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Words for Christian Living 061213

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

“Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:) that in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace, in the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him: when he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days. And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king’s palace; where were white, green, and blue, hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble. And they gave them drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king. And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel: for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man’s pleasure. Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to king Ahasuerus.”  Esther 1:1-9 (KJV)

In the book of Esther we have a historical account of the events in the life of the children of God [Israel] while still in captivity following their being carried away by Babylon.  The book of Esther never mentions the name of God; however you can see God working all through the book.  There are many things about it I do not understand, nor can I explain some of the things concerning the law.

The above verses show the opposite of how the righteous and just are to live.

These posted verses show the extravagance and waste of an earthly king and kingdom.  It shows the Christian that we are in the world, but we cannot live as the world.  We must stand; always with wisdom.

-Tim A. Blankenship

My Observations 012611

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

Today’s Bible reading consists of Exodus 25 – 28…

Chapter 25 introduces us to the Divine design of the tabernacle in the wilderness by which God the LORD of hosts was to dwell among His people on their journeys through the wilderness to the promised land.  The first of the articles given is the “Ark of the covenant” made of wood, probably acacia wood and built into a box with God’s own dimensions and overlaid with pure gold.  The second piece is the “mercy seat” which is made of pure gold, no wood involved.

It is quite possible, since this is of heavenly design that we see the divinity and humanity of Christ in this design made of wood and gold.  The wood of course representing the human and gold the divine.

There is also given us the design of the “Table of shewbread” made of wood and gold in the dimensions given by God to Moses, and the “Candlestick” or “Menorah” as the Hebrews call it today.  All of these holy pieces were designed by holy God and were to be built just as God said.

Chapter 26 shows us the making of the inner part of the tabernacle “walls?” to be made of fine twined linen white, and using linen of blue, purple and scarlet thread woven in to make the special heavenly designs embroidered in to make it a beautiful sight to behold.

There is also the making of the veil which divided the “holy place and the most holy place”.  It was made of blue, purple and scarlet linen.  This is the veil which was divided in the temple in Jerusalem when Jesus Christ was crucified and died for the sins of the world; making a way for all who will believe to enter God’s own dwelling place.

Chapter 27 shows us the design of the altar of burnt offering.  To many this might seem a horrid place.  A place of great stench.  A bloody place.  And by our reckoning it was.  It tells us there must be; because God is holy, just and righteous; and we are unholy, unjust and unrighteous; there must of necessity be a way for us to have peace with God.  That is possible only through the shed blood of innocence.  The innocence of Jesus Christ is what we must see.

Chapter 28 we receive the design of the garments of the priests.  They were made of gold and blue, purple and scarlet linen.  There is much that could be written about the priestly garments, but I would need to do much more study on it.

One of the things that is great about being a Christian is that we have no need of the ark of the covenant, or any of the tabernacle to enter into the presence of God.  That is made possible through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Believe Him and live forever.

Today’s Bible reading is Exodus 25 – 28  read and enjoy.

-Tim A. Blankenship