A “through the bible” devotion from Numbers 28 and 29.
Upon learning that I was a pastor, folks would either comment, “It must be nice to only have to work one day a week” or, “You’re on duty 24/7, aren’t you?”
The truth lies somewhere in between. A lot of preparation goes into the weekly message to the gathered congregation. Shepherding a flock may be a daily commitment, but even shepherds clock in and out each day.
The priests and Levites were busy. Here’s a list of all the occasions on which were responsible for the offerings of God’s people:
- Daily offerings, morning and evening, including a lamb, flour, and wine)
- Sabbath day offering (weekly)
- First of the month offering (monthly)
- Passover offerings (14th day of first month, eight days total)
- Feast of Weeks offerings (Pentecost; firstfruits of the harvest)
- Feast of Trumpets offerings (Rosh Hashanah; 1st day of 7th month)
- Day of Atonement offerings (Yom Kippus; 10th day of 7th month)
- Feast of Booths offerings (15th day of 7th month; eight days total)
All that is in addition to vow offerings, freewill offerings, burnt offerings, grain offerings, drink offerings, and peace offerings (Numbers 28,29).
When I’m distracted by other things in life, whether it be myself or my things, I don’t fix my eyes on Jesus. But it sounds like the psalmist had it down, from waking till sleep:
“My voice you shall hear in the morning” (Psalm 5:3).
“When I remember you on my bed, I meditate on you in the night watches” (Psalm 63:6).
I like to think of all these instructions as a metronome that establishes a rhythm of worship. Rather than an interruption, worship occasions are the pulse of a Spirit-filled life.
First of all, I forgive you. I know that not everyone in our church agrees with me, but as a pastor, I was called to the forgiveness business. I don’t know your story. I don’t know why you did it. I don’t know how desperate you were. I don’t know how long it had been since you were able to buy groceries for your kids. I don’t know how hungry you were. I don’t know how scared you were about being evicted. I just know that Jesus died for your sins, and there is forgiveness for you.
Waite for it... 