Scripture: When you
take the census of the children of Israel for their number, then every man
shall give a ransom for himself to the Lord,
when you number them, that there may be no plague among them when you number
them. Exodus 30:12
Observation: God here gives Moses instruction for the future census he will take of Israel in the wilderness, including this instruction - every man will give a ransom for himself to the Lord. This does happen, and we know the ransom has both heavenly and earthly purposes. The earthly purpose is to fund the ministry of the temple. This money will be the initial income to the temple to pay for future needs and support the priests. The heavenly purpose is that this will be the initial offering of the overall populace to seek the forgiveness of the Lord. While there will be ritual offerings for the nation, this is the first offering mandated for all to participate.
Application: As a believer, I see three ways I participate in worship. One is through group rituals of the church, and another is my personal time. However, there is a third way, which is more of a personal compliance ... I do it myself, but also it is required of all believers. The ransom of Israel fell into this category. Today, this category includes tithing and participation in certain projects outside of Sunday services. Even my daily devotions fall into this category, as our pastor expects that all leaders are doing devotions, yet I (gladly!) choose to spend this time in the word of God.
Yes, there is an element of compliance in these, but there is also a personal and private choice. There may be a little personal sacrifice, but there is obvious long-term good. I will continue to look for these sorts of activities, as it feels like they often offer the best chance to participate in the work of the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, I appreciate your instructions about what and how we should do every day, for I see these instructions provide a way to serve you. I do love it when I know I am aligned to your will. Amen.
Observation: God here gives Moses instruction for the future census he will take of Israel in the wilderness, including this instruction - every man will give a ransom for himself to the Lord. This does happen, and we know the ransom has both heavenly and earthly purposes. The earthly purpose is to fund the ministry of the temple. This money will be the initial income to the temple to pay for future needs and support the priests. The heavenly purpose is that this will be the initial offering of the overall populace to seek the forgiveness of the Lord. While there will be ritual offerings for the nation, this is the first offering mandated for all to participate.
Application: As a believer, I see three ways I participate in worship. One is through group rituals of the church, and another is my personal time. However, there is a third way, which is more of a personal compliance ... I do it myself, but also it is required of all believers. The ransom of Israel fell into this category. Today, this category includes tithing and participation in certain projects outside of Sunday services. Even my daily devotions fall into this category, as our pastor expects that all leaders are doing devotions, yet I (gladly!) choose to spend this time in the word of God.
Yes, there is an element of compliance in these, but there is also a personal and private choice. There may be a little personal sacrifice, but there is obvious long-term good. I will continue to look for these sorts of activities, as it feels like they often offer the best chance to participate in the work of the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, I appreciate your instructions about what and how we should do every day, for I see these instructions provide a way to serve you. I do love it when I know I am aligned to your will. Amen.
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