A Thing Most Holy
Almost every scholar wants to change the meat offering to something else—although they cannot decide what else. The name is said to be confusing to Bible readers. The meat offering has no animal flesh. In fact, it is the only major offering in which no animals are killed. Why is it called the meat offering? Actually, there are very good reasons for calling it the meat offering. The Biblical use of meat refers to solid food as opposed to drink (see Psalm 69:21; Daniel 1:10; Matthew 25:35; John 6:55; Romans 14:17). This is also the older use of the word in English. The first occurrences of meat in the Bible are found in Genesis 1:29-30 where God gives every “herb bearing seed” and the “fruit of a tree…for meat.” Obviously, the fine flour of the meat offering would fit into the meaning of the word. But there is more. The meat offering has a very special typology that is revealed plainly by the cross references to the word meat as used by Christ. The meat offering is the offering of a “living sacrifice”—the kind Christians are supposed to give (Romans 12:1). It is also the kind of sacrifice Christ gave during His earthly ministry. Two verses especially teach this. In John 4:34, Jesus said, “My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.” In John 6:27, He declares, “Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life.” These references to meat fit perfectly with the meaning of the meat offering. Yet, this wonderful connection in scripture is destroyed in the modern versions of the Bible. And it is not simply a matter of them choosing another word. None that I have examined use the same word—any word—in all three passages This lesson will deal with the different elements of the meat offering. It will then show how these characteristics apply to the life of Christ and the life of the believer.
The God Who Provides
This chapter has four examples of God using His prophet Elisha to provide for the needs of His people. They are illustrations for us to show us the wonderful supply that God gives to those who are His own.
Boldness in Prayer
The widow got what she wanted because of her importunity. She stayed with it. She wouldn’t accept ‘no’ for an answer...
Ahab Takes Naboth’s Vineyard
This chapter shows us what happens when the covetous heart runs free. The righteous Naboth paid the initial price of Ahab’s covetousness. We should beware the evil results of a covetous heart.
The Work of Elijah in the Time of Drought
Elijah was a prophet of God during the reign of Ahab; he is mentioned 99 times in the Bible. Nine is the number of fruit in the Bible and Elijah certainly had a fruitful ministry.
The Final Years of Solomon
Solomon had it all and lost much of it before his death and even more afterwards. Will you allow your love of the things of the world to draw you away from God as the years go by?
The Myth of Two Masters
Many people today are attempting to live for the world while making claims of being a servant of God. The only problem is that according to scripture we cannot serve two masters. May we be like Joshua who said, "but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
Question of the Will
F. B. Meyer, the British Baptist whose books have blessed multitudes, gave full credit and glory to God, yet he did not neglect the human side...
Judgment Seat of Christ
Modern Christianity seems rather quick to criticize the wicked state of the world. Yet, well-meaning Christians frequently fail to acknowledge that many of the world’s woes originated from within the Church. For this reason, the Apostle Peter admonishes the people of God that true judgment must begin at our own doorstep.
In That Day (Daily Portion 10421)
In this chapter, Zechariah looks to the day when the enemies of Jerusalem will be destroyed and the city and nation will be restored. The phrase, in that day, is used six times in the chapter. However, when that day comes, the Jews will mourn for their sins which they have committed, especially when they look on the one they have pierced.