Psalm 88 is the saddest Psalm in the Bible! Most of the Psalms that BEGIN gloomy and dark like this end up with the writer encouraging themselves in the Lord. The interesting thing I found about this Psalm is that some scholars believe that Psalms 88 & 89 are supposed to be one Psalm. That would explain a lot! We will wait to discuss this Psalm until tomorrow so we can look at them both together!
In Romans 16:1-2 we see something that may be a real eye-opener to some!
1NOW I introduce and commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deaconess of the church at Cenchreae 2That you may receive her in the Lord [with a Christian welcome], as saints (God's people) ought to receive one another. And help her in whatever matter she may require assistance from you, for she has been a helper of many including myself [shielding us from suffering].
Phoebe, most obviously a woman as she is referred to as "sister", is also a deaconess! I know that some churches have as THEIR CHURCH DOCTRINE that women are not to serve in any capacity within the church except MAYBE as a Sunday School teacher. Well, they are Scripturally incorrect in that! In fact, of the names of laborers in this chapter, 9 of them are women and most of those were referred to as very hard workers! In verse 3-4 we see this from Paul:
3Give my greetings to Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,
4Who risked their lives [endangering their very necks] for my life. To them not only I but also all the churches among the Gentiles give thanks.
I have heard it taught that the person whose name is listed first in a pairing is the person whose ministry is at the forefront at that time. As you read in other references concerning Prisca (or Priscilla) and Aquila, they both taught and preached the Gospel. Many of the names we find listed throughout the New Testament are really female names. My point in all of this is to encourage the women readers that YES, God really does and has called and anointed women to preach and teach the Gospel. In fact, very many signs, wonders and miracles have followed the anointed ministry of some very noted women. Don't ever let anyone dictate to you what you can and can't do, if God has called you to do it! If your church teaches that, then you are in the WRONG church! You need to find a church that teaches the Word of God boldly, confidently, uncompromisingly, precisely, accurately and in love! They will nurture you in the Word and help you to grow into your ministry until you reach the point where God can separate you into the ministry He has already called you to! THEN, when you are involved in that ministry, don't ever forget that you still NEED a Pastor! Remembering that will help to keep you grounded and accountable! Let's look at verses 17-20:
17I appeal to you, brethren, to be on your guard concerning those who create dissensions and difficulties and cause divisions, in opposition to the doctrine (the teaching) which you have been taught. [I warn you to turn aside from them, to] avoid them.
18For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ but their own appetites and base desires, and by ingratiating and flattering speech, they beguile the hearts of the unsuspecting and simpleminded [people].
19For while your loyalty and obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, I would have you well versed and wise as to what is good and innocent and guileless as to what is evil.
20And the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) be with you.
Actually, the word "bruised" is the Greek word, "suntribo", which means: to crush completely, to shatter to pieces, to break into shivers! And though THAT word "shivers" means bits and pieces, I actually love the idea of satan "shivering" in his boots at the power of Almighty God! This last verse is very appropriate!
27To [the] only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ (the Anointed One)! Amen (so be it).
AMEN!!!
In Numbers 20 we see that Miriam has died and the people are complaining AGAIN! This time they want water. The Lord gives Moses specific instructions found in verse 8:
8Take the rod, and assemble the congregation, you and Aaron your brother, and tell the rock before their eyes to give forth its water, and you shall bring forth to them water out of the rock; so you shall give the congregation and their livestock drink.
And THIS is what Moses did in verse 11:
11And Moses lifted up his hand and with his rod he smote the rock twice. And the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their livestock.
Moses disobeyed God and the results of his disobedience are found in verse 12:
12And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, Because you did not believe in (rely on, cling to) Me to sanctify Me in the eyes of the Israelites, you therefore shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.
It's important to take note of the nations that refuse to let Israel pass THROUGH their land. Because of their refusal, they are conquered by Israel as we will see later on. Now Aaron's priestly office passes to his son because of Aaron's part in the disobedience with Moses over the water and Aaron dies.
In Numbers 19 we read all about the red heifer and its role in the purification of the Tent of Meeting and, in the future, of the Temples that will be built. If you read up on the red heifer, you will find that there have been 9 times that a red heifer was used to cleanse the Temple. The Jewish people are planning for the rebuilding of the Temple and believers in Jesus of Nazareth recognize this as a sign of the End Times. One of the things that is needful for the purification of the new Temple when it is built is a red heifer for purification. There have been previous reports of red heifers that were found to have imperfections as they grew up. I heard a report given earlier this month that there is indeed AT LEAST one red heifer being kept safe and hidden right now in Israel for the purification of the Temple when it is built! COME QUICKLY LORD JESUS! AMEN!!!
Shalom in Him!
