March 12 texts

March 12, 2013            Num 25–26, Mark 12:1–17, Ps 34:12–22, Prov 7:1–2

Numbers 25-26

Judging by this story how serious does God take sexual purity?

Why was Phinehas commended by God?

Chapter 26 is a census commanded by the Lord. In comparing the two censuses the following facts are clear: (1) The tribe of Simeon declined, perhaps because the Simeonites had been leaders in the apostasy at Peor. (2) The tribe of Manasseh grew though we do not know why. (3) The totals in both censuses were approximately the same (a decrease of 1,820, or about.3 %).

Of those counted in the earlier census only Caleb and Joshua had survived to be counted in the second. God’s judgment word against the previous generation had been fulfilled (26:63–65).

Mark 12:1-17

The nation had rejected Jesus and by doing so rejected God. What is the motive behind the religious leaders?

By quoting Psalm 118 what was Jesus claiming about Himself?

Knowing themselves to be God’s chosen people, the orthodox Jews despised having to pay taxes to Rome. It meant acknowledging Rome’s power over their nation as well as supporting pagan idolatry. If Jesus approved paying taxes to Rome, He would be in trouble with His own people; but if He opposed the paying of taxes, He would be in trouble with Rome.

Jesus knew their hypocrisy, but His wisdom is profound. Since they were using Caesar’s coins, they were admitting Caesar’s authority over them; and when they paid their taxes, they were only giving back to Caesar what he had first made available to them. Taxes are not a gift to the government; they are a debt we pay in return for services rendered (police and fire protection, social agencies, defense, etc.). But at the same time, the image of God is stamped on each human; and we must pay back to God the things that are God’s.

Psalm 34:12-22

If we want to live a long and happy life we must learn to guard our tongues. We must learn to flee from evil, do good, and pursue peace. God watches over the righteous. However, “The face of the Lord”—the manifestation of his presence—is against evildoers. The Lord is near those who have a contrite heart. We are not promised that we will not have afflictions, but God does promise He will see us through. He preserves the “bones,” i.e., their whole being. No one of his bones would be broken (John 19:36). Those who hate the righteous shall be held guilty by the Lord. Those who trust in the Lord shall be declared innocent.

Proverbs 7:1-2

What is the apple of your eye? Is the Word and commands of the Lord?