Offerings at the Dedication of the Tabernacle (March1)

Moses anoints and consecrates the tabernacle, furnishings, altar and utensils.  The tribal leaders then brought their abundant, identical, and valuable gifts and sacrifices for the tabernacle.  After this twelve day event of offering, Moses entered the Tent of Meeting to speak with the Lord.  Moses heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the atonement cover on the ark of the Testimony.  And he spoke with him.

Thoughts:

How do you, as a leader, prepare to meet with God, for Sunday worship, for prayer, or for communion?

What gifts do you offer up in service?


Pray for guidance on preparation.

In Christ,

David P

The Nazirite

I've always been intrigued by the vows of a Nazirite. I don't claim to be an Old Testament scholar, but everything I've read in these verses and elsewhere points to a completely voluntary choice on the part of the person to enter into these vows. To recap, these are some of the requirements as listed in Numbers 6:

1. Can be either a man or woman (I will use the term "his" hereafter for brevity)

2. Must abstain from wine, fermented drink, vinegar, grapes or raisins

3. No razor to his head

4. Not go near any dead bodies

A little Wikipedia research confirmed what I thought I knew, which is that notable Nazirites included Samson and Samuel, and it is hypothesized that actions that Paul took in Acts 18 were the conclusions of his Nazirite vows. Whoever or whatever, the part I find compelling is that these men and women, of their own choosing, elected to follow extremely strict rules for a period of time. I'm not clear what this service entailed, but I did enjoy the note in my NIV Study Bible about the end of the Nazirite vows, which states "The offerings of the Nazirite at the completion of the period of the vow were extensive, expensive and expressive..." Nothing like a little alliteration to make a point.

Today's reading also introduces us to two very familiar parts of our present-day worship. The first is the Aaronic blessing found in Numbers 6:24-25. I always enjoy when the choir sings this, because it is beautiful no matter how relayed, but when sung, we slow ourselves down and focus on the words more. I also have to give a shout-out to 6th Grade teacher Nick Utech, who knew where to find this in the Bible (book AND chapter) when we were playing trivia about a year-and-a-half ago--pretty impressive.

You might have skipped over the second thing I noticed, but as soon as I saw it, a thought entered my mind, I went online to verify it, and I was correct. Leviticus 5:16-22 gives some pretty interesting instructions for what to do if marital infidelity is suspected, but the part that jumped out at me was the very end of that section, and we see, for the very first time in the Bible, the word "Amen." I'll comment on this in greater depth this coming Sunday.

Scott

Numbers in Numbers

I gotta be honest, that 20 minutes I did today was pretty much making it up as I went along. Last week's readings were not high in the interest department, and hearing me speak on them had to be about as boring as anything you've ever endured. Wait 'til you see me with good material, but take heart--things will start getting better very soon.

I want to emphasize just where we are in the history and what they've done to this point, since I hadn't considered this until someone at my table stated it this morning. As we begin Numbers, we are told we're in the first day of the second month of the second year. You need to think about this for a moment, because this does NOT mean they've been in the desert for two years at this point. No, they're the beginning of the 14th month in the desert--to be in the second year is to have just completed the first. As David pointed out well in his posts, these people are getting ready to move, which is why the different clans of the tribe of Levi are given specific tasks to carry out. The tabernacle that I described two weeks ago was a mobile one, never meant to be a permanent structure, and God is beginning his plans to get the people of Israel into the Promised Land.

We have clans in Trinity today as well, such as the School Ministry clan that handles affairs of the school, the Parish Education Ministry clan that set up this series of classes and  the Buildings and Grounds clan that oversees the care and maintenance of our facilities. As Pastor Vokt described in his sermon today, we have others that tend to the smallest details that are only noticed when they're not undertaken. Only the terminology changes--we're all responsible for some aspect of the care of the church.

Many commentators over the years have said that people leave the church (or any other organization, for that  matter) when they lose their sense of connectivity, and one of the ways Trinity attempts to inspire community is through the opportunity to serve. I've been here when I was just adding to global warming by sitting in the pews and exuding carbon dioxide, and I made a conscious decision about 13 years ago that doing nothing was no longer an acceptable option. Join a clan at Trinity and become  a modern-day Kohathite.

Scott

God Is A God of Order (Feb 28)

Today we read of God being a God of Order with respect to his people who; are servants to the tabernacle, have leprosy, suspect maritial infidelity, set themselves aside as a Nazirite (not to be confused with Nazarine).

"Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, To those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ: Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance." Jude 1:1-NIV

God being orderly, commanded Moses to count the clans of Levi who were to serve in the Tent of Meeting.  He commanded lepers and unclean individuals to be sent away from camp.  Gives a means of restitution for wrongs, by paying the wronged in full plus 1/5 added to the payment.

Of note is a protocol for a man to deal with concerns of wifely unfaithfulness.  Think about this public display where the accused wife drinks water with floor dust, described as bitter water and if the unfaithfulness did infact occur, the woman's abdomen would swell and thighs waste away.

Think; if the husband were loving, why would he subject his wife to such a humiliating event; how would the relationship be restored after the event; what if she did not have her abdomen swell and her thighs waste away?

The concept of a Nazarite is explained here.  Sampson was a Nazarite, one of the reasons for him not shaving his head.  God provides here redemption for the Nazarite if defilement occured.  God has provided for us redemption from our defiled state.

Today we read the following:

"The Lord bless you

and keep you;

the Lord make his face shine upon you

and be gracious to you;

the Lord turn his face toward you

and give you peace."

                                                  Numbers 6:24-26 NIV

Thoughts:

How do you maintain order in your life, do you; do it yourself, let time 24/7 control order, or do you look for the Spirit's guidance?

What do you set aside that is; unclean, worry, or time?

What do you set aside for God?

Pray for The Spirit to give you the skills to be organized and balanced in your life.  Consider asking for time management skills.

In Christ,


David P

Levites, Kohathites (Feb 27)

God tells Moses here in Numbers that the Levites are to help Aaron and his two sons in priestly duties.  God explained that there would be a substitution of the Levites for the firstborn male offspring of every Israelite woman.  God's plan here results in a difference of 273 between the 22,273 firstborn males 1 month old or older and the 22,000 Levites.

This difference, the potential increase in Aaron's workload as a result of 273 less assistants, was redeemed by a payment of 5 shekels to Aaron.  As a result, 1,365 shekels were given to Aaron. 

"and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Romans 3:24 NIV

"Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people." Luke 1:68 NIV
God defines the duties of the: Kohathites; in the tent of meeting to; take care of the most holy things, but not to look at or touch the most holy things.  Only Aaron or his sons could do that.  God told how the most holy objects were to be covered so that the Kohathites would not die: Gershonites; in the tent of meeting to; carry the curtains or the tabernacle and courtyard: Merarites; to carry the frames.

Thoughts:

How are you comforted today knowing of Christ's redemption of you by his substitutionary death on the cross saving you from your sin?

How have you seen God working to equip you for the work he has planned for you? 

How are you looking for God's direction in your work?

Pray for wisdom and discernment in your work for Christ and His church.  If you are wondering how to serve, as a pastor for direction.


In Christ,

David P

Start Numbers (Feb 26)

Why would God command a census?  Many reasons could come to mind; to tax, to distribute land, to prepare for war are potential reasons.  With the conquest of Canaan in the near future, gaining knowledge of the number of men available to participate in battles is perhaps the most important reason.

Notice how the tribe of Levi is set aside, is not counted in the census, for they are directed by God to be in charge of the tabernacle of the Testimony.  They had the task of breaking down, carrying, and setting up the tabernacle when the Israelites moved.  The Levites were not to receive help from others for this task, for God commanded that anyone else that went near the tabernacle "shall be put to death."

Keep in mind that the Levites were not counted in the census, for God later will decree that those counted in the census will not enter the promised land. 

The Israelites receive direction on where each tribe should camp around the tabernacle in the wilderness.  God is a God of order.

Thoughts:

Have you ever taken a "census" of where you are at for potential future need?  Think about the results, did you set anything aside?

What kinds of things do you have that are used for one purpose in your life?

Think about your mind, is it singleminded?

Pray for order in; your life, your family, the Church, the nation and the world.

In Christ,

David P

Let us Wrap up Leviticus (Feb 25)

"maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.  Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation."  Exodus 34:7-NIV


Today we read about rewards for obedience and punishment for disobedience.  The rewards section is shorter than the punishment section.  Perhaps sinners are more motivated by avoiding punishment by not being disobedient than gaining rewards for obedience.  Here God explains that for disobedience Israel will see; sudden terror, wasting diseases, life drained, defeat in battle, sin punishment 7 times over with afflictions, chidren robbed by wild animals, cattle destroyed, roads deserted, hunger not satisfied, canibalism, land laid waste, fearful hearts just to name a few.

"If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.  I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."  
                          John 15:10-11-NIV.  

We also read about how to redeem vows made to the Lord in the event one's situation changed and that vow of land, livestock, person, or other in order to gain the vowed item back for personal need or use.

Thoughts:

Do your actions show you are a Christian?  How would others describe your faith?

What attributes of God have you thought about as you have read Leviticus?


Pray for those who cannot attend service this week and consider those who are; ill, serving the country, working in service to others, or traveling that they feel united with worshippers and comforted by the Spirit. 


In Christ,


David P

The Eternal Light

Two verses into today's reading and I had all the inspiration I needed. Leviticus 24:2 tells the Israelites to light lamps that are to be kept burning continuously. I'll start with a picture:

If I've published this picture previously, it's your lucky day--you get to see it again. I took this a couple of months ago, and it's a stitched panorama of six pictures. I got the inspiration from our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, and next year, I'm going to go up to the balcony and shoot it with the candles lit in the congregation.

I want to focus on the light at the middle left. The rest of these lights come and go--we see the trees and Advent candles about 6 weeks a year, the candles are lit during service, but the lonely candle on the left is always lit, as you all well know. In fact, I notice when it's not lit, because I find my eyes naturally turn toward it. 

Prior to moving to Davenport in 1968, my family lived in Sacramento, CA, which obviously makes my memories of living there quite fuzzy (I was just short of six when we moved), but I clearly remember our church there. It was one with side seating as well as middle seating, and for whatever reason, I was in there one time when I was around four and noticed the eternal candle. I was with my mom, who told me that the Holy Spirit was represented by that candle.  I had no idea what she was talking about at that time, but the image has stuck with me ever since.

There are times when we all wonder if God has checked out and decided to leave us humans to fend for ourselves. There is a sense of unrest both in our country and internationally that is reaching levels we haven't seen for some time, and it's natural to be concerned. Then as now, that lamp/candle is our everyday reminder that God is ALWAYS with us. The very last words that Christ said to his disciples (November 10th) were his promise that he would always be with us, and that promise hasn't changed in 2,000 years, nor will it. Whenever you're not sure, look at that eternal candle and be reminded. As luck would have it, on December 25th we'll read that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever, which should be all the comfort we'll ever need.

Scott

The Memorial Offering and Rest for the Land (Feb 24)

"Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings.  Day and night they never stop saying:

'Holy, holy, holy

is the Lord God Almighty,

who was, and is, and is to come."

Revelation 4:8-9-NIV

Consider the Tabernacle, its vicinity and the actions that occured there: Lamps burning continually with Aaron tending from evening to morning; 12 loaves of bread, set out regularly on the table of pure gold before the Lord with pure incense.  All as a covenant.  The Lord is Holy and did not tolerate blasphemy.  God instructed that; the blasphemer was to be taken outside the camp, hands of hearers of blasphemy were to lay hands on the blasphemer, and the entire assembly was to stone the blasphemer.

Webster tells us that blasphemy is the impious utterance or action concerning God or sacred things. In Judiasm: is an act of cursing or reviling God or a pronunciation of the tetragrammation (YHVH) in the original, now forbidden manner instead of using a substitute prounciation such as Adoni. In theology: The crime of assuming to oneself the rights or qulaities of God.  Irreverent behavior to anything held sacred, priceless, etc.

We also have the Year of Jubilee described today.  This event, an every 50th year event was a time of; soil resting, land reverting to its original owner, slaves of Israelite ancestory freeing.

"Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants.  It shall be a jubilee for you; each one of you is to return to his family property and each to his own clan."  Leviticus 25:10-NIV

I have been told that there is no evidence of the year of Jubilee actually occuring.  Despite this, Jesus said: "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.  He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." Luke 4:18-19-NIV

Thoughts:

Did you realize that blasphemy was at one time a capital offense that involved the whole community?  How do you avoid blasphemy?  How can someone see your response when you perceive blasphemy?

Where do you look for; rest from your shackels of bondage, cancellation of your debt of sin, and the ability to return home?

Pray for leadership to have wisdom and discernment about moving ahead; in maintaining our facility at Trinity, and providing direction via the blueprint for ministry for future ministries. 

In Christ,

David P

More Common Sense

Today's reading covers a wide variety of laws and aspects of living, and several jumped out at me, and I'll develop this theme much further with my comments on Sunday. Here are the sections in particular:

Leviticus 19:5-7--proper eating of sacrifices

Leviticus 19:23-25--eating from newly planted fruit trees

Leviticus 19:35-36--using honest standards

I'm going to be right on two of my comments and could be out to lunch on the third, but that's a risk I'm willing to take. In the first case, sacrifices were to be eaten either the day of or day after the sacrifice, and not eaten the third day. Considering they were sacrificing animals, what happens when dead flesh is left around unrefrigerated in a high-heat environment? Add to that no one fully understood the process of decay until well into the 19th Century. In this particular instance, what may seem as inviolate law was also a source of hygiene and protection. 

I could be wrong on the next one, but is it safe or advisable to eat the first crops of fruit? I'm not even close to being an agronomist, so I wonder if a similar level of protection is added here, using the law to prevent the Israelites from potential disease from eating immature fruit. I could be confusing this with eating unripened fruit, in which case, I apologize in advance to you three readers.

The last comment on honest standards is an issue that has bedeviled societies since the beginning of time, but it wasn't effectively quantified until 1776 by Scottish philosopher Adam Smith in "The Wealth of Nations." Using honest standards  reduces price inflation and the consequent currency devaluation. How this worked in the past was quite simple--a unit of anything was given a value, either intrinsic (it was actually worth it) or fiat (it was SAID to be worth it). Let's go with a bushel of wheat. How do we know what a bushel is? As a society, we have standard measures to which we all agree. 

Suppose someone attempts to pass off bushels of wheat that only contain 99% of the correct and accepted value? "It's only 1%, it won't matter much. Who can tell anyway?" What happens is a runaway train that is enormously difficult to stop. The currency (the bushel) is devalued, so more of the currency (say, 101% of a bushel) will be required, since the devalued asset will be considered the new norm. This happens so fast--Weimar Republic Germany after World War I had this type of hyperinflation, which set the stage for the events that led to World War II.

Didn't see a commentary on macroeconomics and agronomy coming when you started, did you? Notice how many times it is written "I am the Lord," in this section. The people of Israel knew NONE of what I just wrote, and wouldn't have been able to understand it had it been explained. "I am the Lord" was God's way of saying "Trust me--I got you covered." And he still does to this day.

Scott

God Continues With Instruction (Feb 23)

"Keep my commands and follow them.  I am the Lord.  Do not profane my holy name, I must be acknowledged as holy by the Israelites.  I am the Lord, who makes you holy and who brought you out of Egypt to be your God, I am the Lord."           Leviticus 22:31-33-NIV

"The priests are to keep my requirements so that they  do not become guilty and die for treating them with contempt.  I am the Lord, who makes them holy"
                                 Leviticus 23:9-NIV

God places responsibility and requirements on the priests, His leaders, which are over and above the requirements of others.  Leadership can be a very lonely place. 

God orders time, he gives instruction for various feasts and holy days.  On the day of atonement, instructions for self denial are given in verses 27, 29, and 30.  Again, an example of setting aside to and for the Lord.

Thoughts:

What feelings do you have toward your leaders; at work, home, and church?

What do you set aside for them?

What feelings do you have toward your responsibilities in your leadership roles at work, at home, as a parent, at church?

Pray for leaders to have time management skills, a servant's heart, wisdom and discernment and alertness for the
Spirit's call.


In Christ,

David P

Be Holy Because I am Holy (Feb 20)

"You must keep the Israelites separate from things that make them unclean, so they will not die in their uncleanness for defiling my dwelling place, which is among them." 
                                      Leviticus 15:31-NIV

"Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: 'Be holy becuse I, the Lord your God, am holy." 
                                       Leviticus 19:2-NIV

Today, God gives instruction about dealing with uncleanness and restoration to community.  Like invasive mold, leprosy, or discharge; uncleanness spreads and it must be dealt with according to God's plan.  Here we read sometimes purification by fire, sometimes by shedding of blood, and sometimes by other actions.  Here we do see a proportionate sacrifice, reminding us that salvation is available to all.

God here promises Caanan to Israel, as a gift and possession.  He adds that when He places a spreading mildew on stones in homes and discusses steps to deal with the mold, He instructs that; upon the priest's inspection, certain stones may be ordered to be torn out and thrown into an unclean place outside the town.  What other stone was thrown out into an unclean place outside the town and shed blood and water?

  Hint: The location was Gethsemane and the event occured on Good Friday some 2,000 years ago.

Can you think of any other kinds of uncleanness that spreads?

"The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Isralites started wailing and said, 'If only we had meat to eat."  Numbers 11:4-NIV

We will read on March 3 of this event; how it is the rabble's craving and not the Israelite's craving that started the Israelite's grumbling.  Notice how infectious grumbling is.  The rabble's craving causes the whole mass to complain, and to not trust God's: plan, timing, control, power, creativity, or ability to solve the issue at hand.

"So the people grumbled against Moses, saying 'What are we to drink."  Exodus 15: 24-NIV

Thoughts:

Where do you look for salvation, for restoration, for forgiveness?

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you  and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
                                            Matthew 11:28-30-NIV

What attributes of God do you see?

What kinds of things do you grumble about?  Will you take them to the Lord in prayer, will you remember it is God's time, not your time?

Pray for the Spirit to give you time management skills, so you can attend worship and adult education/ Sunday School and that your heart and minds are prepared to hear the message and that you apply it to your life.


In Christ,


David P

Laws, Punishments and Priestly Rules (Feb 22)

"Be holy Because I, the Lord your God, am holy."                                      Leviticus 19:2b-NIV

Where are we without God's direction and guidance?

"Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done."
                                    Romans 1:28-NIV

Here, God gives us some sage guidance; avoid idols, don't lie, do not defraud, do not pervert justice, do not hate your brother in your heart, do not seek revenge, do not steal, observe Sabbath, stand for the aged, use honest scales.  Why?  Because God states, "I am the Lord your God."

With the Lord in our life we are comforted, filled, and have God with us.

"And surely I am with you always, to the end of the age."
                                   Matthew 28:20b-NIV

With God, we are as above. Without God, some of the following lyrics of Neil Diamond's song "I am, I said" come to mind:

         - "I am I said
         - No one heard at all not even the chair
         - And I am lost and I can't even say why
         - I got an emptiness deep inside
         - I've tried but it won't let me go."

Additionally, when we accept Christ, the following lyrics come to mind:

          "Did you read about the frog who dreamed of being
                   king...and then became one?"

Not that we become a king, but the King of Kings and Lord of Lords can then transform us and use us!

God does hate sin.  He describes actions that, with only law and no grace, demand death in Leviticus chapter 20.

Molech is mentioned; My Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary tells many things about this foreign god.  The word itself is a transliteration of the Hebrew word for king and adds that it may be a sacrifice to confirm or fufill a vow. The description goes on to describe a Molech as the name of a diety to whom human sacrifices were made.  In times of apostacy;  total desertion of or departure from one's religion, principles, cause, or party (from Webster); Israelites apparently made their children "go through the fire to Molech."  Molech is described as a hollow human statue with the head of an ox.  Children were placed in the statue, a fire was lit underneath, drums were pounded on to drown out the children's cries.

We continue reading rules for priests.  God describes why: He is holy and He makes us holy.

Thoughts:

Where does your faith rest? 

On Christ the solid rock? 

If not, what will you do about that? 

Talk with a pastor...Soon!

When I came to you brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.  For I resolved to know nothing while  I was with you execpt Jesus Christ and him crucified.  I came to you in weakness and fear and with much trembling.  My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power."
                           1 Corinthians 2:1-5-NIV


Pray for the pastors and their families that they may have in their lives the fruits of the Spirit in abundance: peace, gentleness, self control, unity, love, and joy.


In Christ


David P

More Loving Guidance (Feb 21)

God continues with instruction that sets Him aside as holy and points toward Christ. 

We see instructions on how Aaron was to approach God, but one time a year.  How sacrifices were to be staged for that event; a bull for his own sin and a goat for the people's sin. The scapegoat is introduced here; the goat over which Aaron confesses the wickedness and rebellion of the Israelites with the laying on of both hands and then is released into the desert.  This atonement is to be made once a year. Think of Christ's sacrifice, one time for all the world's sin.

" Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men.  For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also throught the obedience of the one man, the many will be made righteous."  Romans 5:18-19-NIV

We read of the life of the creature being in its blood, and that anyone who eats the blood must be cut off; for it is the blood that makes atonement for one's life.  Again, for our sin, blood must be shed.  Will it be our own blood shed for our life; one sacrifice for one life, or through the Spirit, do we accept the substitutionary sacrifice of Chirst?

Here we also read of commands for sexual practices.  Again think of God's wisdom and care in giving us this guidance.  On many levels we can give thanks to God for this guidance.  One might niavely ask if these rules still apply. The answer is most resoundingly: YES!  We are called to be Christlike, a royal priesthood in the order of Melchezidek therefore on a spiritual note these rules apply.  Additionally, on a medical note, many genetic diseases surface in the case of offspring from close relations.

There are some things that turn your stomach.  Here actions defile the land which God in turn punishes, causing the land to vomit out its inhabitants.

We end our reading today with God again stating who He is:
"Keep my requirements and do not follow any of the detestable customs that were practiced before you came and do not defile yourselves with them.  I am the Lord your God."  Leviticus 18:30-NIV


Thoughts:

What do you do with Christ and His sacrifice of blood for you on a "moment by moment" basis in your life? 

How does that show?

How is your stomach doing?

What attributes of God do you consider upon reading today's reading? 

Start a list, you will see we serve an awesome God!


Pray that God will protect and guide our country's leaders; national, state and local and also for those serving in the military.


In Christ,

David P





 

Leprosy

We're going to read enough about leprosy that we might as well learn why it was such a feared disease in the ancient world, and what eventually made it go away. Most of what I will reference will come from the Wikipedia entry, which you can view if you wish.

I had forgotten this, but the formal name for leprosy is Hansen's disease, not because Norwegian physician Gerhard Hansen discovered the disease, but proved in the late 1800s that it was caused by exposure to the Mycobacterium leprae bacteria. It is a disease of the skin (a dramatic oversimplification, but I won't bore you with the details) and if left untreated, can lead to numbness of the extremities, which, if left unchecked, can result in tissue loss. The primary mode of transmission is from person to person in respiratory droplets, which makes it highly contagious. The ease of transmission is why leper colonies still exist to this day, and why lepers were and are ostracized and separated from the rest of their communities.

Today, leprosy is easily treated with a multiple antibiotic regimen. The primary reason for any leprosy today is due to poor living standards, and pockets of leprosy still exist in Third World countries. It is a disease virtually unheard of in the United States, and what cases do present typically confound physicians because they're so unfamiliar with it.

But that's modern-day leprosy. Today's reading describes the measures to be taken with lepers in the Israelite camp, and these measures are pure common sense when viewed through the backdrop of modern disease prevention. As I wrote in a previous entry, large camps like this were easy targets for any contagious disease, particularly one that could spread through airborne vectors. When two million or so people are camped in tight quarters, it can be decimated by disease in short order, particularly in the pre-antibiotic era. 

As we read the various rules for the people of Israel, try to separate your current knowledge from what was known then. Fairly easily, you will find that God was caring for the people and keeping them safe, and they didn't know why, nor would they had understood it. God doesn't give much explanation as to WHY they needed to follow the law, only THAT they had to. Has that really changed at all?

Scott

The Priesthood Continues (Feb 18)

Then Jesus said, " All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18- 20- NIV

"If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands, I will..." Leviticus 26:3-...

Jesus and God both command us to obey which means to: Comply with or follow the commands, restrictions, wishes or instructions; (of things) to respond comfortably in action; to submit or conform in action to; or to be obedient.

God has given instructions on worship to the Isralites and we have a young priesthood who does not follow the commands: Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu took their censors, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, contrary to his command." Leviticus 10:1-NIV

God responds to this "creativity" in worship: "So fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord. Moses then said to Aaron,'This is what the Lord spoke of when he said:
Amomg those who approach me
I will show myself holy
in the sight of all the people
I will be honored.'

Aaron remained silent."

Jsut ponder Aaron's situation. As the High priest, he could not mourn for anyone. I am certain, however he was mourning inwardly the loss of two sons. He held his role as servant of the Lord higher than his role as parent. I have heard it said, "More of Thee and less of me." Aaron shows us an example of putting his service to God first. God takes worship of him very seriously. We are to obey and serve. Nothing, not even sacrifice, substitutes for obedience. When we sin, something dies, our faith, given by the Spirit allows us to claim Christ's death as a substitution for our own death.

Think of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 when they lied to the church about what they did with the proceeds of the sale of their property. What they did with the proceeds was not a problem. Lying about their actions was and what was the result, death.

Less of me and more of Thee.

Thoughts:

Have you added anything to God's perfect, whole, complete plan for salvation?

How do you show appreciation and reverence for what God has done for you?


Pray for the Pastors as they prepare for worship and pray for your heart to be prepared to hear the Word and adapt the Word as the Spirit directs you in your life.

Animals, Post Partum Purification and Skin Diseases (Feb 19)

God is Holy, set apart. He desires the same for the people He loves, Israel; as a result, we have continued instruction here.

Think back to Genesis, when God commanded His people, Adam and Eve to not eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. God continues with commands about eating here, in part to set aside His holy people from the surrounding peoples. The surrounding communities held many of these creatures in high esteem, perhaps as idols. A command to avoid these, could in a sense, set aside His people to Him.

Observe all the foods that God stated were clean. Observe Locusts. Consider John the Baptist, eating Locusts and wild honey. He complied with the law. Jesus did not come to abolish the law, but rather to fufill the law.

A Locust among the rocks at Korazin

(This insect is Kosher)

A human child is born with original sin. As a result of this sin, something had to die. There is a proportionate sacrifice here depending on an individual's wealth. Blood needed to be shed for forgiveness of sin. Jesus came for all, all can in faith, through the Spirit, achive righteousness by casting their sins on the perfect sacrifice Jesus Christ, given for you.

Think of God's looking out for His children; here with public health rules. Here we read about skin diseases. It is notable that leprosy was pronounced an uncleanness. Much of the disfiguring due to leprosy is not due directly to the infection by Mycobacterium lepry, but rather by damage the infected individual causes due to nerve damage from the Mycobacterium Lepry. As a result of soft tissue injury due to repetitve trauma, other bacteria can infect and cause further disease and deformity.


Think about us: We, in our lives, if we are not sensitive and alert for the Spirit's call, we can cause physical and spiritual damage to our bodies, God's temple, by repetitive trauma in many ways.


Thoughts:


How are you feeding God's temple, your body; Spiritually and physically?
With good food, or junk?


How does it show to others that you have accepted Christ's work on the cross for salvation and forgiveness of your sin?


Pray to be sensitive, alert, and ready to respond to the Spirit's call.


In Christ,


David P

Ceremonially Unclean

We're going to read much about a person being "unclean" in the days and weeks to come, and while we may think it quaint and obsolete, there were perfectly logical reasons for the need to both refrain from contact with unclean people or animals and to purify themselves if it did occur.

Dr. Pratt (and I use the honorific because I am referring to him as a physician) can discuss this better, but I did sell antibiotics for quite some time and have a thorough knowledge of infectious disease and how it spreads. Prior to the antibiotic era (which would be around 1940), it was not at all unusual for people to die of things that we completely take for granted today. The Spanish flu of 1917-20 infected over 500 million people worldwide and killed between 50-100 million of them. In 1914, tuberculosis was the #2 cause of death in the U.S., followed closely by pneumonia at #3 and nephritis at #4. #1, then as now, is cardiovascular disease. Here's a quick chart, with the rates being the number of deaths per 100,000 population:

1914 1998 Cardiovascular 158.2 864.7 Tuberculosis 141.7                               ---- Pneumonia 132.4                          34.0 Nephritis 99.2 9.7

It's hard to understand the impact that antibiotics have had on life span, since the diseases that have been eliminated or greatly reduced were amongst the greatest killers of men as recently as 100 years ago, but it shows that the proper containment of bacteria with antibiotics and viruses with antivirals leads to dramatic improvement in life spans. Look at this chart of the average life span over the past 100 years:

The average life span has almost DOUBLED in one hundred years, and a huge part of that is the role of cleanliness. When the Israelites were told to not touch unclean animals (both ceremonially, and also just plain unclean), they were being protected from bacteria that could spread from animal to human. When they were told to avoid contact with unclean people (in particular, people with leprosy), they were being protected from person-to-person transmission of disease. It may seem all formal and stiff now, but in many ways, in addition to obedience, God was promoting good hygiene a solid 3,500 years prior to it being accepted as standard medical practice.
Scott

More on Offerings and What to do if Poor (Feb 17)

Today we read about offerings; if poor, burnt and grain, and for guilt.  God is orderly and has a plan for everything.  We see an example of his wise, thoughtful, and complete plan for what to do if poor.  The solution to the need for blood to be shed in the event of a poor one's sin: to doves or young pidgeons and if that is too extravagent, a tenth of an ephah of fine flour - about 2 quarts of flour according to the footnote.  God is the God of all, and he provides a plan for all.  Here, sin must be paid for, even if the one committing the sin does not know that the sin is being committed.

The above photo is taken in southern Israel, near Beersheba.  It is of an ancient subterrainian dovekote, a huge underground birdhouse.  Above ground, it is near 100F, in this "birdhouse" it is a cool 65F.  Birds were a cheap, abundant source of protein and also for the poor a source of sacrificial blood.

We read in Chapter 6 "The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out." verse13-NIV.

This fire represents the continuous work of God for Israel, foreshadowed the continuous work of Christ on our behalf, and the sealing of the Holy Spirt.  God's love has always burned for His people and that fire, through the work of Christ, waits to consume your sin and mine.  The fire shall never go out in our hearts, Our life is eternal, for He lives and loves eternally. 

Great Verses Through the Bible pg 45 and 46.

As we spend time reading over the next couple of weeks of the events at Mt. Sinai; consider God's servants, Jesus and Israel.  One is perfect in devotion, love, and efforts at all times to and for God.  The other is, well; less than perfect, grumbling, wandering, doubting, and sinning..the other is, in fact, a human community. 

As we forge ahead through the history of Israel and the kings and kingdoms, try to observe what happens to the citizens and nations when a good or bad king is on the throne.  A good clue to if the king is good or bad can be found in Exodus 34:13- NIV "Break down their altars, smash their sacred stones and cut down their Asherah poles."

Thoughts:

How have you thanked God for His plan for salvation through Jesus Christ?

How does someone near you know that the fire is burning in your life continuously?

How are you leading others to Christ?


Pray for comfort to all those in need.


In Christ


David P

Offerings

Today's reading introduces us to four offerings, the details of which I'll leave to you to discover. I'm more interested in what the offerings were meant to represent.

The concept of sacrifices is alien to us because we've been in the Age of Grace since Christ's death on the cross, but think very carefully about what is being accomplished with these offerings. What is the Lord truly seeking of the people of Israel? Several things, such as:

1. Acknowledgment--the people of Israel were told to have no other idols before God, appeared to follow that commandment for about a month and promptly built their own golden calf. Regular sacrifices to God can keep one from worshiping false gods.

2. Obedience--the Israelites had solemnly stated that they would follow the Lord's commands, and they're going to get over 600 of them in Leviticus. If one claims to be a follower, learns the rules and then ignores them, a strong case of being a non-believer is made.

3. Thanksgiving--the Israelites are still being fed daily, and the glory of the Lord is directing them in when and where to travel. A grateful acknowledgment of the source of everything they had is always a good thing.

Of these three reasons, which is not still applicable today? We may no longer be held to the letter of the law regarding the exactitude of the offerings, but in no way have we been excused from doing the same things required of the people of Israel. In fact, every Sunday (or whenever or however you do it) when you place your envelope in the offering plate, you should say a brief prayer of thanksgiving to God for being able to give something. It's a privilege bestowed on us from him. No, the male cows and lambs without defects are safe from us today (at least from a sacrificial standpoint), but like everything else, how we do it changes--what we're doing (acknowledging, thanking and showing obedience) will never change and never stop.

Scott

Let us Begin Leviticus (Feb16)

What, if anything, comes to mind when you hear the word 'Leviticus?'  Certainly not light farmiliar reading!  This book centers itself on God's law for the priesthood, sacrifice, and feasts. Leviticus shows us, His plan for the Israelites for Holiness or being Holy.  Holy with respect to being set apart or set aside for God. 

Remember that we are to keep the Sabbath Holy?  This means to keep it set aside for God. 

Several Holy things are described as being set aside for God: various sacrifices, articles of clothing, objects and other protocols for worship, festivals, public health measures for the community, and other regulations are included in Leviticus as an expression of God's care, concern, and love for his holy servant people.

Here we read the phrase, "an aroma pleasing to the Lord."  This may point us to Christ, God's Perfect Servant, for in Ephesians 5:1-2-NIV where we are advised to "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."  Imitating God, just like proclaiming God, is certainly a work of the Spirit and not of the flesh.

In contrast to the constant payment for ransom for life commanded by God in Exodus 30, half a sanctuary shekel; here we learn of proportionate redemption from sin, via the sin offering which is variable depending on the one committing the sin and the characteristics of the sin itself.

Christ calls us to be Christlike, a royal priesthood.  In view of that calling, we benefit from reading and discussing Leviticus.  Again, the law does not redeem us, Christ did that work completely, fully, perfectly, and eternally.  On the other hand, the law does give us a measuring device and shows us our sin and makes us aware of same.

Thoughts:

How do you set aside time, talents, treasure for the Lord?

What things point you to Christ?

What attributes of God do you consider reading these commands?

Pray for the Spirit to guide you and give you an extra measure of grace to discern God's wisdom written in the law


In Christ


David P





 

IDOLATRY, ICONOGRAPHY, and INCARNATION

After our brief discussion in class on Sunday regarding the graven images prohibition in the Ten Commandments, I felt we did not do justice to that topic of idolatry. While I still can't deal with that exhaustively here, I'd like to give a few things for you to consider.

My preface or disclaimer to the below comments is that I believe that Christians are always in danger of misusing materials from creation in sinful ways. It is as inescapable as the sin that persistently grows like a metasticizing cancerous tumor in our own bodies, in our hearts, that infects our entire lives. The human heart is an idol factory. The only solution is the forgiveness found in Christ, the death of our sinful self through repentance, and the new life of Christ to spring up in us.

On the flip side, there are different dangers that we confront when we reject material things and adopt a false form of Christianity that emphasizes an "escape of the soul to heaven" from all things of the world "when we die". The Christian faith is built upon the story of how eternal, almighty God of all life broke into material, human history, into time and space, to save us. When we take iconoclasm, the rejection of images to the Nth degree, we end up following someone like Plato instead of Jesus Christ. We end up rejecting the truth of key Christian doctrines, not the least of which are the GOODNESS of GOD'S ORIGINAL CREATION, THE INCARNATION OF JESUS CHRIST, THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY, the NEW HEAVENS and NEW EARTH. Rather than completely disengaging the material world, we do much better to engage it and endeavor to use it for God's purposes.

Below are quotes from a Christian church father known in history as John of Damascus, ca. 646-749. I think they are a pretty compelling defense for the use of images/icons in Christian worship.

I do not venerate the creation instead of the creator, but I venerate the Creator, created for my sake who came down to his creation without being lowered or weakened, that he might glorify my nature and bring about communion with the divine nature. (22)

Therefore I am emboldened to depict the invisible God, not as invisible, but as he became visible for our sake, by participation in flesh and blood. (22)

Being then God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the divine is like gold, or silver, or stone, a representation of human art and imagination (23, Acts 17:29)

For it is clear that when you see the bodiless become human for your sake, then you may accomplish the figure of a human form; when the invisible becomes visible in the flesh, then you may depict the likeness of something seen; when one who, by transcending his own nature, is bodiless, formless, incommensurable, without magnitude or size, that is, one who is in the form of God, taking the form of a slave, by this reduction to quantity and magnitude puts on the characteristics of a body, then depict him on a board and set up to view the One who has accepted to be seen. (24)

For the cherubim are not outside creation. Why then does he prescribe carved cherubim fashioned by human hands to overshadow the mercy seat? (28)

 I do not venerate matter, I venerate the fashioner of matter, who became matter for my sake and accepted to dwell in matter and through matter worked my salvation, and I will not cease from reverencing matter, through which my salvation was worked. … Is not the thrice-precious and thrice-blessed wood of the cross matter? Is not the holy and august mountain, and the place of the skull, matter? Is not the lifegiving and lifebearing rock, the holy tomb, the source of the resurrection, matter? Is not the ink and the all-holy book of the Gospels matter? Is not the life-bearing table, which offers to us the bread of life, matter? Is not the gold and silver matter, out of which crosses and tablets and bowls are fashioned? And, before all these things, is not the body and blood of my Lord matter? Either do away with reverence and veneration for all these or submit to the tradition of the Church and allow the veneration of images of God and friends of God, sanctified by name and therefore overshadowed by the grace of the divine Spirit. (30)

Beseleel and Eliab (30, Ex. 31:1-6)

Offerings for the tabernacle (30, Ex. 35:4-10)

12 Stones of Remembrance (32, Jos. 4:6-7)

How therefore shall we not depict in images what Christ our God endured for our salvation and his miracles, so that, when my son asks me, what is this? (32)

Images are an entry point into dialogue about Christ, aka. witness.

“For the honor given to the image passes to the archetype,” (35, Basil the Great, On the Holy Spirit)

And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may not perish, but have eternal life. (54, Severian, bishop of Gabala, Homily on the Serpent, Jn 3:14-15)

The raised up serpent was an image of the passion of the Lord (54)

Yes, Master, I venerate and embrace with ardent longing everything that is yours: your divinity, your power, your goodness, your mercy towards me, your descending to our condition, your incarnation, your flesh…so I venerate your flesh, not because of the nature of flesh, but because of the divinity hypostatically united to it (58).

I entreat the people of God, the holy nation, to cling to the traditions of the Church (58; 1 Pet. 2:9, Ex.19:6)

St. John of Damascus. Three Treatises on the Divine Images. St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press: New York, 2003. (Translation by Andrew Louth)

So I guess the bottom line is that spiritual matters are never purely spiritual. Your spiritual life has everything to do with how you live within the MATERIAL WORLD that God has created, that has been completely corrupted by sin. If Jesus came from heaven to earth into this material world to save us, then we are called to engage matter for God's purposes. 

From an artist's perspective, I think more "Christian art" could reflect this REDEMPTIVE process. Would using RECYCLED MATERIALS or reusing and transforming materials in art help to show what God does to our hearts and lives through faith in Jesus Christ?

Thanks for reading. As always, I certainly would invite your comments and questions.

Pastor Karl

Priestly Garments Made, Tabernacle Set Up (Feb 15)

God's instructions continue to be carried out with precision and excellence during the production of the priestly garments.  Think of the awesome sight of the Priest wearing the gemstone decorated breastpiece with; gold and silver; blue, purple, and scarlet yarn; ruby, topaz, emerald and amethyst to name a few of the gemstones.

When all was done, Moses inspected the work and saw that it was done just as the Lord commanded. So Moses blessed them.

The Lord then commands to do a set up on the first day of the first month.  It was done and the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.  The cloud of the Lord was used as a guide to the Israelites to stay put or to move and was in sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels.

Webster's dictionary has 27 definitions for the word "sight," some are as follow:

     The power or facility of seeing
      An act, fact, or instance of seeing
     One's range of vision on a specific occasion
     A view glimpse
     Mental perception or regard; judgement
     Something seen or worth seeing; spectacle
     Something unusual, surprising, or distressing
     A presentation of a bill of exchange
     A multitiude
     An observation taken while surveying
     Any of an array of optical viewing devices
     Skill insight
     To look carefully in a certain direction

"Nothing in all creation in hidden from God's sight.  Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." Hebrews 4:13-NIV

"Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin." Romans 3:20-NIV

"For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people."  Luke 2: 30-31-NIV

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around you neck, writh them on the tablet of your heart.  Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man." Proverbs 3:3-4-NIV


Thoughts:

How are you, and how can others tell that you are keeping your sight on God, on Jesus?

Do you use your God given talents and skills to their fullest when doing your work?

What are you trying to keep from God's sight?  What are the effects of that?  Will you bring that action, event, problem, habit, addiction or item to God in prayer and ask through Christ's blood forgiveness and for the Spirit's strength to repent?  Do it now.  Time is short.


In Christ


David P