What interesting readings we had this morning. First, we read of the detailed guidance given in Moses’ law about things to eat and not eat, and whether it was possible to make clean items of wood, other vessels and garments (Leviticus 11:32-35, etc.). Here is valuable advice on hygiene, which was not re-discovered until around 200 years ago. But remember, spiritual hygiene is even more important!

Then Psalm 110, often quoted in the New Testament. Christ brought to an end the Mosaic law, he nailed it to his cross (Colossians 2:14) and instead became “a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek” (verse 4). His role as Priest will one day, maybe soon, become evident for the next verses read, “The Lord is at your right hand; he will shatter kings on the day of his wrath. He will execute judgment among the nations, filling them with corpses; he will shatter chiefs (leaders) …” (verses 5,6).

Then in 2 Corinthians we note Paul’s point that believers must “let light shine out of darkness” because it “has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (4:6). So let us shine spiritually, and as that “grace extend(s) to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving to the glory of God. So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day” (verses 15,16).

An essential part of that daily renewal is to feed our minds on God’s word. We have seen this today, “for we walk by faith, not by sight … for we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil” (5:7,10). Note – he speaks of the body, Paul told the Thessalonians, “Encourage one another, and build one another up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Let us walk with firm and sure steps as we feed and are “renewed day by day” and seek ways to renew each other.