Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | March 29, 2023

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.”

Today’s devotion comes from Numbers 1:17-45.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%201&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“So Moses and Aaron took these men who had been designated by name, and they assembled all the congregation together on the first of the second month.  Then they registered by ancestry in their families, by their fathers’ households, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, head by head, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.  So he numbered them in the wilderness of Sinai.

Now the sons of Reuben, Israel’s firstborn, their genealogical registration by their families, by their fathers’ households, according to the number of names, head by head, every male from twenty years old and upward, whoever was able to go out to war, their numbered men of the tribe of Reuben were 46,500.

Of the sons of Simeon, their genealogical registration by their families, by their fathers’ households, their numbered men, according to the number of names, head by head, every male from twenty years old and upward, whoever was able to go out to war, their numbered men of the tribe of Simeon were 59,300.

…

These are the ones who were numbered, whom Moses and Aaron numbered, with the leaders of Israel, twelve men, each of whom was of his father’s household.  So all the numbered men of the sons of Israel by their fathers’ households, from twenty years old and upward, whoever was able to go out to war in Israel, even all the numbered men were 603,550.”  Numbers 1:17-23 and 44-46.

—————-

We know that the LORD did not intend to create pride in the sons of Israel by numbering “whoever was able to go out to war in Israel”.  

We remember the time when David was moved to number Israel, and “God was displeased with this thing, so He struck Israel.”  1 Chronicles 21:7.  

We also remember the many times that the LORD reduced the number of the sons of Israel to fight a particular battle so that God would be given credit for the victory.  One example is the time of Gideon, when the LORD used only 300 of the sons of Israel, to give the victory to Israel.  “The LORD said to Gideon, “The people who are with you are too many for Me to give Midian into their hands, for Israel would become boastful, saying, ‘My own power has delivered me.’”  Judges 7:2.

We do know from the next chapter that the LORD organized the sons of Israel into camps and how they should set out when they moved.  “Now the LORD spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, “The sons of Israel shall camp, each by his own standard, with the banners of their fathers’ households;  they shall camp around the tent of meeting at a distance.  …  Thus the sons of Israel did;  according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so they camped by their standards, and so they set out, every one by his family according to his father’s household.” Numbers 2:1-2 and 34.

We do know that God is not a God of confusion, but God is a God of peace and order.  “for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.  …  But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.”  1 Corinthians 14:33 and 40.

But, most importantly, we do know that we need to trust and obey.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5.

Leave a Comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | March 28, 2023

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!”

Today’s devotion comes from Numbers 1:1-16.

“Then the LORD spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tent of meeting, on the first of the second month, in the second year after they had come out of the land of Egypt, saying, “Take a census of all the congregation of the sons of Israel, by their families, by their fathers’ households, according to the number of names, every male, head by head from twenty years old and upward, whoever is able to go out to war in Israel, you and Aaron shall number them by their armies.  With you, moreover, there shall be a man of each tribe, each one head of his father’s household.  These then are the names of the men who shall stand with you:  of Reuben, Elizur the son of Shedeur;  of Simeon, Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai;  of Judah, Nahshon the son of Amminadab;  of Issachar, Nethanel the son of Zuar;  of Zebulun, Eliab the son of Helon;  of the sons of Joseph:  of Ephraim, Elishama the son of Ammihud; of Manasseh, Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur;  of Benjamin, Abidan the son of Gideoni;  of Dan, Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai;  of Asher, Pagiel the son of Ochran;  of Gad, Eliasaph the son of Deuel;  of Naphtali, Ahira the son of Enan.  These are they who were called of the congregation, the leaders of their fathers’ tribes;  they were the heads of divisions of Israel.”  Numbers 1:1-16.

————-

Numbers and names are important to the LORD.  We see the Book is named Numbers.  We read the names right in the beginning of Numbers.  

Other doctrine teaches that God loves everybody, Christ died for everyone, but for no specific number and for no one by name.

But, Reformed Doctrine teaches that God loves a specific number of certain persons by name, and Christ died for that specific number of certain persons by name.

Consider the following from the Canons of Dordt in the section titled FIRST HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of Divine Predestination. 

Article 7.  Election is the unchangeable purpose of God, whereby, before the foundation of the world, he hath out of mere grace, according to the sovereign good pleasure of his own will, chosen, from the whole human race, which had fallen through their own fault, from their primitive state of rectitude, into sin and destruction, a certain number of persons to redemption in Christ, whom he from eternity appointed the Mediator and Head of the elect, and the foundation of Salvation.  …

Article 10.  The good pleasure of God is the sole cause of this gracious election;  which doth not consist herein, that out of all possible qualities and actions of men God has chosen some as a condition of salvation;  but that he was pleased out of the common mass of sinners to adopt some certain persons as a peculiar people to himself, as it is written, “For the children being not yet born neither having done any good or evil,” etc., it was said (namely to Rebecca):  “the elder shall serve the younger; as it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated,”  Romans 9:11,12,13.  “And as many as were ordained to eternal life believed,”  Acts 13:48.

Article 11.  And as God himself is most wise, unchangeable, omniscient and omnipotent, so the election made by him can neither be interrupted nor changed, recalled or annulled;  neither can the elect be cast away, nor their number diminished.

“But now, thus says the LORD, your Creator, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel,
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name; you are Mine!
2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched,
Nor will the flame burn you.
3 “For I am the LORD your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I have given Egypt as your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your place.
4 “Since you are precious in My sight,
Since you are honored and I love you,
I will give other men in your place and other peoples in exchange for your life.” Isaiah 43:1-4.

Leave a Comment

Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: ,

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | March 27, 2023

“that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God”

Today’s devotion comes from Leviticus chapter 27.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus%2027&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“Again, the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘When a man makes a difficult vow, he shall be valued according to your valuation of persons belonging to the LORD.  …

…

‘Nevertheless, anything which a man sets apart to the LORD out of all that he has, of man or animal or of the fields of his own property, shall not be sold or redeemed. Anything devoted to destruction is most holy to the LORD.  No one who may have been set apart among men shall be ransomed;  he shall surely be put to death.

‘Thus all the tithe of the land, of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’S;  it is holy to the LORD.”  Leviticus 27:1-2 and 28-30.

—————-

Whether or not we agree, or even understand, the reason for the valuations in this chapter, we can and will meditate on the general point that we should value people and things based on how God’s Word values them.

We can see specific examples of this general point throughout God’s Word.

“13 How blessed is the man who finds wisdom
And the man who gains understanding.
14 For her profit is better than the profit of silver
And her gain better than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than jewels;
And nothing you desire compares with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand;
In her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant ways
And all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
And happy are all who hold her fast.” Proverbs 3:15-18.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal;  for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  Matthew 6:19-21.

“Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.”  John 6:27.

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. Matthew 13:44-46.

“But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.  More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ,”  Philippians 3:7-8. 

“7 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether.
10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.” Psalm 19:7-10.

“Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, were listening to all these things and were scoffing at Him.  And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts;  for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God.”  Luke 16:14-15.

“‘Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, that your days may be prolonged and that it may go well with you on the land which the LORD your God gives you.”  Deuteronomy 5:16.

“But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work.  Live in peace with one another.”  1 Thessalonians 5:12-13. 

“10 He does not delight in the strength of the horse;
He does not take pleasure in the legs of a man.
11 The LORD favors those who fear Him,
Those who wait for His lovingkindness.” Psalm 147:10-11.

“But now, thus says the LORD, your Creator, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel,
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name; you are Mine!
2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched,
Nor will the flame burn you.
3 “For I am the LORD your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I have given Egypt as your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your place.
4 “Since you are precious in My sight,
Since you are honored and I love you,
I will give other men in your place and other peoples in exchange for your life.” Isaiah 43:1-4.

Leave a Comment

Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: ,

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | March 26, 2023

“For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.”

Today’s devotion comes from Leviticus 26:40-46.

“‘If they confess their iniquity and the iniquity of their forefathers, in their unfaithfulness which they committed against Me, and also in their acting with hostility against Me— I also was acting with hostility against them, to bring them into the land of their enemies—or if their uncircumcised heart becomes humbled so that they then make amends for their iniquity, then I will remember My covenant with Jacob, and I will remember also My covenant with Isaac, and My covenant with Abraham as well, and I will remember the land.  For the land will be abandoned by them, and will make up for its sabbaths while it is made desolate without them.  They, meanwhile, will be making amends for their iniquity, because they rejected My ordinances and their soul abhorred My statutes.  Yet in spite of this, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject them, nor will I so abhor them as to destroy them, breaking My covenant with them;  for I am the LORD their God.  But I will remember for them the covenant with their ancestors, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the nations, that I might be their God.  I am the LORD.’”

These are the statutes and ordinances and laws which the LORD established between Himself and the sons of Israel through Moses at Mount Sinai.”  Leviticus 26:40-46. 

————————–

Although we are called to repent and “make amends” (using the language of today’s Scripture) for our iniquity, Reformed Doctrine teaches that we are dead in sin, and we will not repent nor make amends unless God does a work of grace in making us alive and in making us willing and able to sufficiently repent and make amends. 

But, simplifying it even further, the LORD does not reject and destroy His elect, “for I am the LORD their God.”  

“Yet in spite of this, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject them, nor will I so abhor them as to destroy them, breaking My covenant with them;  for I am the LORD their God.  But I will remember for them the covenant with their ancestors, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the nations, that I might be their God.  I am the LORD.’”  Verses 44-45.

We see this very clearly in the following Scripture.  God does not save us for our sake.  God saves us for His sake, “so you will be My people, and I will be your God.” 

“Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for My holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you went.  I will vindicate the holiness of My great name which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst.  Then the nations will know that I am the LORD,” declares the Lord GOD, “when I prove Myself holy among you in their sight.  For I will take you from the nations, gather you from all the lands and bring you into your own land.  Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean;  I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols.  Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you;  and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.  I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.  You will live in the land that I gave to your forefathers; so you will be My people, and I will be your God.” Ezekiel 36:22-28.

God has His elect a/k/a His chosen ones a/k/a a people for His own possession.

“For you are a holy people to the LORD your God;  the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.”  Deuteronomy 7:6.

“But the LORD has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, from Egypt, to be a people for His own possession, as today.”  Deuteronomy 4:20.

“For the LORD has chosen Jacob for Himself,
Israel for His own possession.” Psalm 135:4.

Consider the following from the Heidelberg Catechism.  Our only comfort is not our wisdom nor our free-will.  Our only comfort is that we belong to our faithful Savior Jesus Christ.  Our only comfort is that we are a people of God’s own possession.

“Q. 1.  What is thy only comfort in life and death?

A.  That I with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Savior Jesus Christ;  who, with His precious blood, hath fully satisfied for all my sins, and delivered me from all the power of the devil;  and so preserves me that without the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head;  yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, and therefore, by His Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, and makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto Him.

“But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;  for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD;  you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.”  1 Peter 2:9-10.

Leave a Comment

Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: , , ,

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | March 24, 2023

“The LORD is a warrior; The LORD is His name.”

Today’s devotion comes from Leviticus 26:14-39.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus%2026&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“‘But if you do not obey Me and do not carry out all these commandments, if, instead, you reject My statutes, and if your soul abhors My ordinances so as not to carry out all My commandments, and so break My covenant, I, in turn, will do this to you:  I will appoint over you a sudden terror, consumption and fever that will waste away the eyes and cause the soul to pine away;  also, you will sow your seed uselessly, for your enemies will eat it up.  I will set My face against you so that you will be struck down before your enemies;  and those who hate you will rule over you, and you will flee when no one is pursuing you.  If also after these things you do not obey Me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins.  I will also break down your pride of power;  I will also make your sky like iron and your earth like bronze.  Your strength will be spent uselessly, for your land will not yield its produce and the trees of the land will not yield their fruit.

‘If then, you act with hostility against Me and are unwilling to obey Me, I will increase the plague on you seven times according to your sins.  I will let loose among you the beasts of the field, which will bereave you of your children and destroy your cattle and reduce your number so that your roads lie deserted.

‘And if by these things you are not turned to Me, but act with hostility against Me, then I will act with hostility against you;  and I, even I, will strike you seven times for your sins.  I will also bring upon you a sword which will execute vengeance for the covenant;  and when you gather together into your cities, I will send pestilence among you, so that you shall be delivered into enemy hands.”  Leviticus 26:14-25. 

——————–

Jesus exclaimed:  “But I will warn you whom to fear:  fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell;  yes, I tell you, fear Him!”  Luke 12:5.

We may compare the back-to-back Scriptures that we covered the last two days.

The promises of punishment if we disobey God may seem longer and stronger than the promises of blessings if we obey God.

Avoiding hell may motivate more than gaining heaven.  

But, both Scriptures are profitable.

We may consider the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and that “A good understanding have all those who do His commandments” and “And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding”.  

“7 The works of His hands are truth and justice;
All His precepts are sure.
8 They are upheld forever and ever;
They are performed in truth and uprightness.
9 He has sent redemption to His people;
He has ordained His covenant forever;
Holy and awesome is His name.
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments;
His praise endures forever.” Psalm 111:7-10.

“10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 For by me your days will be multiplied,
And years of life will be added to you.” Proverbs 9:10-11.

The LORD is not a jolly Santa Claus; the LORD is a just Judge. The LORD is not a frail young hippy; the LORD is a victorious Warrior.

“The LORD is a warrior;
The LORD is His name.” Exodus 15:3.

“12 Let them give glory to the LORD
And declare His praise in the coastlands.
13 The LORD will go forth like a warrior,
He will arouse His zeal like a man of war.
He will utter a shout, yes, He will raise a war cry.
He will prevail against His enemies.” Isaiah 42:12-13.

“10 Now therefore, O kings, show discernment;
Take warning, O judges of the earth.
11 Worship the LORD with reverence
And rejoice with trembling.
12 Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way,
For His wrath may soon be kindled.
How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!” Psalm 2:10-12.

Leave a Comment

Posted in Uncategorized | Tags:

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | March 23, 2023

“See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, and death and adversity” – “But God, …, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ”

Today’s devotion comes from Leviticus 26:1-13.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus%2026&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments so as to carry them out, then I shall give you rains in their season, so that the land will yield its produce and the trees of the field will bear their fruit.  Indeed, your threshing will last for you until grape gathering, and grape gathering will last until sowing time.  You will thus eat your food to the full and live securely in your land.  I shall also grant peace in the land, so that you may lie down with no one making you tremble.  I shall also eliminate harmful beasts from the land, and no sword will pass through your land.  …  Moreover, I will make My dwelling among you, and My soul will not reject you.  I will also walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people.  I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt so that you would not be their slaves, and I broke the bars of your yoke and made you walk erect.”  Leviticus 26:3-6 and 11-13.

——————–

There are these and more promises of blessings if we obey the LORD.  See, for example, Deuteronomy 7:12-16.

There are also promises of punishment if we disobey the LORD as we will see in the following Scripture and devotion, God willing.

There is a clear choice.  

“See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, and death and adversity;  in that I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His judgments, that you may live and multiply, and that the LORD your God may bless you in the land where you are entering to possess it.  But if your heart turns away and you will not obey, but are drawn away and worship other gods and serve them, I declare to you today that you shall surely perish.  You will not prolong your days in the land where you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess it.  I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse.  So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, by loving the LORD your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him;  for this is your life and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.”  Deuteronomy 30:15-20.

But, even though there is every reason to choose life, we choose death due to the sin within us.  “Wretched man that I am!  Who will set me free from the body of this death?”  Romans 7:24. 

Other doctrine teaches that our hope is in our free-will.

But, Reformed Doctrine teaches us that our hope is in God.

“And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.  Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.  But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.  For by grace you have been saved through faith;  and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;  not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”  Ephesians 2:1-9. 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: , ,

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | March 22, 2023

“through death He (Christ) might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives”

Today’s devotion comes from Leviticus 25:47-55.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus%2025&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“‘Now if the means of a stranger or of a sojourner with you becomes sufficient, and a countryman of yours becomes so poor with regard to him as to sell himself to a stranger who is sojourning with you, or to the descendants of a stranger’s family, then he shall have redemption right after he has been sold.  One of his brothers may redeem him, or his uncle, or his uncle’s son, may redeem him, or one of his blood relatives from his family may redeem him;  or if he prospers, he may redeem himself.  He then with his purchaser shall calculate from the year when he sold himself to him up to the year of jubilee;  and the price of his sale shall correspond to the number of years.  It is like the days of a hired man that he shall be with him.  If there are still many years, he shall refund part of his purchase price in proportion to them for his own redemption;  and if few years remain until the year of jubilee, he shall so calculate with him.  In proportion to his years he is to refund the amount for his redemption.”  Leviticus 25:47-52.

—————-

Two principles of redemption in today’s Scripture helps us understand Christ’s redemption of us.

First, redemption can only be done by a blood relative.  “…  One of his brothers may redeem him, or his uncle, or his uncle’s son, may redeem him, or one of his blood relatives from his family may redeem him;  …”  Verses 48-49.

Accordingly, Christ partook of the flesh and blood of those He intended to redeem.  

“Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.  For assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham.  Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.”  Hebrews 2:14-17.

Second, the price of redemption corresponded to the number of years of slavery that remained to be served until the jubilee (which occurred every 50 years) in which everyone would be freed without payment in any event.  “He then with his purchaser shall calculate from the year when he sold himself to him up to the year of jubilee;  and the price of his sale shall correspond to the number of years.”  Verse 50.  For example, if the slave sold himself for $50,000 immediately after the jubilee, and one year later his uncle wanted to redeem him, the purchase price would be $49,000 because 49 years of slavery remained to be served.  But, if his uncle wanted to redeem him after 49 years of slavery service, and only one year remained of slavery service before the jubilee, then the purchase price would be only $1,000.  As a side note, we see justice in this principle of redemption. 

Accordingly, through His blood, Christ paid the full price for the number of years that remained to be served of the persons whom He redeemed.  But, unlike the redemption in today’s Scripture, there was no backstop of jubilee to limit the price for redemption.  The following Scripture uses figurative language to let us know it is a long, long time that really is endless.

“For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves.  When he had begun to settle them, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him.  But since he did not have the means to repay, his lord commanded him to be sold, along with his wife and children and all that he had, and repayment to be made.  So the slave fell to the ground and prostrated himself before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you everything.’  And the lord of that slave felt compassion and released him and forgave him the debt.”  Matthew 18:23-27.  The Footnote to my Bible Gateway New American Standard Bible 1995 (NASB1995) version states:  “A talent was worth more than fifteen years’ wages of a laborer”.  Thus, it would take 150,000 years of labor for the slave to free himself which the slave obviously could not do.

Q. 15. What sort of a mediator and deliverer then must we seek for?

A. For one who is very man, and perfectly righteous;  and yet more powerful than all creatures;  that is, one who is also very God.  Heidelberg Catechism.  

Hopefully, these Scriptures will make us appreciate more Christ’s redemption of us:  “knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.”  1 Peter 1:18-19.

Comments Off on “through death He (Christ) might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives”

Posted in Uncategorized | Tags:

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | March 21, 2023

“You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.”

Today’s devotion comes from Leviticus 25:35-46.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus%2025&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“‘Now in case a countryman of yours becomes poor and his means with regard to you falter, then you are to sustain him, like a stranger or a sojourner, that he may live with you.  Do not take usurious interest from him, but revere your God, that your countryman may live with you.  You shall not give him your silver at interest, nor your food for gain.  I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan and to be your God.”  Leviticus 25:35-38.

—————–   

“If there is a poor man with you, one of your brothers, in any of your towns in your land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart, nor close your hand from your poor brother;  but you shall freely open your hand to him, and shall generously lend him sufficient for his need in whatever he lacks.  Beware that there is no base thought in your heart, saying, ‘The seventh year, the year of remission, is near,’ and your eye is hostile toward your poor brother, and you give him nothing;  then he may cry to the LORD against you, and it will be a sin in you.  You shall generously give to him, and your heart shall not be grieved when you give to him, because for this thing the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in all your undertakings.  For the poor will never cease to be in the land;  therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.’”  Deuteronomy 15:7-11.

“He who is generous will be blessed,
For he gives some of his food to the poor.” Proverbs 22:9.

“The generous man will be prosperous,
And he who waters will himself be watered.” Proverbs 11:25.

“You shall generously give to him, and your heart shall not be grieved when you give to him, because for this thing the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in all your undertakings.”   Deuteronomy 15:10.   

“But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?”  1 John 3:17. 

We know that giving to the poor and needy shows our love for our brother and that it is the righteous thing to do and that God promises blessings on us when we do so.  But, how deeply rooted selfishness is in our hearts!  How clever we are in excusing ourselves from not being generous!

But, there is hope!

“Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you;  and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.  I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.”  Ezekiel 36:26-27. 

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;  against such things there is no law.”  Galatians 5:22.

Christ “… gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.”  Titus 2:14.

“For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.”  Hebrews 10:14.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”  Ephesians 2:10.

“for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”  Philippians 2:13.

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 1:6. 

Comments Off on “You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.”

Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: , , , ,

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | March 20, 2023

“If a fellow countryman of yours becomes so poor he has to sell part of his property, then his nearest kinsman is to come and buy back what his relative has sold.”

Today’s devotion comes from Leviticus 25:23-34.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus%2025&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“‘The land, moreover, shall not be sold permanently, for the land is Mine;  for you are but aliens and sojourners with Me.  Thus for every piece of your property, you are to provide for the redemption of the land.

‘If a fellow countryman of yours becomes so poor he has to sell part of his property, then his nearest kinsman is to come and buy back what his relative has sold.” Leviticus 25:23-25.  

——————

Today’s Scripture points to our Redeemer, Jesus Christ.  “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace”  Ephesians 1:7. 

But to more fully appreciate our redemption, let us consider today’s Scripture:  “If a fellow countryman of yours becomes so poor he has to sell part of his property, then his nearest kinsman is to come and buy back what his relative has sold.”  Verse 25.  From this verse, I will point out two things.   First, we notice our poor humble state.  Second, we notice that the redeemer did not save everyone:  “then his nearest kinsman is to come and buy back what his relative has sold.” 

Let us consider one of the most famous stories of redemption.  Boaz was a redeemer whose action of redemption not only saved Ruth, but their son was an ancestor of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ.  See Matthew 1:1-16, especially Matthew 1:5. 

“Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning the redemption and the exchange of land to confirm any matter:  a man removed his sandal and gave it to another; and this was the manner of attestation in Israel.  So the closest relative said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself.”  And he removed his sandal.  Then Boaz said to the elders and all the people, “You are witnesses today that I have bought from the hand of Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech and all that belonged to Chilion and Mahlon.  Moreover, I have acquired Ruth the Moabitess, the widow of Mahlon, to be my wife in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance, so that the name of the deceased will not be cut off from his brothers or from the court of his birth place;  you are witnesses today.”  …

So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife, and he went in to her.  And the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son.  Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed is the LORD who has not left you without a redeemer today, and may his name become famous in Israel.  May he also be to you a restorer of life and a sustainer of your old age; for your daughter-in-law, who loves you and is better to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.”  Ruth 4:7-10 and 13-15.

The following Scripture summarizes well these two points:  our poor humble state and the redeemer did not save everyone.

“For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble;  but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God.  But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.”  1 Corinthians 1:26-31.

Redemption is always for specific objects that we own, never for everything.  For example, when we redeem something from the pawn shop, we do not redeem everything in the store, but we only redeem our specific items that we own and left at the pawn shop as collateral for a loan.

Christ’s death redeemed all of God’s elect, but only them alone, not everyone in the world.

“But now, thus says the LORD, your Creator, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel,
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name; you are Mine!
2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched,
Nor will the flame burn you.
3 “For I am the LORD your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I have given Egypt as your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your place.
4 “Since you are precious in My sight,
Since you are honored and I love you,
I will give other men in your place and other peoples in exchange for your life.” Isaiah 43:1-4.

Comments Off on “If a fellow countryman of yours becomes so poor he has to sell part of his property, then his nearest kinsman is to come and buy back what his relative has sold.”

Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: , , ,

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | March 19, 2023

“I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.”

Today’s devotion comes from Leviticus 25:8-17.

“‘You are also to count off seven sabbaths of years for yourself, seven times seven years, so that you have the time of the seven sabbaths of years, namely, forty-nine years.  You shall then sound a ram’s horn abroad on the tenth day of the seventh month;  on the day of atonement you shall sound a horn all through your land.  You shall thus consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim a release through the land to all its inhabitants.  It shall be a jubilee for you, and each of you shall return to his own property, and each of you shall return to his family.  You shall have the fiftieth year as a jubilee;  you shall not sow, nor reap its aftergrowth, nor gather in from its untrimmed vines.  For it is a jubilee;  it shall be holy to you.  You shall eat its crops out of the field.

‘On this year of jubilee each of you shall return to his own property.  If you make a sale, moreover, to your friend or buy from your friend’s hand, you shall not wrong one another.  Corresponding to the number of years after the jubilee, you shall buy from your friend;  he is to sell to you according to the number of years of crops.  In proportion to the extent of the years you shall increase its price, and in proportion to the fewness of the years you shall diminish its price, for it is a number of crops he is selling to you.  So you shall not wrong one another, but you shall fear your God;  for I am the LORD your God.”  Leviticus 25:8-17.

—————

With a broad view and simple summary, the first paragraph shows the exercise of God’s lovingkindness and the second paragraph shows the exercise of God’s justice.   “Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches;  but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth;  for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.”  Jeremiah 9:23-24.

The jubilee in the first paragraph not only temporarily provided earthly relief and restoration; it gave spiritual hope of heaven.  “For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees?  But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.”  Romans 8:24-25.

The command on how to sell property to deal with the jubilee shows God’s understanding that it would not be just to sell property a short time before the jubilee for full price when the land would be returned to the seller at the time of the jubilee.  We are not free to use God’s lovingkindness to neglect justice.  “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!  For you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law:  justice and mercy and faithfulness;  but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.”  Matthew 23:23.     

Comments Off on “I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.”

Posted in Uncategorized

Older Posts »

Categories