Author: imikemedia

It was bedtime.

It was reading from my One Year Bible and highlighting excerpts which caught my attention.

The daily reading had already been pre-chosen, and I simply had to turn to the appropriate date and study the assigned chapters.

This evening’s particular selection came from Numbers 8:1-9:23.

It addressed the arrangement and lighting of lamps in the Tabernacle (vv. 1-4), the installation of Levites (vv. 5-22) and their length of service (vv. 23-26), instructions pertaining to delayed observance of the Passover feast (9:6-14), and certain divine provisions for the nation’s guidance by the cloud (15-23).

As I worked my way through the inspired text, I couldn’t help but be struck by a certain profound repetition.

Over and over again I found phraseology to this effect:

• “As the LORD commanded…” 8:3
• “According to the pattern which the LORD had shown Moses…” 8:4
• “According to all that the LORD had commanded Moses…” 8:20
• “According to all that the LORD commanded Moses…” 9:5
• “According to all the ordinances…” 9:12
• “At the command of the LORD…” 9:18a
• “At the command of the LORD…” 9:18b
• “Kept the charge of the LORD…” 9:19
• “According to the command of the LORD…” 9:20a
• “According to the command of the LORD…” 9:20b
• “At the command of the LORD…” 9:23a
• “At the command of the LORD…” 9:23b
• “The charge of the LORD…” 9:23c
• “At the command of the LORD…” 9:23d

If my count was correct, I noticed that at least 13 times the Lord through Moses told Israel WHAT to do, as well as HOW to perform these aforementioned tasks.

The nation was obliged to discharge certain specific religious duties–“at the command of the LORD”–and it was evident that could be no deviation or amendment, neither could Israel resign herself from Jehovah’s instructions.

His will was clear, explicit and unalterable.

It was not by accident that Moses laid this recurrent stress.

“The things that were written previously (i.e., in the Old Testament) were for our instruction…” (Rom. 15:4 McCord).

God through Moses wanted not only to impress obedience upon fleshly Israel, but also upon spiritual Israel–the church (Gal. 6:16).

While we live under a different covenant from our ancestors (Heb. 8:7-13), it is clear from Scripture that we too must execute the Lord’s wishes (John 14:15).

Whether it pertains to how to worship, when to worship, the role of women, how to enact forgiveness, church discipline, rebuking error, standing for the truth, our attitude in giving, the role and function of shepherds, repenting of sin, etc., the Lord wants us to do His will and to do it in the prescribed way (Col. 3:17).

He has revealed it to us in His Word.

Beloved, let’s avail ourselves individually and collectively to the guidance He has not only provided but commanded.

“God loves you and I love you and that’s the way it’s gonna be!” – Mike

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED in 2012

THE TWO OF you seem to struggle with this particular purchase each year…

It’s not that you have to give me anything.  I understand that you would like to, and I appreciate your thoughtfulness, but it’s not necessary.

I don’t need another tie.  (Don’t tell your mother I said that).  I have plenty, and the ties I wear, I prefer to pick out myself anyway.

Clothes are hard to buy for me right now.  Maybe it’s something in the Hattiesburg water, or it could be all of these great cooks who want to feed the preacher, but I’ve gained nearly 30 pounds since we’ve moved to South Mississippi!  (Mom keeps patting me on the belly and asking, “When’s the baby due…?”)  Clothes that fit are needed, but finding the right size is something of a challenge.  Let me go to the store instead, if you don’t mind.

Books are always good, but unless you know exactly what particular subject I’m studying right now, another volume might just take up precious shelf space.

Your mother and I have been looking at outdoor grills as of late.  Ever since we left our Weber in Indiana, the two of us have had this craving for barbeque chicken.  That would be a special gift, but I know it’s out of both of your budgets—and that’s okay.  Roger’s Movie Star chicken is better than anything I could cook up anyway.

I’ll tell you what I’d really like—what means the most to me, and I’ve already received it.  I’d like your continued faithfulness to the Lord (Matt. 25:23; Eph. 1:1; Rev. 2:10).

Your mother and I pray for the two of you every day.  We always have.  Even when you were both just infants in our arms, we petitioned the Lord on your behalf.  We prayed that both of you would develop your own faith.  We prayed that both of you would find and marry young Christian men who would help you to go to heaven—and vice versa.  We prayed that both of you would raise your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

I could own all of the best ties in the world, I could wear the nicest, best-fitting shirts Turtle Creek Mall has to offer, and I could have the best library in the brotherhood—but these gifts wouldn’t mean anything if the two of your weren’t following the Savior.  The truth is, my greatest Father’s Day gift can’t be wrapped up in a package or stuffed into an envelope with a funny Hallmark card.  Your devotion to Jesus Christ is what I covet the most.

Katie, you’ll be headed for Freed-Hardeman, Lord willing, next year, and then both of you will be away from home.  Mom and I aren’t quite prepared for that yet, but the transition will be made easier because we know that you and Bethany hold certain spiritual priorities (Matthew 6:33; 2 Timothy 1:5):

• Continue to attend worship “every time the doors are open” (Heb. 10:25).
• Continue to read, study, and investigate the Scriptures (2 Tim. 2:15).
• Stay involved in Bible camp, mission works, and VBS (1 Cor. 15:58).
• Keep yourselves pure (2 Tim. 2:22).
• Serve those who are in need (Jas. 1:27).

I’m proud of you both.  You’re wonderful Christian daughters!

Love you,

Dad

PS:  Okay, I take it back, a book would be good too.