For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Acts 16
I am curious about the girl with the fortune-telling spirit that Paul and Silas met in Thyatira. The text doesn’t come right out and say this was a demon, but it doesn’t seem to be from God. Quite the opposite, actually, as Paul commanded the spirit out in Jesus’ name. So what I don’t get is why the spirit was declaring the truth about Paul and Silas and their mission. “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” (Acts 16:17b). I wouldn’t think the Devil would want that message getting out, let alone repeated incessantly over several days.
I can’t help but think of all the spirits that Jesus confronted that did the same sort of thing. They declared who Jesus was. It makes me think that the evil spirits are compelled to acknowledge God when they are in His presence. They just can’t help it. As it says repeatedly in the Bible, “at the name of Jesus every knee will bow…and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Phil. 2:10-11). If even the demons know it is true, why would we choose to deny it?
Ex. 29-30
What is the significance of anointing with blood and oil the right ear lobe, right thumb and right big toe of the priests to consecrate them? I honestly do not know the answer to this question. So I looked it up, at least briefly. Most of the explanations I saw gave some version or another of what our ears, hands, and feet represent in our lives. This basically boils down to committing our thoughts, actions, and our walk in life to God. Similar to this, I saw an explanation that stated that sanctifying these extremities with blood (no mention of the oil) was symbolic of one’s entire being dying to self and fully committing to new life in God. This had to do with how one being had to lose its life, which is in the blood, to give life to another.
Yet another explanation I saw noted that the priests and the altar of sacrifice both received the same treatment. The tabernacle and everything in it was consecrated with oil. In addition, blood was applied to the horns (the extremities) of the altar as well as to the priests. This, they explained, shows the symbiotic relationship between the priest and the altar as intercessors for the people. An interesting thought, as Jesus is essentially the priest, altar, and sacrifice that consecrates us in perpetuity.
Perhaps the significance lies in all of those explanations. One thing I have learned about the Bible is that much of it has multiple layers of meaning. I can only trust that one day God will reveal the deeper meaning of His word and His plan to my wondering heart. Until that day, I will seek whatever understanding He offers now as I work to make my life ever more truly His.