The revchristruelsen’s Podcast

The Perfect Society

Text for discussion: 

Numbers 35.  

 

The perfect society . . . doesn't exist.  Not on earth.  Yet, God established bounds of society in which the children of Israel could live and even thrive.  The Levites did not have a territory specifically allotted to them, but they were given cities in which to live, and this chapter also specifically speaks of ways in which the Fallen world problem of manslaughter was handled.  

The hymn: When Peace, Like a River (public domain).  

The illustration: The Allotment to the Levites by Philip de Vere.  used by permission in accordance with its license:

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_allotment_to_the_Levites._Vorleser.png

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Story of Your Inheritance

Text for discussion: Numbers 34. 

 

God had an inheritance for Israel: the Promised Land-promised in the time of Abram/Abraham.  God has an inheritance in store for you.  This is the story of their inheritance, and your inheritance.  

 

The hymn: For All the Saints (Public domain).  

Painting: Noah's Dankgebet by Domenico Morelli (Noah's thank offering).  Public domain.  by 1901. 

 

If Something Wasn't True, Why Would You Believe It?

Text for discussion: Numbers 33.  

Life presents us with countless claims which we have to evaluate as "true" or "not true."  Numbers 33 presents us with the itinerary of the Exodus and wanderings in the desert of Israel.  The account takes us deep into history, and finding the path of the Exodus in modern times proves a challenge-the "footprints" seem long ago erased.  Did it really happen?  Yes, we believe so, but what was the route, and how do we evaluate the case for the Exodus?  

The hymn: Jesus, Savior Pilot Me.  (Public domain.) 

 

The painting: Passage of the Jews Through the Red Sea.  1891.  by Aivazovsky.  (Public domain) 

No One Can Finish the Race for You, Revisited

This week we take a short break from Numbers and revisit a previous podcast from August 12, 2022 . . . . 

Matthew 10.  

While no one can finish the race for you, Christ did pay the price for all our sins, taking up His cross that we might have life.  

Jesus tells us that we may also have to take up the cross in this life . . . 

This life's rewards are temporary, but we have an imperishable reward in Christ . . . . 

Hymn: What is the World to Me?  

The Trouble with Livestock

Text for discussion: Numbers 32

The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh did not want to cross over into the Promised Land.  They saw the land of Gilead as much more favorable for their livestock.  Moses it seems was not happy with them, but he changed his tune . . . .  What to do with livestock?  

The hymn: My Soul Now Praise Your Maker

Photo: entitled, "Lascaux Painting" 

The author/artist of the photo is reported as EU X and permits others to use the work when mentioned.    (at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lascaux_painting.jpg)

The Trumpets of War

Text for discussion: Numbers 31.  

 

Commanded by God, Israel goes to war against Midian.  In an age of modern warfare and devastation, what are we to make of events like these?  What does all of this mean for us?  

 

The hymn:  Battle Hymn of the Republic.  (public domain).  

The Vows of Men and Women

Text for discussion: Numbers 30.  

 

What's in a vow?  What makes it significant?  Both males and females had responsibilities regarding vows.  Where we are not so faithful in our vows, we know that God is.  

 

They hymn: Battle Hymn of the Republic (public domain)

Holiday

Text for discussion: Numbers 29.

In the world as it is currently configured there seems barely time for rest as mind, body, and spirit are pulled in too many different directions.  Too many irons in the fire.  

How do we handle the pressure?  How do we escape the rat race?  When is our holiday?  Or more precisely . . . who gives and is our holiday?  

 

The hymn: What Wondrous Love is This?  (public domain).  

Luke 7 Revisited: At Nain, Capernaum, and the House of a Pharisee

Luke 7.  

Jesus heals a centurion's servant in Capernaum, raises a young man at Nain, and makes waves felt in Judea.  

His mercy and forgiveness abounds.  

The hymn: We Praise you O God.  Public domain.

The image: Palma il Giovane, "Penitent Woman Anointing the Feet of Christ at the Table of Simon the Pharisee."  Late Renaissance.  Public domain.  

Offerings and Sacrifices: What do These Things Mean?

Text for discussion: Numbers 28.  

Here we have a summary of offerings to be made on special feasts, as well as the everyday offering.  From the Old Testament to the New Testament church and beyond there were changes in offerings, rites, and customs.  Today we talk about some of those changes and their significance.  

 

The painting: (public domain).

The hymn: I Bind Unto Myself Today (Public domain).