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.