard of the sanctuary.
29 (Nu 1:53) The families of the sons of Kohath
were to camp on the south side of the tabernacle.
30 The chief of the house of the father of the families of the Kohathites
was Elizaphan the son of Uzziel.
31 Their duty included the ark, and the table, and the lampstand,
and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary they minister with,
and the hanging, and all its service.
32 Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest was to be chief over the leaders
of the Levites and to have the oversight of those who kept the guard
of the sanctuary.
33 Of Merari was the family of the Mahlites and the family of the Mushites.
These are the families of Merari. 34Those who were numbered of them,
according to the number of all the males from a month old and older,
were 6200.
35 (Nu 1:53; 2:25) The chief of the house of the father of the families
of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail.
These were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle.
36 (Ex 26:32; 26:37) Under the oversight and guard of the sons of Merari
were the frames of the tabernacle, the bars, the pillars, the sockets,
all their accessories, all the service pertaining to these,
37 and the pillars of the court all around, with their sockets,
and pins, and cords.
38 (Nu 1:53; 3:10) But those who were to camp before the tabernacle
toward the east, even before the tent of meeting on the east side,
were Moses, and Aaron and his sons, keeping the guard
of the sanctuary for the guard of the children of Israel,
and the foreigner who approached was to be put to death.
39 (Nu 26:62) All who were numbered of the Levites,
which Moses and Aaron numbered at the commandment of the Lord,
throughout their families, all the males from a month old and older,
were twenty-two thousand.
The Redemption of the Firstborn
40 (Nu 3:15) The Lord said to Moses: Number all the firstborn of the males
of the children of Israel from a month old and older
and take the number of their names.
41 (Nu 3:12; 3:45) You will take the Levites for Me (I am the Lord)
instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel,
and the livestock of the Levites instead of all the firstborn
among the livestock of the children of Israel.
42 Moses numbered, as the Lord commanded him,
all the firstborn among the children of Israel.
43 All the firstborn males, by the number of names,
from a month old and upward, of those who were numbered of them,
were 22273.
44 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
45 (Nu 3:12) Take the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the children
of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites instead of their livestock,
and the Levites will be Mine. I am the Lord.
46 (Ex 13:13) For those who are to be redeemed of the 273 of the firstborn
of the children of Israel, which are more than the Levites,
47 (Ex 30:13; Lev 27:6) you will take five shekels
(About 2 ounces, or 58 grams.) apiece by the poll;
according to the shekel of the sanctuary you will
take them (the shekel is twenty gerahs).
48 And you will give the money, by which the number of them is to be redeemed,
to Aaron and to his sons.
49 Moses took the redemption money of those who were over
and above those who were redeemed by the Levites.
50 (Nu 3:46-47) Of the firstborn of the children of Israel he took the money,
1356 shekels, (About 35 pounds, or 16 kilograms.)
after the shekel of the sanctuary.
51 (Nu 3:48) And Moses gave the money of those who were redeemed to Aaron
and to his sons, according to the word of the Lord,
as the Lord commanded Moses.
Numbers 3
[1] These also are the generations of Aaron and Moses in the day that the
LORD spake with Moses in mount Sinai.
[2] And these are the names of the sons of Aaron; Nadab the firstborn, and
Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
[3] These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests which were
anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest's office.
[4] And Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD, when they offered strange fire
before the LORD, in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children: and
Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest's office in the sight of Aaron
their father.
[5] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
[6] Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them before Aaron the priest,
that they may minister unto him.
[7] And they shall keep his charge, and the charge of the whole congregation
before the tabernacle of the congregation, to do the service of the
tabernacle.
[8] And they shall keep all the instruments of the tabernacle of the
congregation, and the charge of the children of Israel, to do the service of
the tabernacle.
[9] And thou shalt give the Levites unto Aaron and to his sons: they are
wholly given unto him out of the children of Israel.
[10] And thou shalt appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall wait on their
priest's office: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.
[11] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
[12] And I, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of
Israel instead of all the firstborn that openeth the matrix among the
children of Israel: therefore the Levites shall be mine;
[13] Because all the firstborn are mine; for on the day that I smote all the
firstborn in the land of Egypt I hallowed unto me all the firstborn in
Israel, both man and beast: mine shall they be: I am the LORD.
[14] And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, saying,
[15] Number the children of Levi after the house of their fathers, by their
families: every male from a month old and upward shalt thou number them.
[16] And Moses numbered them according to the word of the LORD, as he was
commanded.
[17] And these were the sons of Levi by their names; Gershon, and Kohath,
and Merari.
[18] And these are the names of the sons of Gershon by their families;
Libni, and Shimei.
[19] And the sons of Kohath by their families; Amram, and Izehar, Hebron,
and Uzziel.
[20] And the sons of Merari by their families; Mahli, and Mushi. These are
the families of the Levites according to the house of their fathers.
[21] Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites, and the family of the
Shimites: these are the families of the Gershonites.
[22] Those that were numbered of them, according to the number of all the
males, from a month old and upward, even those that were numbered of them
were seven thousand and five hundred.
[23] The families of the Gershonites shall pitch behind the tabernacle
westward.
[24] And the chief of the house of the father of the Gershonites shall be
Eliasaph the son of Lael.
[25] And the charge of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the
congregation shall be the tabernacle, and the tent, the covering thereof,
and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation,
[26] And the hangings of the court, and the curtain for the door of the
court, which is by the tabernacle, and by the altar round about, and the
cords of it for all the service thereof.
[27] And of Kohath was the family of the Amramites, and the family of the
Izeharites, and the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the
Uzzielites: these are the families of the Kohathites.
[28] In the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, were eight
thousand and six hundred, keeping the charge of the sanctuary.
[29] The families of the sons of Kohath shall pitch on the side of the
tabernacle southward.
[30] And the chief of the house of the father of the families of the
Kohathites shall be Elizaphan the son of Uzziel.
[31] And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick,
and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister,
and the hanging, and all the service thereof.
[32] And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be chief over the chief
of the Levites, and have the oversight of them that keep the charge of the
sanctuary.
[33] Of Merari was the family of the Mahlites, and the family of the
Mushites: these are the families of Merari.
[34] And those that were numbered of them, according to the number of all
the males, from a month old and upward, were six thousand and two hundred.
[35] And the chief of the house of the father of the families of Merari was
Zuriel the son of Abihail: these shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle
northward.
[36] And under the custody and charge of the sons of Merari shall be the
boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and
the sockets thereof, and all the vessels thereof, and all that serveth
thereto,
[37] And the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their
pins, and their cords.
[38] But those that encamp before the tabernacle toward the east, even
before the tabernacle of the congregation eastward, shall be Moses, and
Aaron and his sons, keeping the charge of the sanctuary for the charge of
the children of Israel; and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to
death.
[39] All that were numbered of the Levites, which Moses and Aaron numbered
at the commandment of the LORD, throughout their families, all the males
from a month old and upward, were twenty and two thousand.
[40] And the LORD said unto Moses, Number all the firstborn of the males of
the children of Israel from a month old and upward, and take the number of
their names.
[41] And thou shalt take the Levites for me (I am the LORD) instead of all
the firstborn among the children of Israel; and the cattle of the Levites
instead of all the firstlings among the cattle of the children of Israel.
[42] And Moses numbered, as the LORD commanded him, all the firstborn among
the children of Israel.
[43] And all the firstborn males by the number of names, from a month old
and upward, of those that were numbered of them, were twenty and two
thousand two hundred and threescore and thirteen.
[44] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
[45] Take the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the children of
Israel, and the cattle of the Levites instead of their cattle; and the
Levites shall be mine: I am the LORD.
[46] And for those that are to be redeemed of the two hundred and threescore
and thirteen of the firstborn of the children of Israel, which are more than
the Levites;
[47] Thou shalt even take five shekels apiece by the poll, after the shekel
of the sanctuary shalt thou take them: (the shekel is twenty gerahs:)
[48] And thou shalt give the money, wherewith the odd number of them is to
be redeemed, unto Aaron and to his sons.
[49] And Moses took the redemption money of them that were over and above
them that were redeemed by the Levites:
[50] Of the firstborn of the children of Israel took he the money; a
thousand three hundred and threescore and five shekels, after the shekel of
the sanctuary:
[51] And Moses gave the money of them that were redeemed unto Aaron and to
his sons, according to the word of the LORD, as the LORD commanded Moses.
NUMBERS 4
Duties of the Kohathites
1 And the Lord spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying:
2 Take the sum of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi,
after their families, by the house of their fathers,
3 (Nu 4:23) from thirty years old and older, even to fifty years old,
all that enter into the host, to do the work in the tent of meeting.
4 (Nu 4:19) This will be the service of the sons of Kohath in the tent
of meeting, concerning the holiest things.
5 (Mt 27:51; Heb 9:3) And when the camp sets out, Aaron will come,
and his sons, and they will take down the covering curtain,
and cover the ark of the testimony with it,
6 (Ex 25:13-15) and will put on it the covering of porpoise skins,
and will spread over it a cloth completely of blue, and will put in its poles.
7 (Lev 24:5-8) Upon the table of showbread they will spread a cloth of blue,
and put the dishes on it, and the spoons, and the bowls, and covers to cover
it, and the showbread will be on it.
8 And they will spread on them a cloth of scarlet, and cover the same with
a covering of porpoise skins, and will put in its poles.
9 (Ex 25:31-39) They will take a cloth of blue, and cover the lampstand
of the light, and its lamps, and its tongs, and its snuff dishes,
and all its oil vessels, with which they minister to it.
10 And they will put it and all its vessels within
a covering of porpoise skins and will put it on a carrying pole.
11 Upon the golden altar they will spread a cloth of blue,
and cover it with a covering of porpoise skins, and will put in its poles.
12 (1Ch 9:29) And they will take all the instruments of ministry,
with which they minister in the sanctuary, and put them in a cloth of blue,
and cover them with a covering of porpoise skins, and will put
them on a carrying pole.
13 And they will take away the ashes from the altar
and spread a purple cloth on it.
14 They shall put on it all the instruments with which they minister there,
the censers, the flesh hooks, the shovels, the basins, all the utensils
of the altar. And they will spread on it a covering of porpoise skins
and insert its poles.
15 (2Sa 6:6-7; Nu 7:9) When Aaron and his sons have finished covering
the sanctuary, and all the instruments of the sanctuary, as the camp
is to set out, after that, the sons of Kohath will come to carry it.
But they will not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These things
are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tent of meeting.
16 (Ex 25:6; Lev 24:2) To the office of Eleazar, Aaron the priest's son,
pertains the oil for the light, and the sweet incense,
and the daily grain offering, and the anointing oil,
and the oversight of all the tabernacle, and of all that is in it,
in the sanctuary, and in the instruments thereof.
17 The Lord spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying:
18 Do not cut the tribe of the families of the Kohathites
from among the Levites.
19 But do this to them, that they may live and not die, when they approach
the most holy things. Aaron and his sons will go in, and appoint each one
to his service and to his burden.
20 (Ex 19:21; 1Sa 6:19) But they will not go in to see when the holy things
are covered, lest they die.
Duties of the Gershonites
21 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
22 Take also the sum of the sons of Gershon, throughout the houses
of their fathers, by their families.
23 (Nu 4:3) From thirty years old and older to fifty years old
you will number them, all that enter in to perform the service,
to do the work in the tent of meeting.
24This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, to serve,
and to work.
25 (Ex 26:14; Nu 3:25-26) And they will carry the curtains
of the tabernacle, and the tent of meeting, its covering,
and the covering of the porpoise skins that is on it,
and the hanging for the door of the tent of meeting,
26 and the hangings of the courtyard,
and the hanging for the opening of the gate of the courtyard,
which is by the tabernacle and by the altar all around,
and their cords, and all the instruments of their service,
and all that is made for them. So they will serve.
27 At the appointment of Aaron and his sons will be all
the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all their burdens,
and in all their service. And you shall assign to them all their tasks as their duty.
28 (Nu 4:33) This is the service of the families of the sons of Gershon
in the tent of meeting. And their charge will be under the hand of Ithamar
the son of Aaron the priest.
Duties of the Merarites
29 As for the sons of Merari, you will number them by their families,
by the house of their fathers.
30 (Nu 4:3; 4:23) From thirty years old and older, even to fifty years old,
you will number them, everyone who enters into the service, to do the work
of the tent of meeting.
31 (Nu 3:36-37) This is the charge of their burden, according to all their
service in the tent of meeting. The boards of the tabernacle, and its bars
thereof, and its pillars, and its sockets,
32 (Ex 38:21) and the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets,
and their pins, and their cords, with all their instruments, and with all
their service, and by name you will list the instruments of the charge of
their burden.
33 (Nu 4:28) This is the service of the families of the sons of
according to all their service, in the tent of meeting,
under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.
Census of the Levites
34 Moses, Aaron, and the leaders of the congregation numbered
the sons of the Kohathites by their families, and by the house of
their fathers,
35 (Nu 4:23; 1Ch 23:24) from thirty years old and older to fifty years old,
everyone who entered into the service, for the work in the tent of meeting.
36 And those who were numbered by their families were 2750.
37 These were the ones listed of the families of the Kohathites,
all who might do service in the tent of meeting, which Moses and Aaron
numbered according to the commandment of the Lord by the hand of Moses.
38 Those who were numbered of the sons of Gershon, throughout their families,
and by the house of their fathers,
39 from thirty years old and older to fifty years old, everyone who entered
into the service, for the work in the tent of meeting,
40 even those who were numbered of them, throughout their families,
by the house of their fathers, were two thousand six hundred and thirty.
41 These were the ones listed by the families of the sons of Gershon,
of all who might do service in the tent of meeting, whom Moses and Aaron
numbered according to the commandment of the Lord.
42 Those who were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari,
throughout their families, by the house of their fathers,
43 from thirty years old and older to fifty years old, everyone who entered
into the service, for the work in the tent of meeting,
44 even those who were numbered by their families, were 3200.
45 These were the ones listed of the families of the sons of Merari,
whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the word
of the Lord by the hand of Moses.
46 All those who were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses, Aaron,
and the leaders of Israel numbered, by their families, and by the
house of their fathers,
47 (Nu 4:3) from thirty years old and older to fifty years old,
everyone who came to do the service of the ministry, and the service
of the work in the tent of meeting,
48 (Nu 3:39) even those who were numbered were 8580.
49 (Nu 4:15; 4:21) According to the commandment of the Lord
they were numbered by the hand of Moses,
each according to his service, and according to his burden.
Thus they were numbered by him, as the Lord commanded Moses.
Numbers 4
[1] And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,
[2] Take the sum of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, after their families, by the house of their fathers,
[3] From thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all that
enter into the host, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation.
[4] This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the
congregation, about the most holy things:
[5] And when the camp setteth forward, Aaron shall come, and his sons, and
they shall take down the covering vail, and cover the ark of testimony with
it:
[6] And shall put thereon the covering of badgers' skins, and shall spread
over it a cloth wholly of blue, and shall put in the staves thereof.
[7] And upon the table of shewbread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and
put thereon the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and covers to cover
withal: and the continual bread shall be thereon:
[8] And they shall spread upon them a cloth of scarlet, and cover the same
with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put in the staves thereof.
[9] And they shall take a cloth of blue, and cover the candlestick of the
light, and his lamps, and his tongs, and his snuffdishes, and all the oil
vessels thereof, wherewith they minister unto it:
[10] And they shall put it and all the vessels thereof within a covering of
badgers' skins, and shall put it upon a bar.
[11] And upon the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of blue, and cover
it with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put to the staves thereof:
[12] And they shall take all the instruments of ministry, wherewith they
minister in the sanctuary, and put them in a cloth of blue, and cover them
with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put them on a bar:
[13] And they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple
cloth thereon:
[14] And they shall put upon it all the vessels thereof, wherewith they
minister about it, even the censers, the fleshhooks, and the shovels, and
the basons, all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread upon it a
covering of badgers' skins, and put to the staves of it.
[15] And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary,
and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after
that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any
holy thing, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath
in the tabernacle of the congregation.
[16] And to the office of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest pertaineth the
oil for the light, and the sweet incense, and the daily meat offering, and
the anointing oil, and the oversight of all the tabernacle, and of all that
therein is, in the sanctuary, and in the vessels thereof.
[17] And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,
[18] Cut ye not off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among
the Levites:
[19] But thus do unto them, that they may live, and not die, when they
approach unto the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and
appoint them every one to his service and to his burden:
[20] But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest
they die.
[21] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
[22] Take also the sum of the sons of Gershon, throughout the houses of
their fathers, by their families;
[23] From thirty years old and upward until fifty years old shalt thou
number them; all that enter in to perform the service, to do the work in the
tabernacle of the congregation.
[24] This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, to serve, and
for burdens:
[25] And they shall bear the curtains of the tabernacle, and the tabernacle
of the congregation, his covering, and the covering of the badgers' skins
that is above upon it, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the
congregation,
[26] And the hangings of the court, and the hanging for the door of the gate
of the court, which is by the tabernacle and by the altar round about, and
their cords, and all the instruments of their service, and all that is made
for them: so shall they serve.
[27] At the appointment of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of
the sons of the Gershonites, in all their burdens, and in all their service:
and ye shall appoint unto them in charge all their burdens.
[28] This is the service of the families of the sons of Gershon in the
tabernacle of the congregation: and their charge shall be under the hand of
Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.
[29] As for the sons of Merari, thou shalt number them after their families,
by the house of their fathers;
[30] From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou
number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the
tabernacle of the congregation.
[31] And this is the charge of their burden, according to all their service
in the tabernacle of the congregation; the boards of the tabernacle, and the
bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and sockets thereof,
[32] And the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their
pins, and their cords, with all their instruments, and with all their
service: and by name ye shall reckon the instruments of the charge of their
burden.
[33] This is the service of the families of the sons of Merari, according to
all their service, in the tabernacle of the congregation, under the hand of
Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.
[34] And Moses and Aaron and the chief of the congregation numbered the sons
of the Kohathites after their families, and after the house of their
fathers,
[35] From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one
that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the
congregation:
[36] And those that were numbered of them by their families were two
thousand seven hundred and fifty.
[37] These were they that were numbered of the families of the Kohathites,
all that might do service in the tabernacle of the congregation, which Moses
and Aaron did number according to the commandment of the LORD by the hand of
Moses.
[38] And those that were numbered of the sons of Gershon, throughout their
families, and by the house of their fathers,
[39] From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one
that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the
congregation,
[40] Even those that were numbered of them, throughout their families, by
the house of their fathers, were two thousand and six hundred and thirty.
[41] These are they that were numbered of the families of the sons of
Gershon, of all that might do service in the tabernacle of the congregation,
whom Moses and Aaron did number according to the commandment of the LORD.
[42] And those that were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari,
throughout their families, by the house of their fathers,
[43] From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one
that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the
congregation,
[44] Even those that were numbered of them after their families, were three
thousand and two hundred.
[45] These be those that were numbered of the families of the sons of
Merari, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the word of the LORD by
the hand of Moses.
[46] All those that were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron and
the chief of Israel numbered, after their families, and after the house of
their fathers,
[47] From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one
that came to do the service of the ministry, and the service of the burden
in the tabernacle of the congregation,
[48] Even those that were numbered of them, were eight thousand and five
hundred and fourscore.
[49] According to the commandment of the LORD they were numbered by the hand
of Moses, every one according to his service, and according to his burden:
thus were they numbered of him, as the LORD commanded Moses.
(THat is a large priesthood. Remember Christians belong
to a huge priesthood)
2) Our Daily Bread for 25 February 2022 titled
Praying in Difficult Times By Glenn Packiam
Psalms 61
For the Music Director. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.
1 Hear my cry, O God,
attend to my prayer.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) From the end of the earth I will cry to You;
when my heart faints,
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) For You have been a refuge for me,
and a strong tower from the enemy.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) I will abide in Your tent forever;
I will seek refuge in the covering of Your wings. Selah
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) For You, O God, have heard my vows;
You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) May You prolong the king's life,
and may his years be as many generations.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) May he sit enthroned before God forever;
oh, prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Thus will I sing praise to Your name forever,
that I may fulfill my vows day by day.
Psalms 61
[1] Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.
[2] From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is
overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
[3] For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.
[4] I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of
thy wings. Selah.
[5] For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of
those that fear thy name.
[6] Thou wilt prolong the king's life: and his years as many generations.
[7] He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may
preserve him.
[8] So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform
my vows.
Author and theologian Russell Moore described noticing the eerie silence in
the Russian orphanage where he adopted his boys. Someone later explained
that the babies had stopped crying because they learned that no one would
respond to their cries.
When we face difficult times, we too can feel that no one hears. And worst
of all, we can feel that God Himself doesn't listen to our cries or see our
tears. But He does! And that's why we need the language of petition
and protest found especially in the book of Psalms. The psalmists petition for
God's help and also protest their situation to Him. In Psalm 61, David brings
his petitions and protests before his Creator, stating, "From the end of the
earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock
that is higher than I." (v. 2). David cries out to God because he knows that
only He is his "refuge" and "strong tower" (v. 3).
Praying the petitions and protests of the psalms is a way of affirming God's
sovereignty and appealing to His goodness and faithfulness. They're proof of
the intimate relationship we can experience with God. In difficult moments, we
can all be tempted to believe the lie that He doesn't care. But He does.
He hears us and is with us.
Refleact & Pray
How does it encourage you to know that God hears your desperate prayers?
What petitions and protests will you share with Him today?
Dear Jesus, help me to offer You my petitions, protests, and praise.
3) From The Billy Graham Evangelical Ministry Association
Words in Season - Scripture Memory Tools
Week 3 - Saved Now and forever Day 6 - Eternal Life, Beginning now
John 10:28 - I give them eternal life. They shall never perish,
nor shall anyone snatch them from My hand.
28 and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish,
neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
In C.S. Lewis's The Great Divorce, one of the Spirits in heaven, identifying
himself as George MacDonald, makes some startling statements on the nature of
eternal life. Depending upon the individual's choice for or against Christ,
MacDonald says, everything in life takes on the character of haven or hell.
"At the end of ALL THINGS, when the sun rises here (in heaven) and the twilight
turns to blackness down there, the Blessed will say, 'We have never lived
anywhere except in Heaven,' and the Lost, 'We were always in Hell.'
And both will speak truly" - From the Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis.
Lewis was not trying to make a theological case, but to demonstrate
a principle: eternal life begins now.
The choices that we make for or against obedience to God, the life we live,
the patterns we establish, all move us in one direction of the other.
And when we have decided to choose obedience to God (the forsakeness of sin),
when we give ourselves fully into his hands, he is able to take the worst of
circumstances and redeem them for our good, use them to mature us in his image.
Again Jesus says in John 10:28
"I give them eternal life. They shall never perish,
nor shall anyone snatch them from My hand. "
In Christ is a very secure place to be. No experience is lost, no pain is
wasted. Everything in our lives is redeemed by God for our benefit.
Application
a) How have I experienced the truth that "eternal life begins now"?
b) How can this verse help me put life in perspective during times
of stress and anxiety?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Haggai 2:7-9
7 (1Ki 8:11; Isa 60:7) And I will shake all the nations,
and they will come with the wealth of all nations,
and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of Hosts.
8 (Isa 60:17) The silver is mine, and the gold is Mine,
says the Lord of Hosts.
9 (Isa 9:6-7) The glory of this latter house will be greater
than the former, says the Lord of Hosts. And in this place
I will give peace, says the Lord of Hosts.
7 and I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations
shall come: and I will fill this house with glory,
saith the LORD of hosts.
8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine,
saith the LORD of hosts.
9 The glory of this latter house shall be greater
than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place
will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Help in Times of Temptation
James 1:12-18
Trial and Temptation
12 (Jas 2:5; 1Co 9:25; 2Ti 4:8) Blessed is the man who endures temptation,
for when he is tried, he will receive the crown of life,
which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God,"
for God cannot be tempted with evil; neither does He tempt anyone.
14 But each man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed.
15 (Job 15:35; Ps 7:14) Then, when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin;
and when sin is finished, it brings forth death.
16 (Jas 1:19; 2:5) Do not err, my beloved brothers.
17 (Mal 3:6; Nu 23:19; Jn 3:27) Every good gift and every perfect gift
is from above and comes down from the Father of lights,
with whom is no change or shadow of turning.
18 (1Pe 1:23; Jn 1:13; Rev 14:4) Of His own will He brought us forth with
the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.
12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried,
he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised
to them that love him.
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God:
for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
14 but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust,
and enticed.
15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin:
and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,
and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness,
neither shadow of turning.
18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth,
that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
Alberta
Quick facts on Muslims in Alberta
Alberta 2015 population 4121700
est Muslim Population 195240
CNMM Networks: Calgary and Edmonton
It is estimated that Calgary has 82000 Muslims and Edmonton another 50000 .
Alberta may have a total as high as 195240 today.
Calgary is notable as the first Canadian city with a Muslim mayor. It's
become a prominent place of Islamic fundamentalism.
Edmonton's Muslim population is very diverse, with the largest group
coming from Tanzania, followed by Somalia, and then North African countries
such as Egypt, Morocco, etc.
Muslims are coming to faith in Jesus! They overcome huge spiritual,
emotional and cultural hurdles to follow Christ. Yet their challenges still
continue, especially in growing in discipleship. They often fell lost in our
Western congregations, and equally lost trying to find a church body with whom
they can identify. some are even being lured into Christian cult groups.
Please join us in praying for:
- The church to reach out to the growing Muslim populations in Alberta.
- for Canadian churches to start contextualised discipleship ministries to
Muslim-background believers.
- for Muslm-background believers to be well grounded spiritually and socially
in their faith and the Church.
- and for Muslim-background believers to share their faith with their
not-yet-believing family and friendship networks.
- for Farsi and Arabic fellowships to grow in spiritual maturity and outreach.
- for current and new workers among Muslims in these growing Muslim
in these growing Muslim population centres.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 "In the last days it shall be," says God,
"that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.
18 Even on My menservants and maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.
19 And I will show wonders in heaven above and signs on the earth below:
blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness,
and the moon into blood, before that great and glorious day of the Lord comes.
21 And whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."[a]
Footnotes
Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32.
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
Day 24 of the Month
a) Pray that the Lord will open a door for the message for the Gospel
at every level of Canadian Society. (
Col 4:3
3 while praying also for us, that God would open to
us a door of utterance to speak the mystery of Christ,
for which I am also in chains,
3 withal praying also for us, that God would open unto
us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ,
for which I am also in bonds:
)
b) Pray for the Province of Saskatchewan
I) Pray for the leaders of Saskatchewan,
that God's Spirit would influence
then to act justly,
serve with integrity
and honour high moral standards. ( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good
and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use
the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
)
8 ) DAY 19: No Matter What, Be Content
Verse af the day: "11 (Php 3:8; 1Ti 6:6-9)
I do not speak because I have need, for I have learned
in whatever state I am to be content.
[11] Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever
state I am, therewith to be content.
" Philippians 4:11
An online dictionary defines contentment as "the state of being mentally
or emotionally satisfied with things as they are." Today it seems rare to
find anyone genuinely content with their condition in life however the
Bible has a great deal to say about contentment--being satisfied with
what we have, who we are, and where we're going. Jesus said, "Therefore,
I say to you, take no thought
about your life, what you will eat, or what you will drink,
nor about your body, what you will put on.
Is not life more than food and the body than clothing?" Matthew 6:25.
The bumper sticker that reads "He with the most toys wins!" emphasises
our cravings for more and more. Contentment does not come from what
we eat, or where we work or live. Contentment is being satisfied in all
circumstances in our life regardless of what we face or what is happening
Therefore, contentment in our hearts has to be focused solely on God.
Reflection: Am content in my life and circumstances?
Prayer: Father God, how often am I not satisfied with where I am? So
often, I struggle ta be content with what I have and where I am in life. But
I forget more times than I should that You, Lord, have graciously provided
me with every spiritual blessing in Christ and everything I need for life and
godliness.
Thank you for often not giving me what I want because my desires would
draw my heart away from being satisfied in You. Help me be content in
You with what You have given me and not focus on what my flesh wants
or what the world tells me I should have. Protect me, Jesus, from coveting
possessions, people, talent, influence, relationships, or prestige.
Help me learn to be content in any situation, helping me to quickly reject
the idolatry that dwells beneath the surface at my coveting. Fill me with
the joy and satisfaction of contentment in Christ. In Jesus name I pray,
amen.
Scripture reflection: Psalm 23:1
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
1 Timothy 6:6-12,
6 (1Ti 4:8; Heb 13:5) But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 (Job 1:21; Ps 49:17) For we brought nothing into this world,
and it is certain that we can carry nothing out.
8 (Ge 28:20) If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with
these things.
9 (Pr 15:27; 1Ti 3:7) But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation
and a snare and into many foolish and harmful lusts, which drown men
in ruin and destruction.
10 (Dt 16:19) For the love of money is the root of all evil.
While coveting after money, some have strayed from the faith
and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
The Good Fight of Faith
11 (2Ti 2:22; 3:17) But you, O man of God, escape these things, and follow
after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.
12 (1Ti 1:18; 1Co 9:25-66) Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold
on eternal life, to which you are called and have professed
a good profession before many witnesses.
[6] But godliness with contentment is great gain.
[7] For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry
nothing out.
[8] And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
[9] But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into
many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and
perdition.
[10] For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted
after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with
many sorrows.
[11] But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after
righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
[12] Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou
art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
Psalm 34:10b
but the ones who seek the Lord will not lack any good thing.
but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to be part of the royal priesthood.
Pray to the Lord:
"Dear Jesus, help me to offer You my petitions, protests, and praise."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know that Eternity starts now.
Pray to the Lord and pray to remember that everything is his in Glory.
Pray to the Lord and pray to give him all your trials and temptations.
Please join us in praying for:
- The church to reach out to the growing Muslim populations in Alberta.
- for Canadian churches to start contextualised discipleship ministries to
Muslim-background believers.
- for Muslm-background believers to be well grounded spiritually and socially
in their faith and the Church.
- and for Muslim-background believers to share their faith with their
not-yet-believing family and friendship networks.
- for Farsi and Arabic fellowships to grow in spiritual maturity and outreach.
- for current and new workers among Muslims in these growing Muslim
in these growing Muslim population centres.
Pray that the Lord will open a door for the message for the Gospel
at every level of Society.
Pray that God will provide for those expelled from their homes for placing
their faith in Christ in Laos.
Father God, how often am I not satisfied with where I am? So
often, I struggle ta be content with what I have and where I am in life. But
I forget more times than I should that You, Lord, have graciously provided
me with every spiritual blessing in Christ and everything I need for life and
godliness.
Thank you for often not giving me what I want because my desires would
draw my heart away from being satisfied in You. Help me be content in
You with what You have given me and not focus on what my flesh wants
or what the world tells me I should have. Protect me, Jesus, from coveting
possessions, people, talent, influence, relationships, or prestige.
Help me learn to be content in any situation, helping me to quickly reject
the idolatry that dwells beneath the surface at my coveting. Fill me with
the joy and satisfaction of contentment in Christ. In Jesus name I pray,
amen.