Sunday 2-7-16 (Valencia, California ministry
in Arleta Assembly of God)
Scripture reading for today: Lev 4 -
6 Acts 14
S=Scripture O=Observation
A=Application P=Prayer SOAP for the soul.
S. Lev 6:13
A fire shall always be burning on the altar; it shall
never go out. NKJV
O. The altar
was made of wood covered with bronze and portable with rings and poles so that
it could be carried with the Israelites as they traveled in the desert. It was square, about 7 by 7 feet and about 4½
feet high with a huge bronze grate and probably very heavy. To transport it the two poles were inserted
through 2 bronze rings so that four men, or perhaps eight men, could carry
it. Every article of the tabernacle,
including each support and its coverings had to be ready to be dismantled and
be carried in a precise manner. But here
is the most difficult part. The fire on
the altar was never to go out.
A. My mind is trying to imagine the sight of
that parade. The entire fleet of Levites
are walking in orderly file each carrying part of the dismantled tabernacle...
while perhaps the altar of sacrifice leads the way with smoke rising from it
continually. The context here in
Leviticus is a description of the many types of sins each demanding a different
sacrifice to receive pardon. This speaks
to me of my constant need for forgiveness of sin... for I am no better than
those Israelites trudging across the desert and camping out.
P. Father God, I thank You for sending Your Son,
Jesus, to become an adequate sacrifice for all my sins and for all others. That fire on the altar could be extinguished
the moment Jesus cried from the cross, “It is finished!” and surrendered His
spirit to death. In that moment He
crushed the power of sin for me! I am
not yet perfect, but I am forgiven!
Jesus’ sacrifice was sufficient to pay for our forgiveness and open the
door to heaven for everyone who will dare to trust in Him. Lord, our national motto used to be “In God
we trust.” May I make that motto personal
for my life! Amen.
Ralph
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