from thirty years old up to fifty years old, all who can come on duty, to do the work in the tent of meeting. Numbers 4:3 (ESV)
Jesus also began his ministry at the age of 30 just like the Levite Priests (this is repeated throughout the chapter)
According to the commandment of the LORD through Moses they were listed, each one with his task of serving or carrying. Thus they were listed by him, as the LORD commanded Moses. Numbers 4:49 (ESV)
We are priest now in Gods Kingdom and each of us have a burden to bare and tasks to perform
Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. John 12:24 (ESV)
Jesus is speaking of himself as the seed, through his sacrificial death on the cross and the following resurrection we receive life. We can learn from this too that we should make sacrifices for the benefit of others too.
Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. John 12:25 (ESV)
Jesus, using his own self sacrifice as the example makes a call to discipleship and faith. Our culture tells us to love ourselves, have self esteem and to think highly of ourselves while pursuing the western dream of success. However to live with that mentality is to fundamentally deny the Sovereignty and rule of God in our lives as we are elevated to god in our own minds. Instead Jesus calls us to make God the centre of our lives rather than focusing on our own self interests.
If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. John 12:26 (ESV)
We can be rewarded with lasting an eternal honour by serving Jesus rather than serving ourselves, we must die to the desires of our flesh.
Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. John 12:31 (ESV)
So much happened at the cross, the world is judged, Satan is dethroned and salvation is made available to all who are drawn
If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. John 12:47 (ESV)
Jesus came to save the world but the rejection of the Jesus words bring judgement as the acceptance of them brings life
For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you. The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers. You destroy those who speak lies; the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man. Psalm 5:4–6 (ESV)
This is a very important and serious passage, it lets us know about Gods relationship to wickedness and evil
1. He does not delight in it
2. It may not dwell in his presence
3. God does not “love the sinner but hate the sin, this passage says God hates evildoers (not hates evil but the doers of evil) and will destroy Liars (not lies but those who tell lies)
4. God arbours people who have blood thirst and groups them with those who are deceitful, so deceit and murderous intent are both abhorrent)
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