Justin Houtz

Hi. I’m Justin. I write code ‘n other things, but enough about that…

Let’s talk about Jesus.

  • Daily Bible Study

    Leviticus 27, Psalm 34, Ecclesiastes 10, Titus 2

    DateVersionReading Plan
    @April 23, 2024ESV (2016)M’Cheyne Plan 2024

    Leviticus 27

    Leviticus 27:28–29 (ESV) 28 “But no devoted thing that a man devotes to the LORD, of anything that he has, whether man or beast, or of his inherited field, shall be sold or redeemed; every devoted thing is most holy to the LORD. 29 No one devoted, who is to be devoted for destruction from mankind, shall be ransomed; he shall surely be put to death.

    The difference in use with the word “devoted” here between these verses seemed worthy to unpack. In Lev. 27:28, as the Faithlife Study Bible states:

    The Hebrew word used here, cherem, is a technical term used for people and things designated as sacred property—that is, devoted to a deity (compare note on Josh 6:17). In the case of Lev 27:21, certain pieces of property are dedicated exclusively to Yahweh and cannot be redeemed (i.e., no substitute was allowed).

    However, the same word, cherem, is used in Lev. 27:29 in reference to devoting someone to death and “does not refer to a positive connotation of dedication, but instead to the idea of fulfilling the law.” (Faithlife Study Bible). Both instances indicate that whatever end each was to be devoted, it must be fulfilled completely.

    Psalm 34

    Psalm 34:8 (ESV) 8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!

    David urges that the Lord’s goodness is to be tasted. It is a calling to do more than distantly admire or merely smell, but to experience and savor it yourself. Those who place their full trust in Him and seek Him earnestly will delight in the flavorful blessing of His grace. There is no greater satisfaction to be obtained, no earthly pleasure to compare, than that of taking refuge in the Lord.

    Ecclesiastes 10

    Ecclesiastes 10:19 (ESV) 19 Bread is made for laughter, and wine gladdens life, and money answers everything.

    In stark contrast to much of Scripture, Solomon says that “money answers everything”. Is Solomon really advocating that money solves all problems? How does this reconcile with his own words from a few chapters earlier in which he says, “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.” (Ecc. 5:10). The CSB Study Notes provide some insight into this difficult text:

    In isolation from the rest of the book, this seems to recommend pure hedonism and greed, but this misreads the verse. There are things, such as a good meal, that almost all people enjoy. Money helps us to deal with all kinds of problems (money does not literally solve everything, but in fact many of our ordinary problems are financial in nature).

    Titus 2

    Titus 2:11–14 (ESV) 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

    What wonderfully gospel-rich verses are these in Titus 2. The grace of God appeared in the coming of Jesus, bringing salvation and, by His Spirit, trains us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions. Through His divine direction, we can live upright and godly lives in this present age while we wait for His ultimate redemption from all lawlessness. Those adopted in Christ are purified for His own possession and filled with zeal to do good works for His kingdom.

    Carson on Psalm 34

    …in addition to the troubles through which we pass, sometimes more threatening, certainly no less damaging, are the fears that attend them. Fear makes us lose perspective, doubt God’s faithfulness, question the value of the fight. Fear induces stress, bitterness, cowardice, and folly. But David’s testimony is a wonderful encouragement: “I sought the LORD and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears” (Ps. 34:4).

    Carson luminously expounds on the fear that often associates our circumstances. Reading this is providentially timed as I have been thinking much on what God has revealed of my own sin of fear over the past months. The stress and cowardice this has yielded continues to grip my heart with conviction but the words of David bring solace, that the LORD answers my seeking and delivers me from all my fears.

    Resources

    Reading
    Listening