Heavenhigh

The Day of Atonement!

“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 1 Pe.2:24”

# 49 2025 Dev. Lev.16: The Day of Atonement! Read all of chapters sixteen, seventeen and eighteen. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s story. Do you believe that this may also be part of our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Leviticus. These 3 chapters are about the Day of Atonement, the restrictions on eating blood and on illicit sexual relations.

Ch.17 The restriction of eating blood, “For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.Therefore, I say to the Israelites, ‘none of you may eat blood, nor may any foreigner residing among you eat blood.”’ No longer will you slaughter an animal in the field but you must present it to the Lord through the Priests.

Lev.16:2 “The Lord said to Moses: ‘Tell your brother Aaron that he is not to come whenever he chooses into the Most Holy Place behind the curtain in front of the atonement cover on the ark, or else he will die.’” He was to come into the Holy of Holies only once a year in the 7^th month and on the 10^th day of the month. It was an elaborate ceremony. Fist he must sacrifice a bull as a sin offering and a goat as a burnt offering for himself and his family. He must get two goats from the community, chosen by two lots. “…one lot for the Lord and the other for the scapegoat.” Aaron shall bring the goat whose lot falls to the Lord and sacrifice it for a sin offering. The other goat is the scape goat. He makes atonement by carrying the sins of the community into the wilderness where he is released. Aaron must also make atonement for the inner-sanctuary, the outer-sanctuary and the alter of burnt offerings outside by sprinkling blood of the two sacrifices seven times in all three places. Only the high priest officiates, he must wear the sacred garments on any day but on the day of atonement he would change into the linen garment before going into the Holy of Holies.

Ch.18 Sexual Relations. The Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘I am the Lord your God. You must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. No one is to approach any close relative to have sexual relations. I am the Lord.” Most of these restrictions, we as Christians practice today. Read vs. 6-23. Some Christians however do not adhere to v.22 “Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable”. This is unfortunate, like it was in Egypt and in Canaan at that time so it is in the world today. God is clear here; the practices of the world are detestable in His sight. The world must not change us, we must change the world.

The Promises of God!

Php: 4:19 “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

# 48 2025 Dev.Isa.31:5 The promises of God! Read all of chapter thirty one first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s Story. Do you believe that this may also be part of our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Isaiah 31:5 “Like birds hovering overhead, the Lord Almighty will shield Jerusalem he will shield it and deliver it, he will ‘pass over’ it and will rescue it.”

Isa.31: Is a continuation of Isa.29. Sannacherib’s siege of Jerusalem is imminent, but the leaders are not listening to the prophets of God. “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots…but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the Lord.” Also, today we look everywhere for help, alas, but our help begins with the Lord our God!

Vs.1-3 “Woe to those who go down to Egypt… But the Egyptians are mere mortals and not God; their horses are flesh and not spirit.” The wicked and those who help the wicked will fall together.

Vs.4-5 God here is depicted as “a great lion”, nothing will deter him. Further, God promises to “shield Jerusalem… and deliver it…and to rescue it.” Those promises are for us as well, the church, God’s people, the new Israel.

Vs.6-7 “Return, you Israelites, to the One you have so greatly revolted against. For in that day every one of you will reject the idols of silver and gold your sinful hands have made.” God calls all of us to return to Him with all our hearts, souls and minds.

Vs.8-9 “Assyria will fall by no human sword; a sword, not of mortals, will devour them.” God Himself will rout the Assyrian army surrounding Jerusalem. “Their strong hold will fall because of terror; at the sight of the battle standard their commanders will panic, declares the Lord whose fire is in Zion”. God’s promises are sure, not only did God drive them away from Jerusalem, this event ended their world domination. While we enjoy Thanksgiving, may God pour His promises on His people in Nigeria. What are those promises?

Eternal life, salvation, forgiveness of sins, guidance of the Holy Spirit, God is with us, answers prayers, he knows our needs, gives us peace, all things work for good to those who love God and He is faithful. Amen!

Be Holy as Iam Holy!

“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight…” Ephesians 1:4

# 47 2025 Dev. Lev. 11-12-13-14-15 “Be Holy as I am Holy!” Read all of chapters eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, and fifteen. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s story. Do you believe that this may also be part of our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Leviticus. These five chapters follow the death of two of Aaron’s sons who offered unauthorized fire. Was the punishment because they did not offer a sacrifice, or that the young priests had been drinking wine or other fermented drink, making them unclean? These five chapters are set between the death of Nadab and Abihu and Ch.16, the Day of Atonement; when the High Priest goes into the Holy of Holies, once a year, to sprinkle blood from the sacrifice for the sins of the people.

Lev. Ch.11. These rules and regulations are given only to the Israelites and only for a specific time. Yet, they foreshadow the New Covenant in Jesus. Throughout, Moses is the go between God and Aaron and his sons, making Moses a type of Christ. They may only consume and sacrifice animals that chew the cud and have cloven hooves, only fish with fins and scales, only bugs that hop, and no birds of prey.

Lev. Ch.12. Rules for childbirth. “She will be ceremonially unclean for seven days with the birth of a son… On the eight day the boy is to be circumcised.”Then the woman must wait thirty-three days to be purified from her bleeding. For the birth of a girl, the ceremonially unclean time is doubled. But for both she must make a sacrifice.

Lev. Ch.13. Regulations about defiling skin diseases. Vs.1-46 Describe a variety of skin diseases. Anyone that is diagnosed by the priest to be permanently ill is isolated from society. “Anyone with such a defiling disease must wear torn clothes, let their hair be unkempt, cover the lower part of their faceand cry out, ‘Unclean! Unclean! ’As long as they have the disease they remain unclean. They must live alone; they must live outside the camp.” Thank God for modern medications today! Vs 47-59. “These are the regulations concerning defiling molds in woolen or linen clothing, woven or knitted material, or any leather article, for pronouncing them clean or unclean.”

Lev.Ch.14. Cleansing from defiling skin diseases. The possibility for healing is accounted for. Also, cleansing from defiling molds. We thank God for modern methods concerning mold and medication for skin issues.

Lev.Ch.15. Discharges causing uncleanness. When any man has an unusual bodily discharge, such a discharge is unclean.” Where ever he sits or lays on becomes unclean…Whoever touches the man will be unclean.” Whenever a woman has a discharge other than her time of the month the same rules apply. “These are the regulations for a man with a discharge for anyone made unclean by an emission of semen, for a woman in her monthly period, for a man or a woman with a discharge, and for a man who has sexual relations with a woman both are ceremonially unclean.” Jesus dealt differently with the woman with a discharge who touched Him: “Daughter… ‘Go in peace; your faith has healed you.’” Praise the Lord!

God Answers Prayer!

Romans 8:26 “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”

# 46 2025 Dev.Isa.30:5b. God Answers Prayer! Read all of chapter thirty first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s Story. Do you believe that this may also be part of our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Isaiah 30:19 “People of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answeryou.”

Isa.30: Is a continuation of Isa 29. Sannacherib’s siege of Jerusalem is imminent. But the leaders are not listening to the prophets of God. Next is the result of that rejection which is followed by God’s grace.

Vs.1-11 “Woe to the obstinate children, declares the Lord…” They are following their own plans, they are looking to Egypt for help. God warns them that “…Pharaoh’s protection will be to your shame,
Egypt’s shade will bring you disgrace.” This sounds like today; “Tell us pleasant things…Leave this path, and stop confronting us with the Holy one of Israel.” Some churches and Christians do not listen to the truth of God’s Word!

Vs.12-17 “Therefore, this is what the Holy One of Israel says: because you have rejected this message… oppression and deceit… is like a wall… that collapses” V.15 “This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: ‘n repentance and restis your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.”‘ So many people today are searching for peace but no one has told them how to attain salvation.

Vs.18-26 “Yet the Lord longsto be gracious to you; therefore, he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!” God’s ways are not our ways, His thoughts are not our thoughts. “Seek the Lord while he is near”!

Vs. 27-33 “The voice of the Lord will shatter Assyria; with his rod he will strike them down…with burning anger…his tongue is consuming fire.” God is in control, Jerusalem, “you will sing as on the night you celebrate a holy festival;your hearts will rejoice…”

Vs.33 “Topheth has long been prepared it has been made ready for the king.” Topheth, was a place for child sacrifices to pagan gods like Molech. Later the valley was called Gehenna, compared with hell. Hell is a real place and there is only one way to avoid it, put your trust in Jesus, follow His example and He will write your name in the Book of Life! Thanks be to God!

“Ordination, Ministry, Consequences!”

“Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Ps. 100:1-2.”

# 45 2025 Dev. Lev.8-9-10. “Ordination, Ministry, Consequences!” Read all of chapters eighth, nine, and ten first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s story. Do you believe that this may also be part of our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Lev.Ch. 8 is all about the ordination of Aaron and his four sons. Ch. 9 is about beginning of worship as God ordained it. Ch. 10 is the consequences of worship that God did not approve.

Leviticus Ch. 8. Before the ordination the whole assembly was called to gather at the tent of meeting. We see the elaborate dress for the high priest and for Aaron’s sons, all are anointed with oil, along with the tabernacle and all the furniture and utensils. Sin offerings are included, as well as burnt offering and fellowship offerings. They had to stay at the tabernacle for seven days.

Leviticus Ch. 9. Ministry is begun on the eighth day worship was instituted. “On the eighth day Moses summoned Aaron and his sons and the elders of Israel. He said to Aaron, “Take a bull calf for your sin offering and a ram for your burnt offering, both without defect, and present them before the Lord.” God also included the congregation. “Then say to the Israelites: ‘Take a male goat for a sin offering,a calf and a lamb—both a year old and without defect—for a burnt offering, and an ox and a ram for a fellowship offering to sacrifice before the Lord, together with a grain offering mixed with olive oil. For today the Lord will appear to you.’” Moses and Aaron went into tabernacle, came out and blessed the people; “and the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people.”

Leviticus Ch.10 “Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihutook their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, contrary to his command. So fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord.” Aaron and his family were not to mourn but the people could mourn for Nadab and Abihu. Vs 8,9,10 gives us an indication of the problem; “You and your sons are not to drink wine or other fermented drink whenever you go into the tent of meeting, or you will die. This is a lasting ordinance for the generations to come, so that you can distinguish between the holy and the common, between the unclean and the clean.” Today we live in a culture that glorifies being impaired with drink and drugs. God have mercy on parents, teachers, pastors and leaders. We have a long way to go, may we all discern what is right and what is wrong.

God’s Grace

Jesus, “Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. John 1:16.”

# 44 2025 Dev.Isa.29:5b. God’s Grace! Read all of chapter twenty-nine first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s Story. Do you believe that this may also be part of our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Isa.29:5b “Suddenly, in an instant, the Lord Almighty will come”.

Isaiah 29 Is a reference to the siege of Jerusalem (Sannacherib) and the grace of God. But the warnings to Jerusalem, here called Ariel, (the lion of God, perhaps referring to David) has her own issues to answer for. In the end God will punish her in His timing by the Babylonians and the Romans. There is grace for His people; v. 22 “no longer will Jacob be ashamed…”

Vs.1-4 gives us picture of a city under siege, it is a warning they are experiencing at this time.

Vs.5-8 “But your many enemies will become like fine dust,
the ruthless hordes like blown chaff.” This is an historical event. God did route out the Assyrians. Yet the transgressions remained to be dealt with later.

Vs.9-12 For a time God leaves them to their own devices. So it is for us today if one pushes the Holy Spirit away long enough, we are left to our own devises.

Vs.13-16 “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” Is God speaking to the church today? “You turn things upside down… God says. And He asks: “Shall what is formed say to the one who formedit, ‘You did not make me?”’ No! We are completely dependent on the grace of God.

Vs.17-24 There is nothing we can do, but by His grace we believe. Therefore, “In that daythe deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of gloom and darknessthe eyes of the blind will see.” Once more the humblewill rejoice in the Lord; the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.” We, today, have been given God’s Grace: “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6.”’ Thanks be to God!

“Forgiveness and Retribution!”

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1Jn:7”

# 43 2025 Dev. Lev.4-5 “Forgiveness and Retribution!” Read all of chapters four, five, six and seven first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s Story. Do you believe that this may also be part of our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Lev. 4-5 “The sin offering differs significantly, the person seeking forgiveness lays hands on the head of the sacrifice to transfer his sin to the animal, this also applies to the guilt offering. Ch. 6-7 reiterates all five sacrifices.

Leviticus; the focus of these devotionals is to connect these practices to life today, in as far we are able, but also to connect to Christian practice today. Leviticus is about worship. Worshiping God through sacrifices goes all the way back to Adam, Cain and Abel, to Noah after the flood and to the Patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Before Moses came on the scene, sacrifice was common in ancient near East. It was used to seek God’s (god’s) favor, to atone for sin and to express faith. Certainly, an extension of very early practices of the human race.

Ch.4 The sin offering. If a priest and all who are anointed sins, it brings sin upon the whole nation. The sacrifice must be a young bull, the priest lays on hands, some of the blood is sprinkled in the sanctuary seven times and blood is put on the horns of the alter of incense. Sin is sin but if a religious leader is involved the consequences are greater. That certainly is a fact today. Leaders, religious, or political, who fall into sin, carry a heavier burden in terms of consequences.

Ch.5:1-13 “If anyone sins because they do not speak up when they hear a public charge to testify regarding something they have seen or learned about, they will be held responsible.” So too, if a sin is committed unintentionally. If a leader, they must bring a male goat, if a common man, a female goat or lamb, or birds, if that is all they can afford. All sin is unacceptable to God, salvation is only by the shedding of blood. I Pe.2:24 “He (Christ) himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sinsand live for righteousness; ‘by his wounds you have been healed.’” Amen!

Ch.5:14-19 The guilt offering; “…when anyone is unfaithful…unintentionally… a ram…proper value in silver… in regard to the holy things, pay a fifth of its value and give it all to the priests…and they will be forgiven.” As regarding today, Christ is the perfect offering covering the burnt offering, the grain offering, the fellowship or peace offering, the sin offering and the guilt offering, He is the last and complete Sacrifice. Amen!

Ch.6-7 Again discusses the five sacrifices but begins with practical negative laws that ruins good relationships; unfaithfulness, deception, cheating, lying and false witness. The opposite of those laws, we all know it is part of our make-up, we are created in the image of God and the Holy Spirit working in us informing our conscience. Conscientious willful disobedience will dull your conscience to your detriment, a word to the wise!

A Cornerstone!

The Living-stone, Chosen People. “As you come to him, the Living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1Pe.2:4.”

# 42 2025 Dev.Isa.28:16 A Cornerstone? Read all of chapter twenty-eight first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s Story. Do you believe that this may also be part of our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Isa.28:16 “So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.’”

Isaiah 28 begins by condemning Ephraim and the leaders of Judah, but ends with the salvation that God will bring upon the whole world.

V.1-4 “Woe to that wreath, the pride of Ephraim’s drunkards,
to the fading flower, his glorious beauty…” Blessed with a fertile valley, they squandered God’s blessings with drunkenness and pride.

Vs.5-6 Isaiah interrupts this condemnation with: “In that daythe Lord Almighty will be a glorious crown, a beautiful wreath
for the remnant of his people.” There will be justice, the Lord judges, and strengthens those who live the truth.

Vs.7-15 “…Priests and prophets stagger from beer and are befuddled with wine; they reel from beer”. God reaches out in unorthodox ways. “…but they would not listen.”

Vs16-22 The cornerstone; “I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line; hail will sweep away your refuge, the lie, and water will overflow your hiding place.” Isaiah, uses a nature metaphor to wake up the people.

Vs.23-29 Is a discourse about proper agricultural practices. It is a metaphor for correst thinking and living it out: “I (God) will make justice-the measuring line…” The correct way of thinking! …and righteousness the plum line…” The correct way of living! This is what people are facing world-wide and what is intensely facing us in our country; the lack of justice and righteousness. Pray that the Christ revival, that has begun, will sweep our land, Amen and Amen!

The Lord Called to Moses!

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship…Rom. 12:1-2.”

# 41 2025 Dev. Lev.1:1 “The Lord Called to Moses!” Read all of chapter one, two and three first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s Story. Do you believe that this may also be part of our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Lev. 1-3 “The Lord called to Moses and spoke to him from the tent of meeting. He said, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘When anyone among you brings an offering to the Lord, bring as your offering an animal from either the herd or the flock.”

Leviticus is a difficult book, as it is a boring book. The focus of these devotionals is to connect these practices to life today, in as far we are able, but also to connect to Christian practice today. Leviticus is about worship. Worshiping God through sacrifices goes all the way back to Adam, Cain and Abel, to Noah after the flood and to the Patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Before Moses came on the scene, sacrifice was common in ancient near East. It was used to seek God’s (god’s) favor, to atone for sin and to express faith. Certainly, an extension of very early practices of the human race.

Ch. 1:1-17 a. The Burnt Offering, atonement. This includes offerings from the herd, only a male animal, spotless and acceptable by the priest who consecrated the animal by laying on hands. b. The offering from the flock, again a male, spotless and consecrated. c. The offering of birds, different instruction here than the larger animals. How do we connect? The most prominent is that the burnt offerings foreshadow, the Sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. He is the atoning sacrifice that saves us, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life inChrist Jesus our Lord. Ro.6:23.” We recognize the seriousness of sin. We see God’s grace and mercy and His love for His people, Us!

Ch. 2:1-16 “The Grain Offering” Here only a memorial portion is burnt on the alter, a handful. The rest is for the priests. There are rules, nothing made with yeast and honey, only the finest flour, olive oil is added and incense on the memorial portion. Yet, some offerings, from the poor, did not require olive oil or incense.

Apparently, the grain offering went along with the burnt offering but not always, it could be offered separately. Jacob sent a large tribute to his brother Esau, seeking his favor. We turn to our opening NT passage, Ro.vs.2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will”. God’s will is that we worship Him only, with our whole being and that includes, our jobs, our wealth and our time. The grain offering is a gift to God and to the priests. Go figure!

Ch.3:1-17 “The Fellowship Offering,” Peace Offering. This offering is much like the atonement offering but this offering was voluntary. Both male and female animals may be used. The person who brings the offering lays on hands and butchers the animal. The animal from the herd or from the flock is sacrificed but only the liver, kidneys, internal-organs and all the fat, including the tail of some sheep, were burned. The breast and the right thigh, became a wave offering, the breast is for the priests and the thigh is for the officiating priest. The rest of the meat was for the family who offered the sacrifice. (see Liv.7:31-33) All other rules applied, especially; “You must not eat any fat or any blood.”

How does this apply to us? “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lipsthat openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Heb,13:15-16.” Fellowship with God and with others. This highlights our opening verse …“Do not conform to this world…” Thanks be to God!

Grace!

Salvation in Christ! “In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus… For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.” Rom. 6:8-14

# 40 2025 Dev.Isa.27:6 Grace! Read all of chapter twenty-seven first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s Story. Do you believe that this may also be part of our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Isa.27:6 “In days to come Jacob will take root, Israel (The Church) will bud and blossom and fill all the world with fruit.”

Isaiah 27 is the continuation of Ch. 26. It is in the context of Sannacherib’s attempt to capture Jerusalem and the destruction of the Assyrian army, but it points forward to Christ’s salvation and the establishment of the church today.

V.1 “In that day, the Lord will punish with his sword… he will slay the monster of the sea.” The immediate threat is here indicated but it includes all the monsters faced since that time and the monsters we face today encluding the source of all evil, Satan.

Vs.2-5 “In that day, sing about the fruitful vineyard. I, the Lord, watch over it; I water it continually. I guardit day and night so that no one may harmit.” (Also see Isa 5:1-2) The reference is to Israel but they have not always produced good fruit. God says: instead of punishment “come to me for refuge, let them make peace with me.”

Today, we have that invitation in Christ, not by our efforts but by the work of Christ on the Cross. That is the grace that has always been available for the people of God, Christ reaches back to the beginning and into eternity.

V.6 “In days to come Jacob will take root, Israel will bud and blossom and fill all the world with fruit.” This foreshadows the world-wide movement of the church, continuing today and beyond.

Vs.7-11 “Has the Lord struck her? A rhetorical question. “Has she been killed?” No, but punishment has followed her unfaithfulness, described here in the following verses 8-11. She is the Bride of God, like the church is the Bride of Christ.

V.12 “In days to come Jacob will take root, Israel will bud and blossom and fill all the world with fruit…” And they “will come and worshipthe Lord on the holy mountain in Jerusalem”, mirroring the heavenly Jerusalem. Praise God!