Notes from my Bible Study for April 3, 2010

Today's Reading: Psalm 93, Exodus 39, Esther 6, 1 Corinthians 11:2-34

Psalm 93 - Psalm 93 is a short psalm about the majesty and glory of the Lord. The psalmist uses beautiful imagery to paint a picture of our God ruling the earth which He created. He is worthy of our worship and He reigns in power. The God who created this universe, rules it. His works are mighty and even the waves obey Him.

Exodus 39 - The priestly garments are woven together in this passage. Once again we see the incredible detail and symbolism that went into that which would be used for worshipping Jehovah. There was such awe and reverence towards God in those days. The priestly gowns would have made the people think about certain aspects of God and His divine rule.

Esther 6 - I can't even imagine what Mordecai must have been thinking. He had been praying. He had been fasting. He knew that Esther had dined with the king and Haman earlier in the evening. And then . . . Haman, the enemy of the Jews came and killed him? No. Tortured him? No. Arrested him? No. He honored him! He honored Mordecai. Had Haman's heart changed? No. In God's divine plan, Haman sought honor for himself, and ended up having to give honor to one who had truly served the king. God honored Mordecai in his time. And, soon, God would deliver the Jews.

I love that fact that we have a God who says that "He exalts the humble." It doesn't always happen quickly. In fact, some will not see that exaltation until heaven. But, if you have faithfully served the Lord in humility be sure of this; God's promises always come true. Mordecai truly lived a humble and obedient life. God is looking for people who will be obedient no matter the cost. Will you be that person?

1 Corinthians 11:2-34 - This chapter of Scripture gives instructions for public worship. The church at Corinth had some serious issues. I think all churches have issues that we need to work through. It's just part of being human beings trying to live in community with one another. One of the issues the Corinthian church dealt with was the issue of whether or not women should wear head coverings in public worship. In Corinthian culture, which was incredibly sex saturated, to not wear a head covering meant that you were either single or that you were married but available. Paul asked the women who were married in that congregation to wear head coverings in worship. To not do so would have been dishonorable. In our culture this might mean wearing a wedding ring or something else to show that you are married.

Paul ends the chapter giving instruction on the Lord's Supper. Tomorrow is Easter Sunday. It is also a Sunday in which our congregation will celebrate the Lord's Supper. Paul talks about the significance and the sacred attitude with which we should come to the Lord's table in verses 23-32. May these verses be a sacred reminder to you.

23For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”25In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

27Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died.31But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. 32But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world.