Leviticus 7-10
Most of these chapters were a review of the offerings as well as the actual ordination of the priests (Aaron and his sons).
And lots more verses about blood and dead animals.
Then we come to chapter 10.
Aaron's sons, two of them, did not follow the rules laid out before them. I don't completely understand it all but it had something to do with the fire they were using.
Whatever they did or didn't do must have been a big no no, because fire came down from heaven and struck them down. Dead.
God reminded His priests that He is Holy and is to be respected.
A tough lesson to learn.
Of course, my first thoughts go to Aaron. Here he is in this big role as a head priest. And now his very own sons have been struck dead.
Like many other things in life, I don't completely understand. Why couldn't God have given a warning first? Why does he show mercy sometimes and not sometimes? I don't understand.
But He IS God. And He is worthy to be respected.
End of story.
More tomorrow...
Reba
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Week 8 Day 1 and 2
Leviticus 1-6
Here is my chance to get almost caught up. :) Since we are in a new chapter, the first day is just reading the introduction in my Bible. That took 2 minutes. Now I am working on the next "day" which is 6 chapters. Gulp!
Have to admit, I have been dreading Leviticus. A LOT of rules and regulations. A LOT. I know that. I also know why this was important. There were a lot of people wandering in the wilderness. They needed rules and regulations. I know in my classroom of 20 little people that we need rules and regulations. Now imagine all of the Israelites camping out together. You know that they needed some. (This was also God's chance to show the people that no matter what they did, they could NOT live up to the rules...they needed a Savior!) But even knowing all of this doesn't mean I am ready to just jump in and read every chapter. I will just start with 6...
Chapter 1
Chapter 1 involves rules regarding the burnt offering (must be whole, male, unblemished). The rules go into details about what the people can bring for the offering, where to take it, and what the priests will do with them. I have to admit. I got queasy reading this chapter. I can handle a lot of things (I am a mom after all) but the descriptions on here...ugh. This is why I am not a hunter. I can barely kill a fly much less a sheep. So I will move on to chapter 2...
Chapter 2
The grain offering. I have to admit, I didn't remember this (other than talking about it at church). I always think of the offerings involving the killing of an animal. In this case, the actual offering is some sort of grain. There are several ways the people can do this (bringing something bake, bringing the grains, etc.). A few guidelines include using only fine flour, NO yeast, and salt must always be sprinkled on top to stand for their agreement with God that will last forever.
The other thing that sticks out in this chapter is that these chapters keep referring to the burnt offerings as a smell pleasing to the Lord. For some reason, that strikes me funny, just because I don' t think of God as smelling something burning on an altar as being "pleasing". That is just my human way of thinking though...
Chapter 3
The Fellowship Offering. Okay, I did okay with the Grain Offering. There was no killing or blood involved. But now we are back to the whole animal thing and a step by step instruction on what to do with the parts. And again, I feel queasy. A couple things different from the offering mentioned in chapter 1: the animals brought before the priests could be male or female. And apparently burning the fat from these animals provided a pleasing smell to the lord.
Chapter 4
The Sin Offering:
We actually just talked about this in church the other day. We weren't reading Leviticus though, we were reading Hebrews.
The sin offering is for when a person sins by accident and does some things that the LORD has commanded not be done. Over and over it says the person is guilty.
So even when done by accident, they were guilty of the sin.
Thus, the sin offering.
This chapter breaks down the animals to use, who the offering is for (an individual, the whole nation, a ruler, etc), and how the sacrifice is to be carried out. And once again, my tummy feels queasy...
Chapter 5:
In this chapter, I learned some types of accidental sins, such as not telling in court what he/she knows, accidentally touching something unclean, or forgetting a promise made to the Lord (with my memory, I would be in big trouble on that one!). The chapter then goes on to give detail yet again about the type of animal that may be used as an offering as well as specific details about how the priest should kill it. And again, my stomach turns...
The second part of the chapter is the penalty offering which is when a person does something against the holy things of the Lord (even accidentally).
Chapter 6:
This chapter continues telling about the penalty offering. It also discusses "restitution" of sorts especially if something is stolen.
One year our house was robbed. Thankfully Mark came home and interrupted the burglary (not in the house but rather the driveway) so the thieves didn't get away with a whole lot. But they did get away with some. And out of that some, we only ever got one item back. I really hoped for restitution much like this chapter discusses. But apparently the time in jail cancelled our restitution? Unfortunately, that didn't bring our stuff back either...Maybe I am living in the wrong time...
The Whole Burnt offering, the grain offering, the sin offerings:
More details about the offerings.
The thing that really sticks out to me is how extensive the job of the priest is. I am tired just reading all of this!
Tomorrow's reading: Leviticus 7-10
Goodnight!
Reba
Here is my chance to get almost caught up. :) Since we are in a new chapter, the first day is just reading the introduction in my Bible. That took 2 minutes. Now I am working on the next "day" which is 6 chapters. Gulp!
Have to admit, I have been dreading Leviticus. A LOT of rules and regulations. A LOT. I know that. I also know why this was important. There were a lot of people wandering in the wilderness. They needed rules and regulations. I know in my classroom of 20 little people that we need rules and regulations. Now imagine all of the Israelites camping out together. You know that they needed some. (This was also God's chance to show the people that no matter what they did, they could NOT live up to the rules...they needed a Savior!) But even knowing all of this doesn't mean I am ready to just jump in and read every chapter. I will just start with 6...
Chapter 1
Chapter 1 involves rules regarding the burnt offering (must be whole, male, unblemished). The rules go into details about what the people can bring for the offering, where to take it, and what the priests will do with them. I have to admit. I got queasy reading this chapter. I can handle a lot of things (I am a mom after all) but the descriptions on here...ugh. This is why I am not a hunter. I can barely kill a fly much less a sheep. So I will move on to chapter 2...
Chapter 2
The grain offering. I have to admit, I didn't remember this (other than talking about it at church). I always think of the offerings involving the killing of an animal. In this case, the actual offering is some sort of grain. There are several ways the people can do this (bringing something bake, bringing the grains, etc.). A few guidelines include using only fine flour, NO yeast, and salt must always be sprinkled on top to stand for their agreement with God that will last forever.
The other thing that sticks out in this chapter is that these chapters keep referring to the burnt offerings as a smell pleasing to the Lord. For some reason, that strikes me funny, just because I don' t think of God as smelling something burning on an altar as being "pleasing". That is just my human way of thinking though...
Chapter 3
The Fellowship Offering. Okay, I did okay with the Grain Offering. There was no killing or blood involved. But now we are back to the whole animal thing and a step by step instruction on what to do with the parts. And again, I feel queasy. A couple things different from the offering mentioned in chapter 1: the animals brought before the priests could be male or female. And apparently burning the fat from these animals provided a pleasing smell to the lord.
Chapter 4
The Sin Offering:
We actually just talked about this in church the other day. We weren't reading Leviticus though, we were reading Hebrews.
The sin offering is for when a person sins by accident and does some things that the LORD has commanded not be done. Over and over it says the person is guilty.
So even when done by accident, they were guilty of the sin.
Thus, the sin offering.
This chapter breaks down the animals to use, who the offering is for (an individual, the whole nation, a ruler, etc), and how the sacrifice is to be carried out. And once again, my tummy feels queasy...
Chapter 5:
In this chapter, I learned some types of accidental sins, such as not telling in court what he/she knows, accidentally touching something unclean, or forgetting a promise made to the Lord (with my memory, I would be in big trouble on that one!). The chapter then goes on to give detail yet again about the type of animal that may be used as an offering as well as specific details about how the priest should kill it. And again, my stomach turns...
The second part of the chapter is the penalty offering which is when a person does something against the holy things of the Lord (even accidentally).
Chapter 6:
This chapter continues telling about the penalty offering. It also discusses "restitution" of sorts especially if something is stolen.
One year our house was robbed. Thankfully Mark came home and interrupted the burglary (not in the house but rather the driveway) so the thieves didn't get away with a whole lot. But they did get away with some. And out of that some, we only ever got one item back. I really hoped for restitution much like this chapter discusses. But apparently the time in jail cancelled our restitution? Unfortunately, that didn't bring our stuff back either...Maybe I am living in the wrong time...
The Whole Burnt offering, the grain offering, the sin offerings:
More details about the offerings.
The thing that really sticks out to me is how extensive the job of the priest is. I am tired just reading all of this!
Tomorrow's reading: Leviticus 7-10
Goodnight!
Reba
Monday, April 18, 2011
Week 7 Day 7 Job Well Done
Exodus 39-40
Tonight at dinner, we were sharing where we were in our Bible Reading. Our oldest child just sits and reads straight through. He isn't on a plan. He just reads when he feels like it. He is in 2 Corinthians.
My dear husband is reading several chapters a night. He is in Joshua.
Then there is me. I am still wandering in the dessert, stuck in Exodus. :)
Tonight's reading was more about the Holy Tent. It continued detailing what the skilled craftsmen and the people did, following God's instructions to a T.
Finally, they were finished.
They brought Moses in to inspect the work. He carefully checked out the details and noted that they matched God's blue prints.
He was pleased with their work. And he blessed them.
In the second passage, God gave Moses specific instructions in how to set the tabernacle up.
Again, he followed God's expectations to a T.
Oh, how I want to be the one to do that...
I want to follow God's directions to a T.
And yet I fail.
But that is another post for another day.
Tomorrow's passage: Leviticus 1-6
Reba
Tonight at dinner, we were sharing where we were in our Bible Reading. Our oldest child just sits and reads straight through. He isn't on a plan. He just reads when he feels like it. He is in 2 Corinthians.
My dear husband is reading several chapters a night. He is in Joshua.
Then there is me. I am still wandering in the dessert, stuck in Exodus. :)
Tonight's reading was more about the Holy Tent. It continued detailing what the skilled craftsmen and the people did, following God's instructions to a T.
Finally, they were finished.
They brought Moses in to inspect the work. He carefully checked out the details and noted that they matched God's blue prints.
He was pleased with their work. And he blessed them.
In the second passage, God gave Moses specific instructions in how to set the tabernacle up.
Again, he followed God's expectations to a T.
Oh, how I want to be the one to do that...
I want to follow God's directions to a T.
And yet I fail.
But that is another post for another day.
Tomorrow's passage: Leviticus 1-6
Reba
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Week 7 Day 6 Coming to Fruition
Exodus 35-38
These chapters involve the actual building of the Holy Tent and all of the things involved with it (altars, table, Ark, etc.). If you will remember, we saw the "blueprints" for this just a few chapters ago. Now it is time to put the plan into action.
Surely somewhere out in cyberspace someone has replicated this at least in computer model. I am such a visual person! Even reading it twice (the first time in the plans, the second in the building), some of it is really fuzzy in my mind. So far my Google search has only brought forth a toy model, but I suppose something is better than nothing. :)
I won't repeat every direction given for this building. I will say that the Israelites (the same ones who were dancing around a cow earlier) followed God's commands to a T.
The one part that really stuck out to me in these chapters was that the Israelites gave gold, silver, bronze, threads, etc. not because they had to. Or they were guilted to. Or even for show. No. They gave because they WANTED to.
What a noble idea!
Even better, at one point, Moses has to ask the people to STOP providing gifts for the tabernacle. They had plenty for the project.
Wonder how many times that happens in today's life/church?
Oh, trust me, I say that with fingers pointed right back at me.
Something to think about.
Tomorrow's Reading: Exodus 39-40
These chapters involve the actual building of the Holy Tent and all of the things involved with it (altars, table, Ark, etc.). If you will remember, we saw the "blueprints" for this just a few chapters ago. Now it is time to put the plan into action.
Surely somewhere out in cyberspace someone has replicated this at least in computer model. I am such a visual person! Even reading it twice (the first time in the plans, the second in the building), some of it is really fuzzy in my mind. So far my Google search has only brought forth a toy model, but I suppose something is better than nothing. :)
I won't repeat every direction given for this building. I will say that the Israelites (the same ones who were dancing around a cow earlier) followed God's commands to a T.
The one part that really stuck out to me in these chapters was that the Israelites gave gold, silver, bronze, threads, etc. not because they had to. Or they were guilted to. Or even for show. No. They gave because they WANTED to.
What a noble idea!
Even better, at one point, Moses has to ask the people to STOP providing gifts for the tabernacle. They had plenty for the project.
Wonder how many times that happens in today's life/church?
Oh, trust me, I say that with fingers pointed right back at me.
Something to think about.
Tomorrow's Reading: Exodus 39-40
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Week 7 Day 5 Radiant
Exodus 32-34
I know, I know, I am behind two days now. I was up until about 2:30 this morning decorating a birthday cake then up bright and early to get lunch prepared (ahead of time) before attending a funeral then having Joshua's party. Excuses, I know, but I didn't really get to do much else last night. I will get caught up this week, I hope. Life will surely slow down, right?
I have to admit, though I treasure all of God's word, I was ready to be done with measurements and rules/regulations for a bit. I just don't think that way.
Then I get to today's reading which is more of the history of the Israelites.
It might be easier to break this down by chapters:
Exodus 32
So Moses has been hanging out on the mountain for a while with God. And now the people get restless. They go to Aaron and ask him to give them "gods who will lead them".
Aaron is not a tough sell.
He makes a golden calf.
I don't even see him put up a fight.
And he is supposed to be the high priest?
I have to admit. I read this and think, "Seriously, People, do you not remember all God did for you? Didn't you watch Him bring plague after plague upon Egypt? Didn't you see him part the waters so you could escape the Egyptians? Hasn't He provided manna for you to eat each day? What are you thinking?"
A lot of questions, few answers.
Except I know.
I know God does a LOT for me and yet I still find myself wondering, "God, are you there?" Or I let myself get distracted with other things.
So here Moses is on the mountain with God. And God is the one who tells Moses what exactly the people are doing.
Moses goes to see for himself.
I am sorry. I just cannot read this section without thinking of the movie. Charlton Heston. The Ten Commandments.
I just can't see it any other way. When I picture Moses, I picture Heston.
And this scene is the heart of the whole movie.
Moses comes down from the mountain and is steaming mad. He throws those tablets down in anger.
Point made. For now.
Chapter 33
The thing that stood out the most in this chapter was something that God said.
"I will not go with you, because I might destroy you on the way since you are such a stubborn people."
Whew. He is not happy.
Can you blame Him?
Think the people are getting the idea?
NOT happy.
Chapter 34
God and Moses again meet upon the mountain. God again lays out His commandments and rules/regulations regarding many things such as the feasts, sacrifices, offerings, etc.
I like how God describes Himself as He passes by in front of Moses.
"I am the LORD. The LORD is a God who shows mercy, who is kind, who doesn't become angry quickly, who has great love and faithfulness, and is kind to thousands of people. The LORD forgives people for evil, for sin, and for turning against him, but he does not forget to punish guilty people..."
Then Moses comes down from the mountain.
Now, remember, Moses wasn't allowed to look at God directly (or he would die) but he saw the back of God as He passed by.
Just from that little glimpse, Moses is changed.
He comes down from the mountain, and he is radiant. As in shiny. His face is so shiny from seeing the goodness of God. It is so shiny, the people are scared to even look at him.
That is what I want. I want to meet with God each day and walk away radiant with His love.
Meet me, God. Meet me.
Reba
Tomorrow's reading: Exodus 35-38
I know, I know, I am behind two days now. I was up until about 2:30 this morning decorating a birthday cake then up bright and early to get lunch prepared (ahead of time) before attending a funeral then having Joshua's party. Excuses, I know, but I didn't really get to do much else last night. I will get caught up this week, I hope. Life will surely slow down, right?
I have to admit, though I treasure all of God's word, I was ready to be done with measurements and rules/regulations for a bit. I just don't think that way.
Then I get to today's reading which is more of the history of the Israelites.
It might be easier to break this down by chapters:
Exodus 32
So Moses has been hanging out on the mountain for a while with God. And now the people get restless. They go to Aaron and ask him to give them "gods who will lead them".
Aaron is not a tough sell.
He makes a golden calf.
I don't even see him put up a fight.
And he is supposed to be the high priest?
I have to admit. I read this and think, "Seriously, People, do you not remember all God did for you? Didn't you watch Him bring plague after plague upon Egypt? Didn't you see him part the waters so you could escape the Egyptians? Hasn't He provided manna for you to eat each day? What are you thinking?"
A lot of questions, few answers.
Except I know.
I know God does a LOT for me and yet I still find myself wondering, "God, are you there?" Or I let myself get distracted with other things.
So here Moses is on the mountain with God. And God is the one who tells Moses what exactly the people are doing.
Moses goes to see for himself.
I am sorry. I just cannot read this section without thinking of the movie. Charlton Heston. The Ten Commandments.
I just can't see it any other way. When I picture Moses, I picture Heston.
And this scene is the heart of the whole movie.
Moses comes down from the mountain and is steaming mad. He throws those tablets down in anger.
Point made. For now.
Chapter 33
The thing that stood out the most in this chapter was something that God said.
"I will not go with you, because I might destroy you on the way since you are such a stubborn people."
Whew. He is not happy.
Can you blame Him?
Think the people are getting the idea?
NOT happy.
Chapter 34
God and Moses again meet upon the mountain. God again lays out His commandments and rules/regulations regarding many things such as the feasts, sacrifices, offerings, etc.
I like how God describes Himself as He passes by in front of Moses.
"I am the LORD. The LORD is a God who shows mercy, who is kind, who doesn't become angry quickly, who has great love and faithfulness, and is kind to thousands of people. The LORD forgives people for evil, for sin, and for turning against him, but he does not forget to punish guilty people..."
Then Moses comes down from the mountain.
Now, remember, Moses wasn't allowed to look at God directly (or he would die) but he saw the back of God as He passed by.
Just from that little glimpse, Moses is changed.
He comes down from the mountain, and he is radiant. As in shiny. His face is so shiny from seeing the goodness of God. It is so shiny, the people are scared to even look at him.
That is what I want. I want to meet with God each day and walk away radiant with His love.
Meet me, God. Meet me.
Reba
Tomorrow's reading: Exodus 35-38
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Week 7 Day 4 Day of Rest
Exodus 30-31
Here we find more detailed plans, such as the altar for burning incense, the bronze bowl, and "recipes" for incense and anointing oil.
Again, I am just reminded. God has a plan.
The part that really stuck out to me from these chapters was that God provided two people to oversee the design and creation of the things God has been talking about. He specifically calls out names of who Moses can turn to for help. I love this. It just once again reaffirms to me that He has a plan for us. And that He provides the workers. I don't know if Bezalel and Oholiab ever had realized how important their skills were. I imagine that they lived their ordinary lives, worked day in and day out, and wondered at times, "Am I making a difference?" I know I do! But they didn't have to wonder any more. God specifically pointed them out to help with the design of God's meeting place. Even if the rest of the world hadn't realized their potential, their skills, God did. That is a comfort to my heart today.
The chapters end with a little discussion about the day of rest. He reminded the Israelites that He had a day of rest and that he expected them to.
I don't know about you, but rest sounds good right about now...
Reba
Next reading: Exodus 32-33
Here we find more detailed plans, such as the altar for burning incense, the bronze bowl, and "recipes" for incense and anointing oil.
Again, I am just reminded. God has a plan.
The part that really stuck out to me from these chapters was that God provided two people to oversee the design and creation of the things God has been talking about. He specifically calls out names of who Moses can turn to for help. I love this. It just once again reaffirms to me that He has a plan for us. And that He provides the workers. I don't know if Bezalel and Oholiab ever had realized how important their skills were. I imagine that they lived their ordinary lives, worked day in and day out, and wondered at times, "Am I making a difference?" I know I do! But they didn't have to wonder any more. God specifically pointed them out to help with the design of God's meeting place. Even if the rest of the world hadn't realized their potential, their skills, God did. That is a comfort to my heart today.
The chapters end with a little discussion about the day of rest. He reminded the Israelites that He had a day of rest and that he expected them to.
I don't know about you, but rest sounds good right about now...
Reba
Next reading: Exodus 32-33
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Week 7 Day 3 It's a Calling
Exodus 28-29
Today's reading revolved around the priests. A whole chapter was basically dedicated to what the priest would wear. I have to say, just from reading it, it sounded really hot and really heavy (as in weighty). I again loved reading each details God gave Moses down to the undergarment. God is definitely a God of detail. He didn't just give a blanket, "Make a robe and a vest" command. He told the people exactly what He wanted. I forget that sometimes. Sometimes, I feel like He is giving me a blanket command, like "Do this..." without any details. But even if they aren't clear to me, He does have details. And he does care about the smallest things!
The next chapter focused more on the cleansing of the priests and the sacrifices that needed to be made. Daily. Daily sacrifices.
That was all interesting, but the part that stuck out to me more than anything? It was the fact that God just appointed (and later "anointed") Levi and his sons to be priests.
They were called. Chosen. Selected.
I have to admit, I would have been saying, "Are you sure, God? I don't know if I am the right one for the job."
But if that happened, we don't know about it.
We just know God chose, and they did.
Guess that might be a good motto for life?
Reba
PS Not sure about tomorrow's reading. The Bible is in the other room and my legs are REALLY tired.
Today's reading revolved around the priests. A whole chapter was basically dedicated to what the priest would wear. I have to say, just from reading it, it sounded really hot and really heavy (as in weighty). I again loved reading each details God gave Moses down to the undergarment. God is definitely a God of detail. He didn't just give a blanket, "Make a robe and a vest" command. He told the people exactly what He wanted. I forget that sometimes. Sometimes, I feel like He is giving me a blanket command, like "Do this..." without any details. But even if they aren't clear to me, He does have details. And he does care about the smallest things!
The next chapter focused more on the cleansing of the priests and the sacrifices that needed to be made. Daily. Daily sacrifices.
That was all interesting, but the part that stuck out to me more than anything? It was the fact that God just appointed (and later "anointed") Levi and his sons to be priests.
They were called. Chosen. Selected.
I have to admit, I would have been saying, "Are you sure, God? I don't know if I am the right one for the job."
But if that happened, we don't know about it.
We just know God chose, and they did.
Guess that might be a good motto for life?
Reba
PS Not sure about tomorrow's reading. The Bible is in the other room and my legs are REALLY tired.
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