The revchristruelsen’s Podcast

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).  

Paying the Full Price

Text for discussion: Numbers 27.  

Who wants to pay the full price, especially when you get a great discount?  
The price for salvation was steep, impossibly high.  Keeping the Law with the goal of salvation in mind is an errand of despair.  
Isn’t there another way?  It’s on full display, wrapped up in Jesus’ very name.  

The hymn: Savior Again, to Thy Dear Name We Raise (public domain).  

The painting: Ecce Homo!, by Mihály Munkácsy, 1896. (public domain).  

You Were Meant for More

You Were Meant for More

June 13, 2025 podcast

Text for discussion: Numbers 26.

This chapter is about the generations that would be going into the Promised Land after their captivity in Egypt.  

The generation that started in Egypt did not get to go in.  We have a source and a destiny.  Our life is not meaningless, but God intended that we should seek Him and find Him.  Indeed, you were meant for more in this life and beyond . . . . 

The hymns: Eternal Father Strong to Save
My Soul, Now Praise Your Maker
I Bind Unto Myself Today

 

The artwork: Study for Jacob's Dream, by Gustave Doré. (1865). Public domain.