The Donkey Speaks

February 28

Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 21 – 24

Verse of the Day: Numbers 22:28 – “And Jehovah opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?”

I have always loved this story. Imagine, a talking donkey. But what has always caught my attention is that Balaam answers the donkey in the next verse like it is normal to converse with animals. I don’t know about you, but having a donkey speak to me would get my attention real quick. And, that was God’s purpose in doing this.

Balaam was being brought to curse the Israelites – but God forbid him from doing that. In the remaining chapters today, we see Balaam 4 times speak words of blessing – even under threats – and God blessed him and preserved him.

We are called today to speak good of the nation of Israel and not evil. Do you do this?

Prayer: Father of Israel guide my thought and words to praise your nation. Amen.

Locked Out of the Promised Land

February 27

Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 18 – 20

Verse of the Day: Numbers 20:26 – “…and strip Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son: and Aaron shall be gathered unto his people, and shall die there.”

In our reading today, we see in chapter 20 a very sad scenario. In the first verse, Moses’ sister dies. In the middle of the chapter, Moses loses his temper, disobeys God and is told he will not enter the Promised Land. Finally at the end of the chapter, Aaron (his brother) the High Priest dies.

If we read too fast, we can lose sight of the fact that these Biblical personalities are just like us – and they face many of the same struggles in life as we do. Just because they were chosen by God, used by God, and elevated by God did not prevent them from the struggles and cares of this world. 

Prayer: Sovereign God, when I can’t understand how struggles happen to me, remind me that You are there with me through them all. Amen.

Standing between the living and the dead

February 26

Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 16 – 17

Verse of the Day: Numbers 16:48 – “And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed.”

In our reading today, we see where some decided that they would not accept God’s ways and decisions. Korah, Dathan, and Abiram were ringleaders of those who were in rebellion against God. God swiftly judges these three and their families. The people blamed Moses, and God begins to judge them. Moses sends Aaron out in the midst of the plague and stood between the judgment and God. Thus, we read our verse of the day.

Today, we are like Aaron, we have the message that mankind needs that will stop the plague of death. We stand between them and eternal death with the message of Jesus Christ. Lift high your banner and proclaim the truth of an answer to man’s greatest need – the Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer: God of Judgment, we stand today between You and our friends, family and others to bring them the message of salvation. Strengthen us and give our words power. Amen.

A Man of Vision

February 25

Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 14 – 15

Verse of the Day: Numbers 14:24 – “but my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.”

Caleb was a man of vision – he could see that which most others could not. He had a dogged determination to be obedient to God, and with this, he had a dream that God had placed within him. In Joshua 14:14 we find recorded these words – “he wholly followed Jehovah, the God of Israel.” These words are recorded that he finally did take his inheritance because of his faith and trust in the Word of God.

Today, we need more Calebs – men (and women) who take God at His Word and stand fast. We need to be like Caleb, even if the rest of the people around us doubt God. We need to be like Caleb even if the results take time before we see them.

Prayer: Father, give me eyes to see what You have planned for me, to believe it, and to move forward to receive it. Amen.

Do I Slander God?

February 24

Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 11 – 13

Verse of the Day: Numbers 13:32 – “And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had spied out unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to spy it out, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of great stature.”

The people move from excitement to complaining to opposition to spreading negative thoughts. The Hebrew word used here generally means “to slander.” The “evil report” was a slanderous accusation against what God was leading them to do.

Are we guilty of reading what God says in His Word, and then saying it can’t be done (true, possible, correct)? When we do, we are slandering God. If He says something, we can be assured it is right and true, no matter how it looks to us. Today, what do you need to ask His forgiveness for not trusting?

Prayer: God of veracity, we can trust You. We can know that what You say is totally true in all ways. Help my unbelief. Amen.

Move them up and head them out...

February 23

Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 8 – 10

Verse of the Day: Numbers 10:13 – “And they first took their journey according to the commandment of Jehovah by Moses.”

The Tabernacle has been built. It has been furnished. It has been dedicated. God has taken up residence in the form of the Shekinah glory. And now, He begins to move the people toward their promised inheritance – Canaan – the glorious Promised Land. 

All things appear to be going in a smooth direction. God is blessing, all is well in the world. I try to imagine the excitement that must have been in the camp that day. When I travel I have a heightened sense of anticipation and pleasure. 

Yet we have the ability to read and see that this will soon change into grumbling and worse, total disobedience. How could they? Better still after reading their account, how could we? Things seem to never change – that is without God’s divine intervention.

Prayer: Patient and Loving Father, I so often start out well only to grumble and disobey. Help me to walk in Your path. Amen.

Repetitive Lists

February 22

Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 7

Verse of the Day: Numbers 7:11 – “And Jehovah said unto Moses, They shall offer their oblation, each prince on his day, for the dedication of the altar.”

This is the first of many chapters in the Old Testament that when we first read them we think they are fully redundant. And they are. Starting at verse 12 and going through verse 88 we read a catalog of what each tribal leader brought to the Tabernacle. And the lists read identically. We tend to have the desire to skim over them (and so often we do). But, there is a reason to stop and muse over these lists. Why?

One thing I have come to realize on lists like this in the Old Testament is that God is aware and notes that which is important to Him. Why is this list important? God wants us to realize that He is aware of what we bring to Him – and that He will bless it in His purpose. Today, consider what you can bring to God, and watch Him bless and use it for His kingdom.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, take that which I have and bring to You, use it, multiply it, and build Your kingdom with it. Amen.

The Lord Bless Thee

February 21

Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 5 – 6

Verse of the Day: Numbers 6:24 – 26 – “Jehovah bless thee, and keep thee: Jehovah make his face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: Jehovah lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”

The Lord gave Moses this blessing to be spoken to the Israelites. We often hear this spoken at the conclusion of a church service (the words “The Lord” substituted for Jehovah). God holds out to us an offer for a peaceful, worry-free existence that we can enter into in a moment-by-moment basis.

It is not God’s desire that we live a life of struggle and trial. However, His offer is based upon our living in obedience to Him. He offers salvation freely, but we are to respond obediently. This blessing was given to Aaron and his sons by God before the nation rebelled against Him – even though He knew they would. His promises are true and faithful if we are willing to trust and obey.

Prayer: Gracious and Forgiving God, help me to walk humbly and obediently in Your way. Amen.

To serve for His glory

February 20

Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 3 – 4

Verse of the Day: Numbers 4:2 – 3 – “Take the sum of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, by their families, by their fathers' houses, from thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all that enter upon the service, to do the work in the tent of meeting.”

To serve. To do the work. These two chapters we are reading today give us a picture that every member of the people of God had a role to play in the nation of Israel.

That means that you and I should look closely at ourselves. God does not save and include in His family anyone who is to just sit, soak, and sour. We each have a part in the kingdom (physical and spiritual) to fulfill. It may be as a leader, or it may be as a servant. It may be “on-stage” or in the background. We may be called to preach or we may be called to pray. No one is exempt from service with God. Today, evaluate yourself – are you sitting, soaking, and souring, or are you going, growing, and glowing for Him

Prayer: Father show me my role and help me fulfill it for Your glory. Amen.

A Tragic Pilgimage

February 19

Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 1 – 2

Verse of the Day: Numbers 2:34 – “Thus did the children of Israel; according to all that Jehovah commanded Moses, so they encamped by their standards, and so they set forward, every one by their families, according to their fathers' houses.”

The Promised Land. The goal and desire of all those on this journey from bondage to freedom in God. If they spoke of it once, they spoke of it a million times. Great desire flooded their hearts and minds. Yet, the book of Numbers paints a tragic picture. It begins at Mount Sinai and ends in the wilderness.

At the end of chapter 2 we see the people starting out on the right foot, and then they rebel and God is forced to judge them. From the middle of this book to its conclusion they spend 40 years in wandering and waiting. They are in “time out” while God chastens and prepares them for the blessing He has promised. As we read this book, look for application to us today.

Prayer: Father, open my heart to hear Your voice to me from this record. Amen.

Open, Unrestrained, Transparent (OUT)

February 18

Daily Bible Reading: Leviticus 26 – 27

Verse of the Day: Leviticus 26:46 – “These are the statutes and ordinances and laws, which Jehovah made between him and the children of Israel in mount Sinai by Moses.”

When our girls were little we all shared (mostly at the same time) our day around the dinner table. Once in a while one would be unusually quiet – it was then I would know that something had happened during the day. They were miserable and felt left out because they were afraid they would accidentally talk about their disobedience.

We often go through our days feeling separated from God because we have allowed unconfessed sin to build up – and we slack in our praying and spending time with Him. God has a way to restore this fellowship. Confess all known sin. Confess right away, without delay. Keep short accounts with God (see 1 John 1:9).

Prayer: Forgiving and Gracious Father, I come to you now – open, unrestrained, and transparent – I confess my sin and separation. Restore the joy of my salvation. Amen.

Revenge?

February 17

Daily Bible Reading: Leviticus 24 – 25

Verse of the Day: Leviticus 24:20 – “Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be rendered unto him.”

This is first of two passages that set out the law on punishment in the Old Testament.

Many misuse this passage as a justification for revenge. That is not what God is speaking of in these places. God is never justifying revenge in the Old Testament or the New Testament. In this passage and in Deuteronomy 19:21, God is putting a restriction upon what kind of punishment that can be meted out. The punishment must fit the crime, and not be greater than the breaking of the law. That is the meaning of “eye for eye, tooth for tooth.”

God does establish the use of chastisement as a means of holding up the law. He never seeks revenge. And I for one am happy that He doesn’t. And so – neither should we. 

Prayer: Father, as one who has felt your Hand of chastisement for my sins, I am thankful for forgiveness and restoration – never revenge. Amen.

Christ our Feasts

February 16

Daily Bible Reading: Leviticus 22 – 23

Verse of the Day: Leviticus 23:2 – “Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, The set feasts of Jehovah, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my set feasts.”

In this chapter we find seven feasts which all are fulfilled in Christ. The first four have been fulfilled and the last three will be fulfilled at His second coming.

The Passover (our redemption at the Cross), Feast of Unleavened Bread (our justification and sanctification at the Cross), Feast of Firstfruits (Christ’s Resurrection), and Pentecost (the giving of the Holy Spirit) are fulfilled.

The latter three are the Feast of Trumpets (the Rapture), Day of Atonement (after the Tribulation’s seven years), and Feast of Tabernacles (the Millennium). All seven include a Sabbath reminding us of our rest in Christ.

Today, take time to consider the great gifts that we have in our relationship with Jesus.

Prayer: Holy Giver of Gifts, may we be truly thankful for what we have received from Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Separated lives

February 15

Daily Bible Reading: Leviticus 20 – 21

Verse of the Day: Leviticus 20:26 – “And ye shall be holy unto me: for I, Jehovah, am holy, and have set you apart from the peoples, that ye should be mine.”

Holy. God says we are to be holy so that we are His. The word in the Hebrew used here in both places is qâdôsh and means to be sacred or set apart. The word used for set apart means to be distinct, to be separated from. So, what does that mean to us today? 

God is saying that if we have received Jesus Christ as our Savior, we are to live a life that is distinct from the world around us. One that is marked by a life of obedience and awe, one that is in line with the plans that He has created us for. 

God saved us to be His hands, hands, and feet in this lost world. We are priests for Him – and as the Priest was anointed with blood on his head, hands, and feet – Christ’s blood has anointed those who are His.

Prayer: Holy Father, may I live up to the anointing of Christ’s blood on my life today. Amen.

Be My Valentine

February 14

Daily Bible Reading: Leviticus 18 – 19

Verse of the Day: Leviticus 19:18b – “…but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am Jehovah.”

Today we recognize as St. Valentine’s Day. We spend time and money purchasing cards and candy to give to that someone we consider special. We express our love to them, and often ask them to “Be my Valentine.”

God told the Israelites in Leviticus 19:18 (and Jesus gave this as the Second Greatest Commandment in Mark 12:31) that they were to show their neighbor love. When Jesus was challenged as to who was our neighbor, He made it clear through the parable of the Good Samaritan that everyone that we came in contact with is our neighbor. Therefore, we are to love the clerk at Wal-Mart or waiter/waitress at the restaurant, the person sitting next to us on the bus or plane, the person we pass on the street, the --- well I think you get the picture. Every person we met today – make them your valentine for God.

Prayer: Loving Father, thank You for giving us the great example of loving all. Amen.

Covered

February 13

Daily Bible Reading: Leviticus 15 – 17

Verse of the Day: Leviticus 14:57 – “And Aaron shall present the bullock of the sin-offering, which is for himself, and make atonement for himself, and for his house.”

Over half of the uses of the word atonement in Scriptures are found in Leviticus 16. The Hebrew word kâphar is best translated to cover or reconciliation. It is first used when Noah is told to “cover” the Ark with pitch (Genesis 6:14). 

When as a Christian we hear of another Christian’s failure or sin, we should be quick to forgive and forget. We should seek to “reconcile” them with God. We need to follow Christ’s example to build up the fallen one – instead we often seek to spend our time in gossip about them.

Gossip or reconciliation – which shows what God has done for us? We need to show the world a better way to love.

Prayer: Father, help me today to help restore and reconcile those who are fallen. Amen.

Infected

February 12

Daily Bible Reading: Leviticus 14

Verse of the Day: Leviticus 14:57 – “…to teach when it is unclean, and when it is clean: this is the law of leprosy.”

The diagnosis of leprosy would bring great fear and hopelessness to the one receiving it. God in two chapters of Leviticus spends a great amount of time on the disease, the separation necessary, and the way to be allowed back if one recovered.

Leprosy was a dreaded disease, but the true lesson for us was that it was symbolic for sin in a person. The person with this was separated from the community, they were to be aware and warn others. There was no concealing the fact.

Everyone of us are infected with sin, we are separated from God, from worshipping Him, and there is hope outside of Jesus Christ. Today, pause and consider your relationship with Jesus. And then thank Him for providing restoration to God.

Prayer: Jesus, without You I have a hopeless end. With You I have an endless hope. Thank You for Your provision. Amen.

Alone

February 11

Daily Bible Reading: Leviticus 13

Verse of the Day: Leviticus 13:46 – “All the days wherein the plague is in him he shall be unclean; he is unclean: he shall dwell alone; without the camp shall his dwelling be.”

Alone. A word that brings a feeling of hopelessness, emptiness, despair. The song from the 1960’s stated – “One is the loneliest number…” It brings up pictures of being rejected, no one who cares, and a struggle to find worth.

This verse, while speaking of physical separation due to infectious skin diseases, also gives us a picture of the spiritual side of man. We are infected with the “disease” of sin – our whole nature is corrupted. And as long as this plague of sin is in us, we are cast outside of the dwelling of God. But, He provided the cure – the death of Jesus Christ – that if we will take it, we are welcome in the Presence of God. Our choice – alone or with God?

Prayer: Thank You, Father. The provision makes it possible for us to be in Your Presence forever. Amen.

Be Holy

February 10

Daily Bible Reading: Leviticus 10 – 12

Verse of the Day: Leviticus 11:25 – “For I am Jehovah that brought you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.”

Holy. In Hebrew, the word is qâdôsh. It means to be set apart, separate, or sacred. As I read these words that God spoke to His chosen people, I realize that as I get to know my God better, the more I want to be like Him. He is holy; I want to be holy. He is good; I want to be good. He is love; I want to show love. He is in control; I do not need to go through life in a panic.

The rules and laws of the Old Testament seem to hold me back from having what I want. Yet, as I meditate and consider what God is doing, I come to realize that He is giving me the instructions on how to have a full life – one with provisions and protection that He can give.

Prayer: Holy One, help me to understand and obey the provisions You have made for my life – and may I accept Your loving care and protection. Amen.

Anointed One

February 9

Daily Bible Reading: Leviticus 7 – 9

Verse of the Day: Leviticus 8:12 – “And he poured of the anointing oil upon Aaron's head, and anointed him, to sanctify him.”

The Old Testament teaches about three anointed offices. Prophet, Priest, and King. The anointing was done to consecrate the person to a specific office. To consecrate means to dedicate or set apart someone or something for special service. Generally, this is for service to God. In this concept, we find the teaching of the Messiah – or Christ. Messiah in Hebrew (or Christ in the Greek), means the Anointed One. This is the one prophesied of being all three – THE Prophet, Priest, and King. The Old Testament followers looked forward to this person, and we see in the New Testament that the position is fulfilled by Jesus. As Moses is instructed to anoint Aaron and his sons for the priesthood, we begin to see more of the picture of the coming Christ.

Prayer: Father, thank You for providing the foreshadowing and fulfillment of the Messiah in your Word. Amen.

Sin and Guilt Offering

February 8

Daily Bible Reading: Leviticus 4 – 6

Verse of the Day: Leviticus 4:1 – 2 – “And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If any one shall sin unwittingly, in any of the things which Jehovah hath commanded not to be done, and shall do any one of them:”

In Chapters 4 and 5 of our reading today, we find God’s instructions for the sin and the guilt offering. These two offerings were to cover unintentional sins and unintentional sins that demanded restitution.

We see Christ in the former offering as the Lamb of God that took away the sins of the believer once and for all, and in the latter where Christ at the Cross became the restitution before God for us.

We can witness through these offerings the truth displayed that Jesus Christ not only paid the penalty for our sinful nature, but also He paid for our actions brought about by this nature. Praise Him for what He has done!

Prayer: Father, I thank You for Your Son and what He has done for me. Amen. 

Don't get bogged down -

February 7

Daily Bible Reading: Leviticus 1 – 3

Verse of the Day: Leviticus 40:34 – “Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When any man of you offereth an oblation unto Jehovah, ye shall offer your oblation of the cattle, even of the herd and of the flock.”

We enter into the Book of Leviticus at this time. Many become bogged down in this book. It is definitely not “light reading.” To send the time in a tough book like this, we need to understand the purpose of the book. We need to remember that this book has two major sections in it – the first is in chapters 1 – 17. It teaches about access to God, while Chapters 18 – 27 deal with our walk with God. We can find ritual and practicalities in this book. One thing to look for during our travel here is Christ – He is pictured in every sacrifice and ritual. The burnt offering pictures Christ’s complete dedication to complete the work; the grain offering speaks of His service; the peace offering speaks of Him being our peace. See what you can uncover in this book.

Prayer: Open my eyes that I may see Jesus in the pages of this book. Amen.

Glory filled

February 6

Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 39 – 40

Verse of the Day: Exodus 40:34 – “Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of Jehovah filled the tabernacle.”

As we close out our readings from the book of Exodus, look where we have travelled. We entered the book seeing the Nation of Israel in bondage, and we end the book with the Glory of the Jehovah filling the Tabernacle.

Consider our own lives. We started out in bondage to sin. When Christ our Passover released us from the bondage of death, we were set free to leave sin behind us. Often we grumble and look back with longings as we traverse this life. Yet, we have been filled with the Glory of God’s Holy Spirit when we accepted Him, and now we are travelling in the Promises of God.

Today, stop and muse over your life so far. Where are you in your walk with God? What can you do differently?

Prayer: God help me to be what You want me to be – filled with Your Glory. Amen.

Our Propitiation

February 5

Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 37 – 38

Verse of the Day: Exodus 37:6 – “And he made a mercy-seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half was the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof.”

The mercy-seat or atonement from the Hebrew base word kâphar, translated as to cover, purge, to make reconciliation. The place where the High Priest would sprinkle the blood on the Day of Atonement for the covering of Israel’s sins.

In 1 John 2:2 Christ is called our “propitiation” or mercy-seat. It is because of Christ’s blood, shed for our sins, that we have obtained mercy and grace from God. We are purged of our sins and reconciled to the Father. As Israel waited on a yearly basis for the assurance that their sins were purged, we can know on a moment-by-moment basis that we are reconciled to the Father through Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the removal and restoration that I have today, and every day, through Your precious Son, Jesus. Amen.

Give with Gusto

February 4

Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 34 – 36

Verse of the Day: Exodus 35:21 – “And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and brought Jehovah's offering, for the work of the tent of meeting, and for all the service thereof, and for the holy garments.”

Do you give with gusto? I mean, do you really look forward to giving? Consider four thoughts today on giving with gusto.

First, Reflect on the gifts that God has given you. Second, Remember the promises of God about generosity. Third, study your heart to see what motivates your giving. Is it proportionate or do you give from guilt? Should others follow my lead? Then finally, totally trust God to honor consistent generosity. 

Today, do a mind-check and a heart-check on your giving habits and motivations.

Prayer: Generous and Giving God, help me to follow Your model and plan in my giving – to others and to You and Your Kingdom. Amen.

Give me patience!

February 3

Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 31 – 33

Verse of the Day: Exodus 32:1 – “And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we know not what is become of him.”

Generally, as human beings we are impatient. We live in a world that demands “instant.” We tend to pray, “Give me patience and give it to me NOW!”

The Israelites give glimpses into the direction that our impatience can take. They grew restless waiting and took things into their own hands. They created their own answer to their waiting – and in turn this lead to disaster.

We need to learn from the examples from the Bible even today (1 Cor. 10:11). Waiting is hard, but not waiting on God can be disastrous.

Prayer: Gracious God, help me to wait patiently for You – You always come through. Amen.

God Lives With Us

February 2

Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 29 – 30

Verse of the Day: Exodus 29:45 – “And I will dwell among the children of Israel and will be their God.” 

In this verse, God makes a marvelous promise to live among the Israelites and to be theirs. He is referring to the Tabernacle (later the Temple) as His place of residence.

In the New Testament, God takes up residence in the person of the Holy Spirit in each believer. He promises to abide with us, to dwell in us, to be a very personal part of us -- for all eternity. In return, we as believers need to maintain out Temples (bodies) pure and set apart for God. Yes, we will sin, but He is faithful to cleanse and restore us (1 John 1:9).

Therefore, do some "house-cleaning." Meditate and seek to have any sin brought to your attention, then confess it, forsake it, and receive the cleansing from God. 

Prayer: Father, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: Try me, and know my thoughts." Amen. (Psalm 139:23)

God lives with us

February 2

Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 29 – 30

Verse of the Day: Exodus 29:45 – “And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God.”

In this verse, God makes a marvelous promise to live among the Israelites and to be theirs. He is referring to the Tabernacle (later the Temple) as His place of residence.

In the New Testament, God takes up residence in the person of the Holy Spirit in each believer. He promises to abide with us, to dwell in us, to be a very personal part of us – for all eternity. In return, we as believers need to maintain our Temples (bodies) pure and set apart for God. Yes, we will sin, but He is faithful to cleanse and restore us (1 John 1:9). 

Therefore, do some “house-cleaning.” Meditate and seek to have any sin brought to your attention, then confess it, forsake it, and receive the cleansing from God.

Prayer: Father, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: Try me, and know my thoughts.” Amen. (Psalm 139:23)

Always on His Heart

February 1

Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 27 – 28

Verse of the Day: Exodus 28:29 – “And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before Jehovah continually.” 

When Aaron as the first High Priest of Israel dressed in the ceremonial robes that God described, each piece had significance. On the breastplate that he wore were 12 precious stones – one for each of the tribes of Israel.

God said that when Aaron went into the Tabernacle, he would wear the 12 tribes over his heart. This is a beautiful picture that Christ (our Great High Priest) continually wears us on His heart. There is not a day, nay a minute or second that we are not on the heart of our precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Today, as you go through the many blessings and trials – remember that whatever you are going through Christ has you on His heart.

Prayer: Thank You Jesus for loving me, for keeping me close to Your Heart. Amen.