February 24, 2006 - Numbers 7-8 and Mark 4:21-41
Please, don't let yourself get bogged down in the repetition in Numbers 7 and 8. Apply the spiritual principles that are very apparent. What does it say that Moses did to the tabernacle when it was completed? He anointed and consecrated it. (7:1) What was the result? God spoke to him from above the mercy seat. (7:89) That is a great truth. Don't miss it. Then, in chapter 8 what did he do to the Levites before they began their service in the tabernacle? He cleansed them. What do these actions say to us today?
Anointing represents the presence of the Holy Spirit. Specifically, it represents the fullness of the Spirit. Moses knew that the tabernacle needed to be filled with the presence of God and the power of God, or it would not be used by Him correctly. Then, consecration is the state of being holy or set apart for God's use. The tabernacle was special because it was the place God lived on earth. It was set apart for Him and His worship. It must not be seen as a common place. It was God's place. Where is the tabernacle of God today? It is the heart of every believer. Therefore, every believer needs to be filled with the Spirit and set apart for God's service all of the time. That is what the New Testament says, isn't it? If our lives are not effective, it is because of a lack of anointing and consecration to Him.
Cleansing is just as important. God does not use dirty vessels, even if they have the Spirit and they have been set apart for Him. We must not allow sin to come into our lives. We must constantly confess sin and repent, or we become unclean and useless to God. Always remember I John 1:9. We need cleansing all of the time, so we can walk in fellowship with God and others.
Mark 4 gives us some insights into the Kingdom of God. Jesus is in control. He sees and knows everything. Nothing is hidden from Him. He will reward and punish based on what we do. We need to shine the light, so people will come to Christ. The Kingdom is meant to grow and to grow very large. If the Kingdom is not expanding, there something seriously wrong. Could it be that we are not looking to Christ? He rules the wind and the waves. He rules the universe. There is nothing He can't do except the wrong thing. Therefore, why is the Kingdom not growing as it should? There are many factors, but they all come back to a failure to trust the Lord and to experience His power. Therefore, it all comes back to anointing, consecration, and cleansing on the part of believers. It comes back to unbelief on the part of those who don't know Christ. Once we trust Him, anything in His will is possible.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Numbers 9-11 and Mark 5:1-20.
Anointing represents the presence of the Holy Spirit. Specifically, it represents the fullness of the Spirit. Moses knew that the tabernacle needed to be filled with the presence of God and the power of God, or it would not be used by Him correctly. Then, consecration is the state of being holy or set apart for God's use. The tabernacle was special because it was the place God lived on earth. It was set apart for Him and His worship. It must not be seen as a common place. It was God's place. Where is the tabernacle of God today? It is the heart of every believer. Therefore, every believer needs to be filled with the Spirit and set apart for God's service all of the time. That is what the New Testament says, isn't it? If our lives are not effective, it is because of a lack of anointing and consecration to Him.
Cleansing is just as important. God does not use dirty vessels, even if they have the Spirit and they have been set apart for Him. We must not allow sin to come into our lives. We must constantly confess sin and repent, or we become unclean and useless to God. Always remember I John 1:9. We need cleansing all of the time, so we can walk in fellowship with God and others.
Mark 4 gives us some insights into the Kingdom of God. Jesus is in control. He sees and knows everything. Nothing is hidden from Him. He will reward and punish based on what we do. We need to shine the light, so people will come to Christ. The Kingdom is meant to grow and to grow very large. If the Kingdom is not expanding, there something seriously wrong. Could it be that we are not looking to Christ? He rules the wind and the waves. He rules the universe. There is nothing He can't do except the wrong thing. Therefore, why is the Kingdom not growing as it should? There are many factors, but they all come back to a failure to trust the Lord and to experience His power. Therefore, it all comes back to anointing, consecration, and cleansing on the part of believers. It comes back to unbelief on the part of those who don't know Christ. Once we trust Him, anything in His will is possible.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Numbers 9-11 and Mark 5:1-20.