Set aside for God

New Guest: Like this one, most posts are devotional; those related to CAR BIZ can be found by searching the blog archives for that title. You might start with 'Welcome,' the first post, dated November 12, 2008, where I introduce myself and the blog. As you read, I encourage you to record any reflections or comments you may have, for the entries here serve best as the first remarks in a conversation.

Blessings and best wishes,
Dr. Will

Saturday, June 12, 2010
Devotions: Ps 23, 27, 75, 76; Num 3:1-13; Gal 6:11-18; Mt 17:1-13

YHWH is my Shepherd, so I lack nothing. He makes me rest in green pastures; He guides me along quiet waters; He restores my soul! He leads me into righteousness, to honor His name. Even if I find myself in the shadow of death, I will fear nothing, because You, Lord, are with me. Your rod and staff give me security and comfort. You prepare a feast for me, right in front of my enemies; You anoint me with Your Spirit, and my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will pursue me all my mortal days, and I will live in God’s house forever. YHWH is my Light and my Savior, the Stronghold Who protects me. My enemies will fall, and I will live with my God forever, beholding His beauty and majesty. I am exalted above the daily struggles, and I can spend my energy praising God. YHWH, teach me Your ways; I believe I will see Your goodness even in this mortal world. I will wait and trust God, taking strength and courage as I abide in Him. Lord, we thank You and recount Your wondrous deeds. You sustain the cosmos. Let the arrogant be still: it is YHWH Who judges, putting one down and lifting another up. I will rejoice forever and sing praises to the God of Jacob. Lord, You are glorious, majestic and terrible. No one can stand before You. Let us bow before the awesome God and be still!

Moses and Aaron were Levites whom God used to deliver the children of Israel. Aaron had four sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. Nadab and Abihu died when they presumed to offer unholy fire before YHWH in the wilderness. Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests during Aaron’s lifetime. YHWH directed Moses to set aside the tribe of Levi as priests and ministers to God; they would have charge of the tabernacle and all its furnishings and functions. YHWH took the Levites in place of the firstborn of all the tribes, to belong to Him and depend directly on Him for their patrimony and living.

Paul wrote to the Galatians: Those who want to compel you to be circumcised are simply trying to dodge persecution as Christians. They want the prestige and credit for driving you into compliance with the law they themselves don’t keep. I will not glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus the Messiah; through Him, I have crucified to the world and the world to me. Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything now; what matters is new creation. May peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule—peace to the Israel of God. Let no mortal trouble me; I am marked with the marks of Jesus. May the grace of our Lord Jesus the Messiah be with you spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.

Jesus took Peter, James and John with Him, and led them apart to the top of a high mountain. He was transfigured before them: His face shone like the sun, and His garments became white as light. Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus, in conversation. Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it’s good that we are here; if You wise, I will make three booths here, one for You, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ Peter was still speaking when a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a Voice from the cloud said, ‘This is My beloved Son, with Whom I Am well pleased. Listen to Him!’ Hearing this, the disciples fell on their faces and were filled with awe. Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Get up and don’t be afraid.’ When they looked up, they saw only Jesus. As they descended the mountain, Jesus commanded them, ‘Tell no one the vision until the Son of man is raised from the dead.’ The disciples questioned Him, ‘Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come before the Messiah?’ Jesus answered, ‘Elijah does come, to initiate the restoration of all things. But I tell you, Elijah has already come; they didn’t recognize him, and they did as they pleased to him. In the same way, the Son of man will suffer at their hands.’ The disciples understood that He was speaking to them about John the Baptizer.