Michael Sisson

Re: Num 8:4 The menorah is also called the “Lamp of G-d” and is a type of Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus; see 1Sam 3:3; Jn 8:12) According to the Talmud, the menorah was solid gold, measuring seventeen "handbreadths" tall (≈ 5.25’) and weighing roughly 100 lbs. For a deeper dive into the details and symbolism of the Tabernacle’s menorah, see the following Hebrew For Christians article. https://www.hebrew4christians.com/Scripture/Parashah/Summaries/Behaalotkha/Menorah/menorah.html Re: Num 8:16-19 See Jer 33:18

Hugh Stephenson

Good morning Cat! Love your devo and your back story. Same story for me, just a few decades earlier. Also love your verse references. Great way to support your story. Q1. Viewed by others- devoting daily, serving in ministry, discipling others, seeking to live out Genesis 2:26 and Ephesians 5:25. Known by me - being drawn to news stories and ESPN, ministry fatigue, isolating, conflict with Amy. Q2. The core is God’s Word, Spirit and People. Fed by healthy doses of worship music. Covered in prayer for help in the intense battles in the spiritual realm, (Ephesians 6:10-20). Q3. In the last year or so I have been in a super stressful season. I have fallen back into the unhealthy coping mechanism of gluttony. In that, I have not been a "a vessel for honorable use"; more of a “vessel for unhealthy food”.

Hugh Stephenson

Lamps and Levites  I love this “reminder” from the notes. “The important point is that the seven lamps ... give light in front of the lampstand, that is, that their light shines on the table opposite it in the tabernacle (see The Tabernacle Tent) on which are 12 flat loaves of bread symbolizing the 12 tribes of Israel (Ex. 25:23–30). Light reflects the glorious presence of God, so this arrangement of the furniture in the tabernacle is a REMINDER of God’s ongoing intention to bless the people of Israel (see notes on John 1:4– 5; 8:12).” This cleaning process & procedure seem very important given the red heifer and the burnt offering, https://www.gotquestions.org/burnt-offering.html “The Cleansing Procedure. The process of the cleansing ash (see note on vv. 1–10) has two phases: It involves sprinkling water (with some ash in it) on the affected person or tent on the third day after contamination and also on the seventh day. On the seventh day he must also bathe himself and wash his clothes. The sprinkling does not have to be done by a priest, just a clean person (vv. 18–19). Failure to carry out this rite is serious: it defiles the tabernacle, and that person shall be cut off (i.e., die; see notes on 9:6–14; 15:30–31; see also 19:13, 20). Hebrews 9:13–14 notes that the blood of Christ is even more effective in its cleansing power: it will purify the conscience from dead works to serve the living God. These regulations were intended for Israel; now that Christ has come, Christians do not need purification rites such as these.”

Hugh Stephenson

Why is this so important? What does God want me to learn? My thoughts- Gods holiness and purity prevent me from approaching Him. The cleansing of the priests allows them to intercede for me. This “water of purification” is made by taking the most important animal, a bull, and sacrificing it in a burnt offer ring. Water of lustration https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/water-of-purification/ In that offering everything is burnt completely. No residual for anything or anyone. Then the ash of this most important sacrifice is mixed with water so that it can purify the priests. For me, I see the cycle I learned in re:gen as a huge step to purification- CONFESSION REPENTANCE FORGIVENESS AMENDS RECONCILIATION RESTORATION I see the direction pointing to Jesus as the ultimate most important sacrifice. It is his blood poured out for me that cleanses me as clean as these priests. Then I can walk with Him and and abide in Him. Then, my body is suitable to be God’s temple. Then, the Holy Spirit will dwell with/in me. Then, Joy, (John 15:10-11), Peace, (Philippians 4:6-7), and Rest, (Matthew 11:28-30) are available to me. Then, I can live out Exodus 19:6, Psalm 51:10, Proverbs 4:23, and Matthew 16:15. Then, I am able to answer His call to Proclaim, (Psalm 71:18), Witness, (Acts 1:8), and Teach, (Matthew 28:19-20).

Chris Landry

Thanks for your story, Cat. Enjoy Ethiopia this summer. Tell David and his sweet wife hello for me. I assume they're still the in-country leaders. Re: Your Story Amazing what happens when we humble ourselves and yield to the Spirit's call instead of the "siren call" of the world (success, stuff, influence, status, etc). I needed this reminder today. Also, I appreciated the reminder of Romans 12:1 as today's purification and picture of sacrifice. My family is bringing twins into the world today so I'll be out of pocket for a minute (on commenting) but I'll be journeying along with you all. Prayers appreciated. :)

Sue Bohlin

Thanks so much, Cat! My heart was caught by the Lord's statement that the firstborn were His, and the Levites were His. I love the idea of Him stamping people with "MINE!" And it reminds me of Abraham Kuyper's classic statement, “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, Mine!” Love love love that! But I also love the scriptural foundation for reveling in the personal fact that God calls us, the church corporately and me personally, *His*: "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, A PEOPLE BELONGING TO GOD..." (1 Peter 2:9) God looks at US and says, "You are Mine." I love that He says in His word, "You are precious and honored in My sight, and I love you. . ." (Isaiah 43:4). Those words were written to the nation of Israel, but they are true of us as well. In John 17:23, Jesus told His Father, "You have loved [believers] even as You have loved Me." Since the Son is precious, honored and loved by the Father, and He loves us the same way, we can rest in that marvelous, life-changing truth!

Michael Scaman

God is 'holy, holy, holy' by nature. Other things are holy by proximity and His redemptive work. Holiness is a communicable attribute of God rubbing off on us more and more us as part of the new birth and sanctification with better pleasures and better treasures, and 'without holiness no one can see the Lord'. John Piper says 'Glory is holiness gone public" 'holy, holy, holy is the Lord God the whole earth is full of His glory" say the cherubim. Man was made in God's image to reflect and reflect on the glory of God. Reflecting on God in thoughts and words is one aspect of holiness. This includes thinking on things above, having better pleasures and better treasures, right worship and right living. Even right fighting in a God ordained struggle between old and new natures, putting to death the deeds of the flesh by the Spirit. Piper makes an analogy, about the importance of holiness. My short summary: walking into heaven is exceedingly far better than walking out of hell. A grace that not only pardons but also empowers, forgives sin but also kills our sin., not just canceled sin but overcome sin. Holiness is commanded not optional. The only sin you can conquer in this life is a forgiven sin. John Piper's T4G message Christ Died to Make Us Holy: And Why Some Preachers Avoid It https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQDRdC0h1mM

Amy Lowther

1. What sets me apart as a Christ follower is that I am frequently found going to service every Sunday. What also sets me apart as a Christ follower is that I am sincere in everything I do. 2. It means believing in God and Jesus. It means practicing their values everyday every chance I can. It looks like me supporting and helping coworkers and friends. It also includes being a good communicator with coworkers and friends. 3. The Lord can help me continue to use God’s guidance as I find a new job and not lose sleep over it.