RSEA.D. Week 119

  • Bemidbar (Numbers) 26:52 – 27:23
  • Prophets (P): Joshua 17:1-6
  • Apostolic (A): John 10:1-18; Acts 20:25-32
  • Additional (ADD): Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-19; Sirach 18:1-14

Summary
Context and coherence (Nehemiah 8:8)

  • Chapter 26
    1. The inheritance is distributed according to promise (Jubilees 9:14-15; 10:28-32).
      1. Each according to the names of the tribes of their fathers they will inherit (Joshua 14:1-2).
    2. The Levites received no inheritance for theirs was in the service of YHWH (Numbers 18:20; Deuteronomy 18:1-2). They were to serve as the Most High’s ministers to the people. Scripture also describes this functional relationship as shepherd’s and sheep (John 10:1-18). In this week’s apostolic reading Yeshua uses a parable about the care, protection, and love He as the Good Shepherd has for His sheep; those who call upon His name and keep to the commandments of YHWH.
  • Chapter 27
    1. 27:3-4: The daughters are making a distinction between the extreme wickedness of the Korach rebellion verses their father Zelophehad’s disobedience [see Targum]. Both characters displayed opposition towards YHWH’s commandments. Yet, in their mind they saw this as leverage to plead their case for their stake of the inheritance. An act of desperation for these daughters who were about to find themselves cut off from the promise of the inheritance all because their father walked in disobedience. This brings to mind a few points.
      1. What’s at stake from being cut off from the Most High’s inheritance by walking in disobedience?
      2. The behavior of a father within his household must display an obedient heart to YHWH’s commands.
      3. Why does having the name (H8034) of our father taken away (H1639) from his family (kinsmen) significant in verse 4? And does this describe what is the fate of the unrepentant soul in the Great White judgement (Rev. 20:11-15)? Examining the meaning of the word name allows us to see how one’s character, reputation, and authority are associated (Jeremiah 33:2).
    2. 27:7-11: YHWH does not hold back His promises from children of disobedient parents (Numbers 14:28-32, 32:13). The daughters were not cut off from their clan, and thus the inheritance of their people. YHWH is faithful and true to His nature which consistently shows His love and kindness toward His people.
      1. Deut. 24:16: “Fathers are not put to death for their children, and children are not put to death for their fathers, each is to die for his own sin.

Exhortation
Counsel, comfort, and encouragement (Acts 13:14-15)

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11)

  1. The role of a priest, shepherd, and elder are exemplified in Yeshua. Shepherd (G4166) is one who feeds, protects, and cares for the well-being of his flock. In the apostolic portion a few points stand out.
    1. He is the entry way – I am the sheep’s door. If anyone enters in by me, he will be saved, and will go in and go out and will find pasture (John 10:7-9).
    2. There are those who present themselves as shepherds but are not (Acts 20:29-30).
    3. The sheep know his voice. “I know my own, and I’m known by my own; even as the Father knows me, and I know the Father” (John 10:14-15).
    4. John 12:47-50 – His voice speaks the words of the Father.

Take away: Knowing the words of Elohim’s commandments are how we identify imposters, gain entry into His kingdom, and become the flock of Messiahs.

Application
Living the Word and following Yeshua (Acts 2:37; Romans 2:13)

  1. How to: 1 Peter 5:1-10
    Shepherd-elders
    Sheep-flock
    • Serve as overseers (feed, protect, care for)
    • Voluntarily, not by compulsion
    • Eagerly, not out of greed
    • Be examples. “Practice what you preach”
    • Submit to elders
    • Humility toward one another
    • Cast your worry upon the Him
    • Be sober
    • Watch and resist the adversary
  2. Additional scripture: Ezekiel 34:2-4; 1 Timothy 3:1-7

Discussion
Questions, input, and sharpening (Proverbs 27:17; Luke 2:46)

  1. Who are the other sheep Yeshua refers to in John 10:16? (Isaiah 56:4-8; Wisdom of Solomon 3:14; Acts 10:34-35)
  2. Are shepherds chosen?
  3. How do we deal with being hurt or misled by leadership?
  4. Do sheep become shepherds, or vice-versa?