May 2

Numbers 9; Psalm 45; Song of Solomon 7; Hebrews 7

Daily Catechism

QUESTION 87: WHAT IS FORBIDDEN IN THE TENTH COMMANDMENT?
Answer: The tenth commandment forbids all murmuring over our own condition and all envying or grieving at the good of our neighbor, and all inordinate affections for anything that is his.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:10; James 5:9; Galatians 5:26; Colossians 3:5.

Numbers 9

This chapter explains how the nation of Israel camped or traveled by the LORD’s command based upon the cloud’s resting upon the tabernacle or its lifting. This is a great picture of waiting upon the LORD and resting in him.  They did not struggle and strive but merely took their lead from God and they followed. They were concerned with the presence and purposes of God as they woke each day with their tent turned toward the tabernacle they could see if the cloud remained or if it had lifted and it was time to pack up camp.  May we keep our tent turned to the LORD and may we indeed look for his guidance regarding packing up or setting down.  Let us hunger for his presence and his purpose more than for our next milepost or destination.  See Ruth 1:16.

Psalm 45

This psalm is interesting and a bit difficult to follow in terms of its messianic references vs its speaking of the literal King.   Verse 6-7 are the most obvious in having at least reference to Christ in part, even if the term Elohim (God) is possibly used in reference to the King.  Often there is a typology in scripture where there is a dual reference or meaning and it would seem likely here.  The throne could never be considered to be forever unless it is in view of Christ’s reign.  More typology in verses 16-17 as we know that Christ has made us kings and priests (Rev 5:10, NKJV)! 

Hebrews 7

A recounting of Abraham's running into this priest and his paying tithe to the priest is given for purpose of drawing conclusions about the priesthood that Jesus serves.  The writer establishes clearly that Abraham, though the patriarch, recognized one higher than him.  And thus, all tribes of Abraham should recognize that there is a priesthood greater than that established by the mosaic law in the Levites.  Aaron and the order of the high priest is by human lineage and is a shadow of the real priesthood that is by oath and that requires an indestructible life.
     v9-10.  A concept of federal representation here is given that can help to understand how we are all "in Adam" and that when he sinned we all became guilty.  It is said that Levi made tithe to Melchizedek before he ever lived.
     v11-12 speak of a priesthood that exceeds what is possible by the OT law and this priesthood requires a new law.  This is Jesus.  He fulfills the OT law and does what the law could not do in its weakness (flesh) Rom 8:3, 10:4.
     v13-18.  Jesus is from the tribe of Judah by maternal lineage but remember that he is begotten of God on the paternal side and thus without beginning and without end…by order of Melchizedek.  It matters not that moses mentioned no priesthood from Judah as this is not from where Jesus gets his priestly appointment.  His priesthood come from the oath of God and rests on his indestructible life.  The former priesthood is set aside and we take Christ!
     v19.  We have a better hope (one not based on the letter, but on the Spirit!) Rom 7:6, 5:5. Rom 3:21- now the righteousness of God is manifested apart from the law!
     v20-21.  The oath of Psalm 110:4 rests upon Jesus and this is greater than a physical priestly lineage.
     v22-25.  Never ending priesthood!  A better covenant!  This reveals his his resurrection established the evidence that he holds an enduring priesthood and he lives to bless us in this office of high priest.  Rom 5:10 tells me I am saved by his life!  Rom 8:34 tells me he intercedes for me as here I am told that he lives always to do this!  He prayed for Peter and maintained his faith and gave him purpose and power of restoration.  Luke 22:31-32.  He saves to the uttermost (completely and always) those who draw near.  And he has brought us nigh!  Ephesians 2:13-14 tells me the the blood of Christ has brought me near!
     v26-27.  Our priest is a man to represent us but he is God as well.  Jesus, the priest, is also the sacrifice!  Once for all is the same phrase from Rom 6:10 in dying to sin but living to God.
     v28.  The word of the oath came after the law…begotten in Mary.  New covenant is the word of oath in place of OT law.  By promise, not by letter.  Rom 4:16, 7:6.

Soli Deo Gloria!