*DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL* *MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25 2019* *NO DISCRIMINATION* *TEXT:* NUMBERS 15:1-16.

*DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL*

*MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25 2019*

*NO DISCRIMINATION*

*TEXT:* NUMBERS 15:1-16.

_*🔑KEY VERSE* "One ordinance shall be both for you of the congregation, and also for the stranger that sojourneth with you, an ordinance for ever of your generations: as ye are, so shall the stranger be before the LORD" (NUMBERS 15:15)._

Scientists break down the composition of natural elements into different chemical particles that come together to form one body. The formula for water, for instance, is H2O, made up of hydrogen atoms and oxygen. So while each particle has enjoyed a unique existence on its own, its partnership with others to create a new identity gives it a fresh characteristic guided by a better set of rules and regulations. The separate entities that form a new group cannot afford to discriminate against each in order for the cohesion to stand.

Ahead of the conquest of Canaan, the Lord also gave the Israelites ordinances to observe to preserve their oneness, even if they had diverse backgrounds. The rebellious 'exodus' generation would not be part of those to make the Promised Land, except Caleb and Joshua, the two that pleased God with their bold faith in Him. That is the virtue the Lord demanded from those who would populate the land flowing with milk and honey.

Also, in the new land, there would be plenty of worship of the Lord that would require a lot of offering and sacrifices. No animal sacrifice, God warned, must be done without being accompanied by its proper grain and drink offering, together with the specified quantity of olive oil.

In addition, there should be no respect of persons, notably with regard to strangers. One law should guide both the Hebrew and the alien. Only the love of Christ and obedience to His statutes makes the fold of genuine believers one family. As Paul puts it, "there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, in all." Christians in the fold must maintain one standard for all.

*✍THOUGHT FOR THE DAY* In Christ's kingdom, class discrimination is forbidden.

*COVER TO COVER* EZEKIEL 47-48.

*MEDITATION*

Not all sacrifices, gifts and services are acceptable to God Romans 12:1-2.

1. Sacrifices, gifts and services include what we give to God as worship or give to man for God's sake vv3.
2. For it to be a "sweet savour" acceptable to God, it must possess the following:
a. The blood of an animal, now the blood of Jesus, must be shed. No human sacrifice is acceptable to God without faith in the blood of Jesus vv3b, 5b, 11, Hebrew 9:22,28.
*Q* Why is it only the blood of Jesus that can atone and not any other blood?
*Q* Is your faith in the blood of Jesus alone?
*Lord*, I confess that my faith is totally and solely in the blood of Jesus for salvation, security and sustenance🙏
b. The flour meal offering vv4,6,9. It signifies the word of God as a means of fellowship personally with the living Christ I Corinthians 11:23,24, Revelation 3:20. Religious services, gifts and services must produce a closer relationship and deeper fellowship with Christ before they can be "sweet savour" to God.
*Lord*, ever draw me closer and always make yourself more real to me🙏
c. Drink offering of wine vv5,7,10. The wine signifies the new covenant that is centred on the shed blood of Jesus Christ I Corinthians 11:25,26. Thus, worship must be freed from all Old Testament approach, mode and rituals.
d. Oil must be present when the meal offering is baked. Like the drink offering, the quantity depends on the size of the burnt offering vv4,9. Oil signifies the Holy Spirit. Without the presence of the Holy Spirit in the heart through the new birth experience, no sacrifice is acceptable to God Romans 8:9,14,16.
*Lord*, I want the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit in my life as I surrender my life to the Saviour now🙏
e. Fire. In all the sacrifices, fire is needed for them to be acceptable to God vv2,3,5,8. Fire goes beyond the presence of the Holy Spirit but has to do with the burning fire of the Holy Spirit enveloping the zeal and the heart of the giver. There must be fervency of the spirit.
*Lord*, baptize all your children with the Spirit of fervency in prayer and service. Take all spiritual coldness and lukewarmness away from your people🙏
3. The conditions for acceptable sacrifices and offerings are the same for all regardless of class, status, ethnicity,etc vv14-16. No partiality, favouritism or discrimination with God.
*I give* all glory and praises to your name for Whom you are🙏

*HYMN* Burn fire of God

Burn fire of God! my ransomed soul possessing;
Pure fire Thou art, and I would dwell in Thee.
Light of my life, true source of every blessing,
Grant all my days one holy flame to be.

2.

Burn fire of God! Thy grace and glory knowing,
My cleansèd heart shall be all fire within:
Love all constraining, tenderness o'erflowing,
One kindling passion other lives to win.

3.

Burn fire of God! Thy cloven tongue bestowing,
Baptising me with heavenly energy.
Touched with live coals from off Thine altar glowing,
My purgèd lips shall speak alone of Thee.

4.

Burn fire of God! with seven-fold refining,
Till, mirrored from my deeps Thine eyes shall see
In purest gold Thy perfect image shining:
Thy Christ revealed in clear irradiancy.

5.

Burn fire of God! by Thine own love transcending,
Let all I hold be Thine, and Thine alone!
Heart, mind and will a sacrifice ascending,
Consumed by fire from out Thy fiery Throne.