October 20, 2022 — Pictures, Pictures Everywhere

When Mary poured her ointment out, Judas said, “What waste!” Jesus said, “What worship!”

Imagine a mother whose only son died on a foreign battlefield, giving his life for others. He was the joy of her heart. He looked so like his father at that age. She misses him every day. As she sits in her living room, she is surrounded by memorabilia of her boy. There are his baby pictures; what a day that was! Here is his graduation from the military academy, and, over there, his medals. Does she ever get tired of thinking about him, looking at pictures of him, or telling others about her hero-son? The scene changes. See the Father. He’s talking about the pictures of His Son. “My offering, My food for My [sacrifices] made by fire as a sweet aroma to Me, you shall be careful to offer to Me at their appointed time” (Num 28:2). Nowhere else in Scripture do we hear Him say so tenderly, “My offering,” “My food,” “My sacrifices.” The dear mother—can she have too many pictures of her son? Our dear Father—can He have too many sacrifices? He reminds us of the continual burnt offering for the morning (vv 3-6) with its drink offering (v 7), and the continual burnt offering for the evening (v 8). This declares, “From the rising of the sun to its going down the Lord’s name is to be praised” (Ps 113:3). Then He speaks of the offerings for the Sabbath (vv 9-10), reminding us, “Return to your rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you” (Ps 116:7). And the offerings for the beginning of each month (vv 11-15), for the Passover, (vv 16-25), Firstfruits, and Pentecost (vv 26-31)? Our hearts join the Father in declaring, “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Ps 118:24). Although every day is a good day to rejoice, we know that special day is actually the one when our Hero gave His life for us!

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