Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 30:11-16.

“The LORD also spoke to Moses, saying, “When you take a census of the sons of Israel to number them, then each one of them shall give a ransom for himself to the LORD, when you number them, so that there will be no plague among them when you number them.  This is what everyone who is numbered shall give:  half a shekel according to the shekel of the sanctuary (the shekel is twenty gerahs), half a shekel as a contribution to the LORD.  Everyone who is numbered, from twenty years old and over, shall give the contribution to the LORD.  The rich shall not pay more and the poor shall not pay less than the half shekel, when you give the contribution to the LORD to make atonement for yourselves.  You shall take the atonement money from the sons of Israel and shall give it for the service of the tent of meeting, that it may be a memorial for the sons of Israel before the LORD, to make atonement for yourselves.” Exodus 30:11-16. 

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There is hope in One.

Although each one of the sons of Israel were commanded to give half a shekel, which was one coin, it would be counted as “ransom” (verse 12) and “atonement money” (verse 16). 

In the parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard, although there were some who grumbled at only receiving one denarius for working the whole day while others worked only one hour and received the same wage of one denarius, we rejoice as we realize the one denarius represents one reward of eternal life.  

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”  John 3:16.

“For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,”.  1 Timothy 2:5.

“There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling;  one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.”  Ephesians 4:4-6.

“Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village;  and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home.  She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word.  But Martha was distracted with all her preparations;  and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone?  Then tell her to help me.”  But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things;  but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”  Luke 10:38-42.

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