Skip to main content

February 10 + Daily readings & notes

DAY 41

Just because we're done with Leviticus doesn't mean we're done with the theme of holiness.  Watch today's video to see a great illustration of how to understand holiness with God.




DAILY READINGS

Numbers 5-7 & Psalm 41

DAILY NOTES

Numbers 5:1-4
  • Those with "leprosy" were brought out of the camp so that the rest of the people would not be "defiled."  
Numbers 5:5-10
  • If someone wrongs someone else the offender should bring restitution.
Numbers 5:11-31
  • What to do with your adulterous wife.  Well, what to do with, you think, your adulterous wife.  Well, what to do with your wife if you're not sure if she's been adulterous or are just feeling a little jealous with her.
  • The man does not need to have proof against her.  The proof will be in the results of the ceremony.
    • Should we assume that if the woman does not want to take part in the drinking of the water of bitterness that she would be accused/assumed to be guilty for sure?
  • And if your husband puts you through all this even if you're innocent, he gets off without any punishment.
Numbers 6
  • The entire chapter concerns the vows and the ritual of becoming a nazirite.  
  • This seems to be the ritual for a temporary vow because Verse 20 says, after their ceremony, they can drink wine again.
Numbers 7
  • The leaders of Israel bring their offerings to God.
  • Have you ever heard that "what I give to the Lord is between me and the Lord"?  That doesn't apply here.  The entire chapter is recollection of the leaders' offerings to God.  
  • The chapter ends by speaking to Moses' connection with God, as the one who continues to receive word from the Lord.
Psalm 41
  • The concern we display for the poor/weak mirrors a concern God has for all of us.  

OTHER OBSERVATIONS

I'm wondering if some of us are about to make nazirite-type vows.

Although not fully known, there were difference reasons to take a nazirite vow.  Perhaps you were making amends for a bad attitude or habit.  You may have received the fulfillment of a wish or desire.  Maybe you were hoping to keep away from a particular sin.

The vow you made was a way to be set apart for the Lord in an intentional way.  Everyone knew what you were doing and what to expect from you (i.e. wine and hair cuts).

With Lent almost here, maybe you're considering a similar kind of vow to God.  You probably haven't thought about what you're going to do with your hair, but you may be preparing to give up something as a way to draw closer to God.  With that in mind, be more intentional in what you're going to give up.  And the point isn't just to give it up for the sake of giving it up.  Use this vow time to pray and seek God's guidance in a meaningful way.

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

April 11 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 101 The great prophet Elijah leaves the scene (He'll appear again later.  Do you remember where?).  Elisha takes his place and immediately begins to act as prophet among the people.   DAILY READINGS 2 Kings 1-3 & Psalm 101 DAILY NOTES 2 Kings 1 King Ahaziah is injured and he wants to know if he'll live.  He seeks input from the prophets of Baal-zebub.  Elijah finds out and interrupts Ahaziah's men from going to the prophets.   Notice that Elijah, that hairy man, is divinely protected by the captain and his men.   Ahazia never hears from the prophets.  Elijah speaks directly to him to tell him that he will surely die. 2 Kings 2 Where did the idea of a whirlwind come from?  Did anyone expect that Elijah would be taken "to heaven by a whirlwind"?  Everyone seems to know that today Elijah will be gone. Elisha's command to the band of prophets seems to indicate his sense of loss but also a vigor...
Post a Comment
Read more