Thoughts on the readings for May 1st (Deuteronomy 18, Ecclesiastes 10, Acts 9)

Deuteronomy 18 tells us about three aspects of worship. The first of these is in verses 1-8 and describes the LORD's provision for the priests and Levites. Verses 9-12 speak of abominable worship and its prohibition. Verses 13-20 describe the raising up of a prophet like Moses. Returning to the first part of the chapter. Since the priests and Levites received no inheritance of land Yahweh looked after their families by providing means of them partaking of certain sacrifices and offerings, and the tithes of the first fruits that were brought every third year. Verses 9-12 focuses on the exclusion of false worship. In particular this section speaks of the removal of false prophets from the land. This serves as a contrast to Moses, who was to that point in history the LORD's greatest prophet; and an even greater gap between the dreamers and the greatest of the prophets - our Lord Jesus Christ. Turning to the end of the chapter Moses reveals the manner of the prophet who would be like himself. The revelation from God through this prophet would be by the LORD God of Israel putting words directly into Jesus' mouth - see Isaiah 50:4-5. That wonderful prophet would speak authoritatively and directly in person to his audience - Matthew 5:20-22 etc. The nation of Israel would be held accountable for rejecting the words of the Son of God - Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:1-4; Acts 3:22-26. Ecclesiastes 10-11 continue with the theme that life must be lived by applying wisdom to everything we do. Verse 1 of chapter 10 describes how foolish acts destroy our reputation. Verses 2-4 speak of the need to remain calm even in the face of danger - don't be a hothead stay cool. Verses 5-11 tell us of adverse outcomes when we act recklessly. Verses 12-16 speaks of folly reigning where it ought not and the disastrous results that this causes. The chapter concludes in verses 17-20 by extolling the benefits brought by wise restraint. The last verse counsels us to be disciplined in what we say. Do not be a gossip. The year was AD33 when we read in Acts 9 of the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. Saul is seeking to destroy the believers in Christ who dwelt in Damascus. Saul presses on as the fierce Syrian sun burns brightly in the sky. Saul is blinded by a light stronger than the sun and he is stirred by a voice that he may well have known, "Saul, Saul why are you persecuting me?" The Syriac Pashito, whose phrase, "It is hard for you to kick against the goads" is added to the English KJV. Saul's response is, "Who are you Lord?" With his eyes blinded and his mind in total turmoil and his entire world view turned upside down (as would be said of him in Acts 17:6) he is led by the hand into the city to await instructions. For three days Saul neither ate nor drank. Ananias is told to go to Saul to lay hands on him to recover Saul's sight. Ananias is further told of Saul's mission which Almighty God has marked out for him. Saul is a chosen vessel to take Christ's message before kings. Ananias goes to the street which ironically named "Straight". Ramsay says in his book that it was the most crooked street in all Damascus. Ananias courageously lays his hands on Saul and restores his sight and imparts to Saul the Holy Spirit. Saul preaches Jesus in the Damascene synagogues to the astonishment of all. From there Saul goes to Jerusalem and seeks association with the believers, who shun him believing that Saul is using a ruse to get among them. Respite from persecution is granted to the ecclesias. Peter heals Aeneas at Lydda slightly inland from Joppa; then at Joppa he is shown the clothes that Dorcas had made for the widows and orphans before her decease. Peter raises her to life to continue her work and from there Peter he goes to the house of Simon the tanner. We might pose a question: Did Peter go to the house of a tanner to prepare himself to accept that ceremonial uncleanness was no longer relevant as we will see in our reading tomorrow from Acts 10? Penned by Warwick Rosser and his team, produced by Christadelphianvideo.org See more Thoughts from the Christadelphian Dialy Bible Reading Planner (By R.Roberts) here... https://christadelphianvideo.org/thoughts-on-the-readings-for-may-1st-deuteronomy-18-ecclesiastes-10-acts-9/?feed_id=90999&_unique_id=6811bcbb9bac6