Thoughts on the readings for April 1st (Numbers 15, Proverbs 11, Luke 24)
Numbers 15 verses 1-21 cover laws about types of sacrifices that Israel would make when they entered into the Promised Land. The offerings described were the burnt offering, as the fulfilment of a free will or vow offering; the grain and drink offerings which accompanied the burnt offering; the peace offering and those grain and drink accompanying offerings. The specified animals and the quantities of the subsidiary offerings were outlined. These offerings were for both the Israelites and the strangers who sojourned in the land with them. They were also told of the offering of the first fruits of the land that they were to possess. Verses 22-31 describe regulations for unintended sins. The animals to be offered and the subsidiary offerings are outlined. These offerings also applied to Israelites and strangers alike. Verses 32-36 tell of the public execution of a wilful Sabbath breaker – the man who defiantly picked up sticks on the Sabbath day. The whole congregation were asked to stone the offender as an object lesson to any other would be rebels. Verses 37-41 speak of the tassels to be placed on the edges of all Israeli garments. These were most likely blue in colour, like those used on the clothing of the priests. When they looked at the blue tassels they would be reminded of the blue sky over their heads and they were to remember their God. The chapter concludes with the requirement for Yahweh’s people to be holy and to separate themselves from the evils of the Canaanites in remembrance of Him as their Saviour and Redeemer.

The theme of Proverbs 11 is that a just balance leads to generosity. It is stated in verse 1, “A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is His delight”. The Hebrew word for “just” means “perfect”. Although a different word is used in
Deuteronomy 25 verse 15 the idea is clearly taken from the Law of Moses. God hates dishonesty and cheating of any sort. God’s people must be always motivated by integrity in their dealings with others. It is of course another way of stating the golden rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do to you”. Integrity is one of the magnificent characteristics of our God as Deuteronomy 32 verse 4 states. Verse 2 says that humility must be shown before a person can receive honour. Verses 3-9 tell that uprightness will serve an individual well. Verses 10-11 say that the community will greatly benefit from individuals who behave from integrity. Verses 12-13 speaks of the destructiveness of wicked words. Verse 14 says the wise will take counsel before they act. Folly follows from people who believe that they are right and who fail to listen to good advice. Verse 15 says that being the guarantor for another is foolish. Verse 16 contrasts two prizes. A gracious woman – wife is of great value see chapter 31. But the foolish are brutal in seeking after the false and deceitful prize posed by riches. Verses 17-19 could be labeled “Reaping as you sow”. These verses should be read in conjunction with Galatians 6:7-10. The idea of sowing in mercy and reaping righteousness is spoken of by Jeremiah. Verse 20 tells us that Yahweh knows our heart and is not deceived by pretence. Verse 21 echoes an often stated message of the Old Testament that the wicked will be destroyed and the righteous shall be delivered (Psalm 37; 2 Peter 2:9).
Verse 22 describes a great incongruity. A beautiful woman who lacks discretion resembles a gem in a pig’s snout. Verse 23 says that the righteous desire godly things, but whatever the wicked does is driven by their anger. Verses 24-31 express the contrasting thoughts that the righteous will act with integrity and generosity leading to blessings; but the wicked act out of self deception, a trusting of their riches and bring disaster to their own families. Life in the kingdom of Christ on the earth will be the reward of the righteous. Whereas the reward for the wicked will be in their removal from and destruction in the earth.

Verses 1-12 of Luke 24 describe events associated with the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The time of his raising would have been 6pm Saturday evening, which by Jewish way of reckoning time began the first day of the week. The women, of whom there may have been around six in number, find the stone; which had been sealing the tomb, rolled back. Two men, who stood by (undoubtedly angels), tell them not to seek the living Lord among the dead. But, that Jesus’ disciples are to meet him in Galilee as he had told them before his death. Several of the women ran to tell the news to the Apostles, who found the women’s report incredulous. Peter together with John (see John chapter 20) come and verify the women’s message. That same day two of our Lord’s disciples are journeying to Emmaus and are joined by Jesus. The record tells us that their capacity to recognise the Lord was restrained. The two express their great disappointment in the events that had taken place recently. Jesus takes the initiative and explains from Moses, the Psalms and the prophets the entire picture of Messiah, who had to suffer before being glorified. As the group of three approach a village Jesus indicates that he wishes to travel further, but the other two constrain him to stay with them. Jesus reveals himself to them in the breaking of the bread. The two disciples hastily return to Jerusalem with great excitement. On finding the Apostles assembled together those two hear of Jesus’ appearance to Simon Peter and add their own witnessing. The Lord appears to the group assembled and shows them the wounds in his hands and side – some translations say “back”. Further Jesus eats some food to show that he was not an apparition. Then the chapter says the Lord gives his Apostles the great commission to take the Gospel into all the world. Luke’s final account is that Christ is praying he ascends from the Mount of Olives into heaven (compare Acts 1 verses 6-11).

Penned by Warwick Rosser and his team, produced by Christadelphianvideo.org

See more Thoughts from the Christadelphian Dialy Bible Reading Planner (By R.Roberts) here…