Month: March 2019

March 8, Reading 1 – Exodus 26:31-27:19

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

The Tabernacle was beautiful from the point of view of the needlework and associated craftsmanship put into its construction. All the basic colours were widely used – red, blue and yellow (gold), with silver and purple dashed everywhere. God is also pleased with beautiful human art!

SJA Notes

* Loving God, please may we learn a little more about You from Your word today.

“And the veil shall separate for you the Holy Place from the Most Holy. You shall put the mercy seat on the ark of the testimony in the Most Holy Place.”

A veil made a distinction between places.

And in the MOST Holy Place, we find the mercy seat, placed on (top of) the ark.

The ark contained the words of God given to Moses on the mountain.

The ark of the covenant of the Lord God Almighty with His people.

The mercy seat, where God would come down and _meet_ with His people from above it (the seat).

So we have the veil distinguishing and separating, we have the place that is different from even a special holy place, we have the ark, God’s word, and the mercy seat – all within that really different special place.

If we are little tabernacles now, this side of Christ, then how much should these things resonate with us today!

Immanuel – God with us!

* Father God,

Thank You for saving us, as individuals and as Your people.

Thank You for the mercy shown to us, You meeting with us in Jesus, and then indwelling as You the Spirit with us today.

Thank You Lord!

Amen.

March 8, Reading 2 – Psalm 72

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

Verse 17 recalls God’s covenant promise to Abraham. Genesis 18:18 Paul taught that this verse reveals that God would justify the Gentiles by faith! Galatians 3:8 Verses 12-14 show us what Messiah’s heart was like. If this was partially true for Solomon, it is doubly true for Jesus.

SJA Notes

* Dear God of Mercy, You let the wheat and the weeds grow together until the harvest. Please save our friends and family Lord God.

“Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the royal son!”

This is a psalm written by a king about a king!

David prays fervently that God would bless the king.

We can think about the Jewish people at the time Jesus began His ministry when He lived on earth.

Israel had a history of kings such as David and Solomon, Josiah and Hezekiah. However – For many generations up to Jesus they were without a throne, without a king who ruled.

Into this Jesus appears, the true Messiah.

Jesus doesn’t make tribes bow down before Him, He doesn’t force His enemies at this time to lick the dust.

It is important to recognise the blessing we have – That we can see the big picture of God’s plan from Genesis to Revelation.

Jesus as King is absolutely going to return on conquering fashion.

First Jesus was to suffer many things and be killed, and on the third day rise again (Matthew 16 shows us Jesus telling His disciples this).

We have a King who binds up the broken-heart. He is the suffering Servant King, the Lamb slain from before the foundation of the world.

His Name endures forever, His fame continues as long and longer than the sun.

Hallelujah, for the Royal Son!

* Almighty God,

King of Love, You are our Shepherd.

King of Righteousness, You save us from the just consequences of our sin.

King of Eternity, You reign in majesty from Your throne in heaven.

Please teach us how to live today.

Amen.

March 8, Reading 3 – Acts 15:22-35

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

Peter and James accepted the Apostle Paul as an equal and defended both him and his apostleship to the Gentiles. They supported him by letter and by representatives.

SJA Notes

* Dear God, thank You for Your living word, given to us that we might know You better.

“And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement.”

Sometimes we can let our scepticism override our belief and trust.

We need a healthy scepticism of human nature, God’s word is clear on that.

But that should never trump our believe in God’s love, His grace and mercy, His ability to effect real and lasting transformative change in people’s lives.

The church in Antioch received a letter from the leadership at the time, delivered by Paul and Barnabas and others.

This is the outworking of the previous chapters, where the church leadership clearly rebuked the false doctrine of adding more to God’s free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ alone.

This was a freeing thing, and encouragement to this burgeoning group of God’s people in a far-off city.

The letter also gave direction on what to abstain from. Don’t do these things.

And see the response.

This too was an encouragement to them!

Being told what to do brings about either real humility or angry pride.

God’s people at Antioch chose humility and they were encouraged!

Is this how we respond today?

* Mighty God,

Please help us trust in You and walk in obedience under Your will for us.

For You are our God, You and You alone. Creator. Sustainer. Life-Giver.

There is none like You!

Please humble us Lord, so that You would be magnified and lifted-up.

Amen.