Skip to main content

February 4 + Daily readings & notes

DAY 37

DAILY READINGS

DAILY NOTES

Leviticus 16
  • Notice the holiness of the sanctuary inside the curtain. If Aaron were to come "just at any time" he would die.
  • Atonement for the sanctuary must be made because of the "uncleannesses of the people." God is making a way to forgive their sin.
  • Aaron has to be made ready, along with the holy place, the tent of meeting and the altar. Then the offering can be made. The goat bears the iniquities and transgressions of the people and is then sent in the wilderness. Yes, this is where we get the idea of a scapegoat. 
Leviticus 17
  • The people are to make their offerings before God. If an animal is slaughtered anywhere but the sanctuary, it's as if they've committed murder. 
  • The eating of blood is prohibited. 
Leviticus 18
  • A vivid reminder of what God is trying to do. The people knew a way of living in Egypt. They are to let go of that life and live as God is instructing them.
  • Several sexual prohibitions give an indication of what some of their normal practices might have been before.

OTHER OBSERVATIONS

What matters most to God is the reconciliation of his people. These rules and prohibitions, as strange as some of them sound, were given as a way to live in holiness with God. We can debate them, but we cannot forget their purpose.

How is God calling us to reconciliation today? Jesus!

Yes, Jesus' sacrifice was once and for all everything we needed to live in right relationship with God. The condition is still the same: We need reconciliation with God. The desire is still the same: God wants to reconcile us. Thankfully, the gift of Christ is the only offering now worthy of God. And it's been made on our behalf.

Praise God!

Stay blessed...john
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

April 6 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 96 We've come a long way from wondering in the desert.  Now, after many battles and years of disarray, God's people are living in peace and the Lord has a house built. DAILY READINGS 1 Kings 8-10 & Psalm 96 DAILY NOTES 1 Kings 8 Solomon brings the ark of God to the temple. The temple is dedicated.  Solomon offers a prayer for the occasion. Solomon blesses the people. 1 Kings 9 The highlight of this chapter is that God appears to Solomon again (in a dream?).  The line of David will continue through Solomon, assuming he follows the way of God.  The people must also follow. 1 Kings 10 The Queen of Sheba visits Solomon to see for herself his wisdom.  She is amazed (breathless).  The two crowns exchange gifts. Some of Solomon's furniture is described as a way to emphasize the grandeur of his reign and the temple.  Notice how "the whole earth" wanted to see Solomon (10:24). OTHER OBSERVATIONS Solomon's prayer at...
Post a Comment
Read more

March 27 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 86 Ever notice these books don't end with happily ever afters?   Remember that we are reading an entire story of God told over many years.  The individual books help us follow that story, but we do well in remembering it's still one complete story. Today, we're finishing 1 Samuel.  As we read, we'll see how far Saul has fallen.  Ultimately, what God said would happen, happens. DAILY READINGS 1 Samuel 28-31 & Psalm 86 DAILY NOTES 1 Samuel 28 This chapter is devoted entirely to Saul's encounter with a medium. Notice that Saul had previously expelled mediums and wizards.  This could be a sign of his former faithfulness. Saul's fear overwhelmed him.  He is up against a Philistine army he does not think he can defeat. Since Saul could not hear from God, he seeks a medium to "inquire of her."  What did he want to know (from God or the medium)?  He asks Samuel what he should do.  So, is that asking whether to...
Post a Comment
Read more

March 30 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 89 In today's reading, the righteous king slips.  Although his people do not know what he has done, God does. DAILY READINGS 2 Samuel 9-12 & Psalm 89 DAILY NOTES 2 Samuel 9 David shows "the kindness of God" to Saul's remaining son, Mephibosheth.  Remember him from Chapter 4? 2 Samuel 11 This chapter tells the story of David and Bathsheba.  Notice how David tries to cover his deeds.  It seems all is unknown to everyone (except Joab), but the next chapter will show us that it was not unknown to God. Verses 20-21 recall a previous story.  Do you remember which one?  Which book? 2 Samuel 12 Nathan uses a story to illustrate David's sin.  David condemns himself by condemning the rich man who took the poor man's lamb.  As David said, "he had not pity." Verse 11 is a turning point in David's reign. Nathan tells of a time when David will suffer because of what he has done. Although Nathan tells David he is forg...
Post a Comment
Read more