Thoughts on the readings for March 1st (Leviticus 5, 6, Psalm 105, 1 Corinthians 14)

Leviticus 5verses 1-6,7 and 7 verses 1-7 deal with the trespass offering. This offering was required for those who had dealt with the holy things deceitfully – whether to God, or to one’s neighbour. The offering is referred to in several translations as the “guilt offering”. Complete restitution had to made and a penalty was added because of the deception involved. A ram was the required offering. Achan’s sin, spoken of in Joshua 7, was a trespass involving the nation of Israel. There were 7 categories of trespass against the LORD (see brother John Martin’s book page 32); and there were 5 manner of sinning through trespassing against one’s neighbour (ibid page 33).
Leviticus 6:9-13 introduces the Burnt Offering, which spoke of wholehearted service to Yahweh. Additional details are provided in Leviticus 7verse 8. The Peace Offering is described in Leviticus 3 verses1-17, 7 verses 11-21, 28-34 and 22 verses 17-31). Some aspects for each of these offerings have been included in earlier posts. However, I can only give general comments here; and the readers can further their understanding by reading brother Martin’s book
(“The Schoolmaster’ to bring us unto Christ. An exposition of the book of Leviticus”).

Psalm 105 relates the mighty works of our Sovereign. In verses 1-6 the faithful are called on to praise and give thanks to the LORD in response for what He has done for them. The writer’s words are directed to Israel – the offspring of Abraham.
Verses 7-8 reflects on the mighty name their God had gained when bringing His people out of Egypt. In verse 8 the psalmist contemplates the loving kindness of God to a thousand generations spoken of to Moses at the declaration of Yahweh’s character in Exodus 34. In verses 9-11 the Psalmist’s thoughts go to the promises that the Almighty made to the patriarch Abraham. Verses 12-15 cover the sojourn of Abraham’s family until the time of Israel’s sojourning in Egypt. Abraham and Sarah are described as both anointed ones and prophets. The incidents referred to cover Abraham’s first visit to Egypt and his dealings with the Philistines under king Abimelech. Verses 16-22 deal with the faithful Joseph sent to Egypt to preserve the patriarchy of Abraham. The verses show us how Joseph was a remarkable type of our Lord Jesus Christ. Verses 23-25 tell of Israel coming into Egypt; and are a summary of the last chapters of Genesis and the first couple from Exodus. Verses 26-36 describe the mission of Moses and the plagues sent on Egypt. Verses 37-43 describe Israel’s deliverance from Egypt and Yahweh’s awesome deeds on behalf of His people; and His providential care for His nation during their 40 years in the wilderness. Verse 44 speaks of Israel’s inheritance of the Promised Land, in fulfilment of the LORD’s promise to Abraham. The Psalm concludes with their Sovereign’s objective in giving Israel the Land – “that they might keep His statutes and observe His laws. Hallelujah.” (ESV). Yahweh will give the glorious kingdom to His faithful saints, that they may serve Him and subject the whole world to His ways. Pause and ponder what that means for you.

In the first of Corinthians 14 the Apostle Paul urged the pursuit of love, rather than seeking the showy and much abused spiritual gifts. Ordered worship among believers is essential. His conclusions were – let everything be done decently and in order. In the first of Corinthians 14 the Apostle Paul urged the pursuit of love, rather than seeking the showy and much abused spiritual gifts. Ordered worship among believers is essential. His conclusion was – let everything be done decently and in order. Having established in chapter 13 that love is the greatest gift of all the Apostle encourages a wholehearted pursuit of love in the beginning of this chapter. Paul continues to compare its benefits to the spirit gifts of the Apostolic age and says that the ability to instruct in the Word of God is far greater than speaking in tongues – Greek ‘glossa’ which speaks of languages according to Strong’s Concordance – not unknown tongues. For instruction in the Word is an exercise of growing in holiness: Hebrews 12 verses 11; Ephesians 4 verses 11-16. In verses 6-12 Paul tells his readers that just as music has chords with a distinct resonance so too must God’s Word have a clear and distinctive discernible message. The same is true of the clarion blast of the bugle that calls people to war. Verses 13-19 repeats the message that hearers must understand the prayers that are said. There is no benefit in a prayer of words that lack meaning for the hearers. So the Apostle requests that prayer be for the edifying of the hearers and not simply that the one who prays is ecstatic and feels uplifted. In verses 20-25 Paul cites the prophets to show that the Father says that this is His objective in enlightening men and women. Verses 26-33 give instructions for orderly worship in ecclesial gatherings. He says that when the prophet speaks it is useless unless the interpreter can give understanding to the gathering. He also speaks against competing with one another and that the members must wait until their turn comes rather than rudely interrupting and trying to talk over one another. The time for silence is appropriate and according to our Father’s revealed Word. For that matter the Apostle declares that sisters remain silent in formal ecclesial gatherings. This truth is repeated in 1 Timothy 2 verses11-15. Verses 36-39 tell us that such observance of the divine order is a reflection of spiritual mindedness as opposed to carnal self seeking.