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Tonight we had 7 for Word listeners and we read the last two chapters of Leviticus and the book of Malachi.
Leviticus 26 is pretty self explanatory, obey the Lord and He'll take care of us in this life. Don't obey the Lord and He will let things happen progressively that are designed to get our attention turn us back to Him. He will gladly welcome us back even from the depths we let ourselves sink to wanting our way.. He wants relationship with us, He wants us to be obedient to His ways. We have to give up the right to ourselves and wanting our way and accept His. This points to Jesus in that He came and made it possible for us to have that relationship.
Leviticus chapter 27 is about valuations. Males typically were valued more than females not because males are more valuable to God, but rather because men could generally accomplish more of the typical labor of the day. As part of being obedient to God the 1st 10% should be given to Him. Additionally people made vows to God to give more. God is serious about vows and He expects us to keep our vows. If we change our mind it takes 20% more value than the value promised in money to buy it back. That God is serious about vows and expects us to keep ours shows His heart, and that He will keep His. That was a point the pastor made in church today, that it would be a better world if people just kept their promises.
After reading in Leviticus about the requirements for sacrifices Malachi was a good fit. At the end of the old testament God stated that people were not giving Him their best- lame animals for sacrifices. Animals they wouldn't give their leaders.
Not keeping their vows or promises to the wife of their youth by divorcing her (which God stated in the chapter that He hates), but after doing something God hates they openly wondered why He wouldn't bless them. God is still called in our day during wedding ceremonies to "witness" the union, of which about half don't make it.
They also complained that serving God wasn't lucrative -implying it wasn't worth their while. God told them the people were not bringing the whole tithe.
God said he would send a purifier or refiner, and set things right. A vow or promise? Even after all our enlightenment and technology we're still at about the same place the people in Malachi's day were. We can add to it that we think (under delusion) that we're better off.
The question for night, why did God go silent for about 400 years between Malachi and Jesus? I don't know. Is it that He had stated His case, protected His Word, and turned away from mankind? Maybe He had completed all He felt He needed to prior to Jesus.
We as a group decided to start with Hosea in July (2nd Sunday) and work through the minor prophets.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
June 19, 2011 Leviticus 22-25
We had seven for Wordlisteners and read and discussed Leviticus 22-25.
Chapter 22: We learned about the priest's portion of the offering and who could eat it. People would offer to God, but the priest would get to eat it, he had to be careful that he didn't profane the Lord by taking the sacrifice lightly. It is also reiterated that God wants flawless animals for sacrifice. Part of it is that Jesus is the perfect sacrifice, so example after example of a perfect sacrifice is given and required. On another level it is about obedience, and giving to God our best rather than our seconds. We had a discussion on tithing, God doesn't need the money, its rather about obedience. Everything we have materially is His anyway, the only thing we can truly offer is our right to ourselves. Tithing is to teach us obedience and to practice/make a habit of giving up our right to ourselves.
Chapter 23: Tells us to keep the sabbath, and do no work. It was interesting to me that much discussion and defining was done by the Pharisees to define what work is. They took the command and made it their religion or part of it. God's intent was a day we focus on Him. He wants relationship with us so it makes sense. Based on our discussion and the various ways people think the sabbath should be observed I think the intent to this day is still sometimes missed.
We also read and discussed the feasts, the Holy days set forth by God. They are Passover (now Easter), the day of Pentecost (modern version) 50 days after Passover. The day of Atonement, which like Easter varies from year to year. It is commanded to have this, but there isn't a modern holy day that corresponds to it. Potentially it could be the day the Lord returns. Not that any man knows the day or hour, we do see the signs for the right season. The booths or living in tents are mentioned also.
Chapter 24: The bread of the presence and the lamp, kept going perpetually is described. After this is probably the most oft quoted scripture - an eye for an eye. Jesus added to this section by saying love your enemy, turn the other cheek. He (Jesus) was talking about evil people out to harm Christians or persecute them. It was meant as a witness to them such that ALL may come to a saving knowledge of Christ. Eye for and Eye is still applicable in that for some things making amends is required and people are accountable for their actions. If you kill and know that your life will also be required then it can't be anything but a deterrent. The one standard is also of God who hates double standards.
A man in this chapter cursed God and was ultimately stoned. It is God's world, and the man was God's creation, who cursed his Maker. This is a sign of someone that wants their own way, even to be like God, and we all have our moments. We need to focus on being submitted to His will and desire.
Chapter 25: The year of Jubilee and the Sabbatic year. These were designed by God to give the land rest. The division of the lands and the Jubilee was a time for families to return to what God had promised them. So a life of hardship gets restored from time to time. I have a Jewish acquaintance who isn't sure what tribe he is a part of. He also said most Jews don't know. Another interesting point is that Jubilee wasn't ever celebrated as it was outlined here. Parts of it have been, often lands are left to rest, etc. Not fully restored tribes to their land. It sounds like at this point it can't happen unless God initiates it. In that case 6000 years of not having a Jubilee year will mean 1000 Jubilees have been missed. Christ will reign for 1000 years (making up for the missed Jubilees?). Its also a time when people look out for each other putting people ahead of wealth. Don't charge interest, see a poor countryman- give him food. This chapter very well could point to what Christ's reign will be like on a day to day basis.
I can see why Jubilee wasn't celebrated as outlined. Every 7 years the crops from one year would have had to go two years. On the Jubilee year it would made the crops had to go three years. God plainly promised provision, but we as people now, just as then, are not fully obedient to Him who created us and this world we live in.
This leaves us with two chapters, and the group decided I get to pick the next book to study. I prayed about it and the "all scripture is for edification" came to mind. I acknowledge the truth of that and hope God will show me something specific.
Chapter 22: We learned about the priest's portion of the offering and who could eat it. People would offer to God, but the priest would get to eat it, he had to be careful that he didn't profane the Lord by taking the sacrifice lightly. It is also reiterated that God wants flawless animals for sacrifice. Part of it is that Jesus is the perfect sacrifice, so example after example of a perfect sacrifice is given and required. On another level it is about obedience, and giving to God our best rather than our seconds. We had a discussion on tithing, God doesn't need the money, its rather about obedience. Everything we have materially is His anyway, the only thing we can truly offer is our right to ourselves. Tithing is to teach us obedience and to practice/make a habit of giving up our right to ourselves.
Chapter 23: Tells us to keep the sabbath, and do no work. It was interesting to me that much discussion and defining was done by the Pharisees to define what work is. They took the command and made it their religion or part of it. God's intent was a day we focus on Him. He wants relationship with us so it makes sense. Based on our discussion and the various ways people think the sabbath should be observed I think the intent to this day is still sometimes missed.
We also read and discussed the feasts, the Holy days set forth by God. They are Passover (now Easter), the day of Pentecost (modern version) 50 days after Passover. The day of Atonement, which like Easter varies from year to year. It is commanded to have this, but there isn't a modern holy day that corresponds to it. Potentially it could be the day the Lord returns. Not that any man knows the day or hour, we do see the signs for the right season. The booths or living in tents are mentioned also.
Chapter 24: The bread of the presence and the lamp, kept going perpetually is described. After this is probably the most oft quoted scripture - an eye for an eye. Jesus added to this section by saying love your enemy, turn the other cheek. He (Jesus) was talking about evil people out to harm Christians or persecute them. It was meant as a witness to them such that ALL may come to a saving knowledge of Christ. Eye for and Eye is still applicable in that for some things making amends is required and people are accountable for their actions. If you kill and know that your life will also be required then it can't be anything but a deterrent. The one standard is also of God who hates double standards.
A man in this chapter cursed God and was ultimately stoned. It is God's world, and the man was God's creation, who cursed his Maker. This is a sign of someone that wants their own way, even to be like God, and we all have our moments. We need to focus on being submitted to His will and desire.
Chapter 25: The year of Jubilee and the Sabbatic year. These were designed by God to give the land rest. The division of the lands and the Jubilee was a time for families to return to what God had promised them. So a life of hardship gets restored from time to time. I have a Jewish acquaintance who isn't sure what tribe he is a part of. He also said most Jews don't know. Another interesting point is that Jubilee wasn't ever celebrated as it was outlined here. Parts of it have been, often lands are left to rest, etc. Not fully restored tribes to their land. It sounds like at this point it can't happen unless God initiates it. In that case 6000 years of not having a Jubilee year will mean 1000 Jubilees have been missed. Christ will reign for 1000 years (making up for the missed Jubilees?). Its also a time when people look out for each other putting people ahead of wealth. Don't charge interest, see a poor countryman- give him food. This chapter very well could point to what Christ's reign will be like on a day to day basis.
I can see why Jubilee wasn't celebrated as outlined. Every 7 years the crops from one year would have had to go two years. On the Jubilee year it would made the crops had to go three years. God plainly promised provision, but we as people now, just as then, are not fully obedient to Him who created us and this world we live in.
This leaves us with two chapters, and the group decided I get to pick the next book to study. I prayed about it and the "all scripture is for edification" came to mind. I acknowledge the truth of that and hope God will show me something specific.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
June 12, 2011 Leviticus 17-21
We had 6 for Wordlisteners and we discussed Leviticus 17-21.
Leviticus 17: Sacrifices should be brought to the tent of the Lord. This is more detail and in depth to "have no gods before Me". God wants to be the our only God and he wants things done certain ways - to train us in obedience to Him rather than do our own thing. God also says the blood is life, and it should not be eaten.
Leviticus 18: God is about to remind His people of immoral practices that they saw in Egypt and that happened in the land He was giving them. Because of these practices the people are being spewed out, and if we ignore God and practice them we will be spewed out too. We are not to have sex with blood relatives of our blood relatives or relatives through marriage. Furthermore we are not to have sex with blood relatives of those we have had sex with - the example given is two blood related women. Furthermore no relations with a woman during menstruation, and a reminder not to have adultery either - have sex with someone married to someone else. Sex with animals is also prohibited. Then we are informed that sacrificing our children (made in the image of God) is profaning God- I can't help but think of all the rationalizations given for abortion. People who do this defile their land which then spews them out.
Chapter 19: Continues reiterating and giving deeper explanation of the 10 commandments. Honor parents for instance.
Sundry laws are next, don't reap to the corners nor glean, but rather leave for the poor. The wisdom of this is striking. Someone who was poor and in need could go gather what they needed, and probably only what they needed, leaving some for others. Those with too much pride would have to re-think their beliefs or starve. Our more sophisticated solution is to reap everything and glean all and turn it into money that we can send to the poor every month, so they can maintain their pride. The trouble with this system is that the checks are never "enough".
Interestingly we are not to bear a grudge against others, use just weights and measures, etc. We can correct but we are not to hate. Mediums and spiritists are not to be consulted
When entering the land for 3 years don't eat the fruit of planted trees. The fourth year is holy to the Lord, then the fifth year its for eating.
Leviticus 20: Those that sacrifice their children are to be put to death. God will turn His back on those that do, or consult mediums. Those who commit adultery, incest, homosexuals, marries a relative of his wife, or those that have sex with animals or try to, and mediums are to be put to death. Its part of separating the clean from unclean and not profaning the Lord. We should concentrate on His desires rather than our own. His desires are for our good and fulfillment, and yet we don't accept that. We think we know better than God. We are to be set apart, those wanting His way and willing to be obedient to Him are set apart.
Chs 18 and 20 fit the definition of hate speech, but it is important to realize God is perfectly able to execute His judgments, He doesn't need us too. These are reminders that this kind of living and beliefs are un-fulfilling dead ends. They cause great pain and hardship, its the way the Creator made it.
Leviticus 21: Priests are to take their duties seriously. Above family duties. Our relationship to God is to be closer than any other relationship in our lives. If we have an issue, where else should we go but to God? If we have Him in the proper place relationally? It seems harsh, but in a proper relationship to God, all others will fall into place. If they don't seem to, then there might be that the family member or other has some issue that God desires to deal with them about, and any hurt we experience may be us trying to put that relationship ahead of God.
Priests had to be defect free, this clearly points to Jesus who was the perfect high Priest and subsequent sacrifice that these regulations point to.
When we accept Jesus and enter into relationship with Him we are made right with God, and He no longer sees the physical defects that we may have in our earthly bodies.
Our hour being up, we thanked the Lord for His insight into His word, and we'll begin at Ch 22 next time.
Leviticus 17: Sacrifices should be brought to the tent of the Lord. This is more detail and in depth to "have no gods before Me". God wants to be the our only God and he wants things done certain ways - to train us in obedience to Him rather than do our own thing. God also says the blood is life, and it should not be eaten.
Leviticus 18: God is about to remind His people of immoral practices that they saw in Egypt and that happened in the land He was giving them. Because of these practices the people are being spewed out, and if we ignore God and practice them we will be spewed out too. We are not to have sex with blood relatives of our blood relatives or relatives through marriage. Furthermore we are not to have sex with blood relatives of those we have had sex with - the example given is two blood related women. Furthermore no relations with a woman during menstruation, and a reminder not to have adultery either - have sex with someone married to someone else. Sex with animals is also prohibited. Then we are informed that sacrificing our children (made in the image of God) is profaning God- I can't help but think of all the rationalizations given for abortion. People who do this defile their land which then spews them out.
Chapter 19: Continues reiterating and giving deeper explanation of the 10 commandments. Honor parents for instance.
Sundry laws are next, don't reap to the corners nor glean, but rather leave for the poor. The wisdom of this is striking. Someone who was poor and in need could go gather what they needed, and probably only what they needed, leaving some for others. Those with too much pride would have to re-think their beliefs or starve. Our more sophisticated solution is to reap everything and glean all and turn it into money that we can send to the poor every month, so they can maintain their pride. The trouble with this system is that the checks are never "enough".
Interestingly we are not to bear a grudge against others, use just weights and measures, etc. We can correct but we are not to hate. Mediums and spiritists are not to be consulted
When entering the land for 3 years don't eat the fruit of planted trees. The fourth year is holy to the Lord, then the fifth year its for eating.
Leviticus 20: Those that sacrifice their children are to be put to death. God will turn His back on those that do, or consult mediums. Those who commit adultery, incest, homosexuals, marries a relative of his wife, or those that have sex with animals or try to, and mediums are to be put to death. Its part of separating the clean from unclean and not profaning the Lord. We should concentrate on His desires rather than our own. His desires are for our good and fulfillment, and yet we don't accept that. We think we know better than God. We are to be set apart, those wanting His way and willing to be obedient to Him are set apart.
Chs 18 and 20 fit the definition of hate speech, but it is important to realize God is perfectly able to execute His judgments, He doesn't need us too. These are reminders that this kind of living and beliefs are un-fulfilling dead ends. They cause great pain and hardship, its the way the Creator made it.
Leviticus 21: Priests are to take their duties seriously. Above family duties. Our relationship to God is to be closer than any other relationship in our lives. If we have an issue, where else should we go but to God? If we have Him in the proper place relationally? It seems harsh, but in a proper relationship to God, all others will fall into place. If they don't seem to, then there might be that the family member or other has some issue that God desires to deal with them about, and any hurt we experience may be us trying to put that relationship ahead of God.
Priests had to be defect free, this clearly points to Jesus who was the perfect high Priest and subsequent sacrifice that these regulations point to.
When we accept Jesus and enter into relationship with Him we are made right with God, and He no longer sees the physical defects that we may have in our earthly bodies.
Our hour being up, we thanked the Lord for His insight into His word, and we'll begin at Ch 22 next time.
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