After reading Leviticus 14, 15, & 16 I decided there were too many unrelated thoughts for me to write in one post. So... you get three today! ...No it's ok, you don't have to run away!
Actually, I don't have any thoughtful insight to speak of - just a few quirky ponderings. I'm not even sure that I actually want to find the answers, so I guess this is just a glimpse into my odd way of thinking.
As I was reading about the process for cleansing infectious diseases, my mind was drawn to the practical matters that the priest may have had to deal with. For instance, the priest had just poured oil in his hand and was shortly thereafter tasked with sacrificing an animal. Was he allowed to wash in between the two actions? Having oil-slicked hands would make it very difficult to wield a knife, particularly with any accuracy, and would likely be rather dangerous.
Then reading about women's ceremonial cleansing after bleeding made me curious about how a woman's period effected her everyday life back in those times. Today we just keep a stock of feminine hygiene products in the cabinet & don't think much about it. It's simply a nuisance that we deal with for a few days of each month. What did they do before those products were invented? Did they use something akin to a cloth diaper? Did they not use anything at all and rather confined themselves to a small area so as to contain the mess? Not to mention that chapter 15 tells us of how everything a woman sits or lies on during that time becomes unclean. I imagine she wouldn't want to risk having others become unclean just because they came in contact with the things around her.
How about men being deemed unclean every time they have sex? Do you think that hindered their desire any or made them think twice before making love to their wives? You hear of how expensive it was just to be able to take a bath in colonial times here in America, and that was more than a century later. I wonder what the simple luxury of bathing entailed. If it was a costly practice, would it keep couples from sharing in marital bliss? Or am I over-thinking things again? Maybe "bathing" back then was more along the lines of washing oneself down from a pot of water?
It's just tough imagining life back then. We seem to do what we want, when we want, and don't slow down for anything. Maybe slowing down is part of how we're supposed to separate ourselves and live that different Christian life...
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
Daily Bible Reading Journal: Leviticus 11, 12, & 13
I was feeling quite ill today and ended up sleeping on and off all throughout the day (it seems easier to sleep sitting up in the chair, as I don't cough quite as much). Now it is two o'clock in the morning and the fever seems to have broken enough that I can stay awake for a few minute.... so I'm here to get writing and keep up with my challenge!
These chapters of Leviticus have me somewhat in awe of the priests. Each day, their job description seems to expand. Not just holy men, Aaron and his sons have now taken on the roles of butcher, dietitian, family physician, dermatologist, and CDC. Wow!
Unfortunately, I've not yet found answers to yesterday's questions. Instead, I have a few more to add. Firstly, why would something completely natural, such as childbirth, make you unclean? Secondly, what does "unclean" even mean in this context? From the notations in my study Bible, it seems to mean something akin to "unfit to worship," but this has me seriously confused. Aren't we supposed to worship and pray in all circumstances? Or does "worship" in this context simply refer to the gatherings where people worship as a community? If that is the case, then I can understand, since most of the circumstances mentioned thus far which label someone as unclean are health issues that could infect others of the community. But...childbirth? And are the unclean still permitted to worship on their own? Is there a way for them to atone for their sins while they are still separated and unclean?
Well apparently, my awake time is up. Tomorrow I'll continue on with chapters 14, 15, & 16 (and hopefully feel a bit better). We'll see what answers and questions they bring about.
These chapters of Leviticus have me somewhat in awe of the priests. Each day, their job description seems to expand. Not just holy men, Aaron and his sons have now taken on the roles of butcher, dietitian, family physician, dermatologist, and CDC. Wow!
Unfortunately, I've not yet found answers to yesterday's questions. Instead, I have a few more to add. Firstly, why would something completely natural, such as childbirth, make you unclean? Secondly, what does "unclean" even mean in this context? From the notations in my study Bible, it seems to mean something akin to "unfit to worship," but this has me seriously confused. Aren't we supposed to worship and pray in all circumstances? Or does "worship" in this context simply refer to the gatherings where people worship as a community? If that is the case, then I can understand, since most of the circumstances mentioned thus far which label someone as unclean are health issues that could infect others of the community. But...childbirth? And are the unclean still permitted to worship on their own? Is there a way for them to atone for their sins while they are still separated and unclean?
Well apparently, my awake time is up. Tomorrow I'll continue on with chapters 14, 15, & 16 (and hopefully feel a bit better). We'll see what answers and questions they bring about.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Daily Bible Reading Journal: Leviticus 9 & 10
Exploring Leviticus 9 & 10 was on the agenda for yesterday's Bible reading. While it did stimulate some introspection, it also brought about questions and confusion. But first, the light in the dark.
Leviticus 9:6 says, “This is what the LORD has commanded you to do, so that the glory of the LORD may appear to you.” Perhaps I'm just reading into it too much, but this verse spoke to me. My prayer life has fallen short, I hold grudges long before I forgive, and am very impatient...yet I expect my prayers to be answered. Maybe instead of insisting so much on deliverance from my current woes, I should focus on obeying.
Once chapter 10 hits, however, all clarity turns to murk. Why were Aaron's sons struck down for making a first mistake in their new job? I'm so glad our employers don't treat us that way or I'd have been dead long ago! Why kill them rather than rebuke them? Then, after their deaths, why were Aaron & his other sons not allowed to mourn?! Further complicating my confusion, after seeing their brothers consumed by fire, the remaining sons still disobeyed following the offering. Yet they were simply reprimanded and let go. Did I miss something? Why the difference? Is there anything to be learned from those differences, or is it just a general illustration that there can be dire consequences for disobedience?
Maybe I'm asking questions too soon. We shall see if my questions are answered as I read the following chapters.
Leviticus 9:6 says, “This is what the LORD has commanded you to do, so that the glory of the LORD may appear to you.” Perhaps I'm just reading into it too much, but this verse spoke to me. My prayer life has fallen short, I hold grudges long before I forgive, and am very impatient...yet I expect my prayers to be answered. Maybe instead of insisting so much on deliverance from my current woes, I should focus on obeying.
Once chapter 10 hits, however, all clarity turns to murk. Why were Aaron's sons struck down for making a first mistake in their new job? I'm so glad our employers don't treat us that way or I'd have been dead long ago! Why kill them rather than rebuke them? Then, after their deaths, why were Aaron & his other sons not allowed to mourn?! Further complicating my confusion, after seeing their brothers consumed by fire, the remaining sons still disobeyed following the offering. Yet they were simply reprimanded and let go. Did I miss something? Why the difference? Is there anything to be learned from those differences, or is it just a general illustration that there can be dire consequences for disobedience?
Maybe I'm asking questions too soon. We shall see if my questions are answered as I read the following chapters.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Daily Bible Reading Journal: Leviticus 6, 7, & 8
As I was reading these chapters yesterday, a few things came to mind (probably not the things I should have been focusing on, of course). Shamefully, the first thing was that I had to keep prodding myself to actually pay attention to the words instead of just skimming through it. I have a very short attention span when it comes to seemingly repetitive concepts, such as genealogies and "slaughter this animal for this sin and that animal for that."
Almost equally as uninsightful of me was the realization that everyone, or at least Aaron and his sons, must have had to be a butcher of some degree in order to properly present their offerings. I'm so thankful that we can make our relationship right with God through Jesus and speak to Him ourselves rather than having to cut apart animals and speak with Him through intermediary holy men.
Lastly, my thoughts lingered on the laws regarding restitution to those we've sinned against and the effects this may have had on American law. Now, please don't throw tomatoes; admittedly, I'm quite ignorant in matters of law and history both. That being said, it seems to me that bits of our justice system, or at least many rulings, were once decided this way.
It brings to mind the principles that our country was founded on and how far away from that we've moved as a nation. Now we sue one another for millions of dollars just because we were clumsy enough to spill hot coffee in our laps. It's a reminder of how complicated we make our lives when we try to "fix" or "improve" the ways He's commanded us to live. And it brings to mind an insightful question I recently heard that was asked in response to those who think "Why believe in a god? Just be good for goodness' sake."
Almost equally as uninsightful of me was the realization that everyone, or at least Aaron and his sons, must have had to be a butcher of some degree in order to properly present their offerings. I'm so thankful that we can make our relationship right with God through Jesus and speak to Him ourselves rather than having to cut apart animals and speak with Him through intermediary holy men.
Lastly, my thoughts lingered on the laws regarding restitution to those we've sinned against and the effects this may have had on American law. Now, please don't throw tomatoes; admittedly, I'm quite ignorant in matters of law and history both. That being said, it seems to me that bits of our justice system, or at least many rulings, were once decided this way.
Lev 6:4 when he thus sins and becomes guilty, he must return what he has stolen or taken by extortion, or what was entrusted to him, or the lost property he found, 5 or whatever it was he swore falsely about. He must make restitution in full, add a fifth of the value to it and give it all to the owner on the day he presents his guilt offering.
It brings to mind the principles that our country was founded on and how far away from that we've moved as a nation. Now we sue one another for millions of dollars just because we were clumsy enough to spill hot coffee in our laps. It's a reminder of how complicated we make our lives when we try to "fix" or "improve" the ways He's commanded us to live. And it brings to mind an insightful question I recently heard that was asked in response to those who think "Why believe in a god? Just be good for goodness' sake."
"How do we define what is good or bad without the Bible?"
I Needed This Today
This was yesterday's "Prime Time with God" mailer (though I just got around to reading it this morning). It was something I needed to hear, right when I needed to hear it, so I thought I'd share in case anyone else out there happened to need to hear it today too.
Today's Prayer
Dear God, I know you are able...able to move mountains, to speak creation into existence, to heal the sick, save the lost, to meet every need I have. I commit myself to you. I pray for all the people around the world, plagued by turmoil, wars, illness, lack of basic needs, insecurity and fear, and addictions that enslave. Lord, You alone know best how to meet these needs and solve these dilemmas. I pray that You would intervene, that people would be drawn to You, and that You would give them rest and healing, safety and security, a sound mind and a hopeful future. I pray that you would help me to see who you want me to minister to today and offer a hand of fellowship, a ray of light, or whatever You want to offer through me. Thank you, Lord, for meeting my needs. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.
Discovering Your Purpose
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
01-05-2009
"You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something" (Psalm 139: 15). (Msg)
If you are going to discover how God wants to use your life and work, you must know why you were created. If you start trying to determine your purpose in life before understanding why you were created, you will inevitably get hung up on the things you do as the basis for fulfillment in your life, which will only lead to frustration and disappointment.
First and foremost, God created you to know Him and to have an intimate relationship with Him. In fact, God says that if a man is going to boast about anything in life, "boast about this: that he understands and knows me" (Jer. 9:24). Mankind's relationship with God was lost in the Garden when Adam and Eve sinned. Jesus' death on the cross, however, allows us to restore this relationship with God and to have an intimate fellowship with Him. The apostle Paul came to understand this when he said, "I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself" (Phil. 3:10, THE MESSAGE).
Establishing this relationship with God is vital to understanding your purpose. If you don't have this relationship with God, you will seek to fulfill your purpose out of wrong motives; such as fear, insecurity, pride, money, relationships, guilt, or unresolved anger. God's desire is for you to be motivated out of love for Him and to desire to worship Him in all that you do. As you develop your relationship with God, He will begin to reveal His purpose for your life. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord" (Jer. 29:11).
Today, ask God to help you discover your unique purpose.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Get a Real Job!
I've been a work-at-home-mom since my kids were very little, making enough cash to supplement my husband's income, while staying home with the kids and taking care of the house. Our finances have always left something to be desired, but the payoff means way more to us than keeping up with the Joneses: being able to raise our kids ourselves rather than hoping that day-care workers raise them right, being able to attend special activities at school, parent events, and participating in extra-curriculars - not to mention being able to schedule my job around my faith and family rather than vice-versa.
Well, in the past few years, my supplemental cash has not been enough for us to make ends meet, even after cutting out all of the non-essentials. Don't get me wrong, when business is going well, we can get by just fine, but the past 6 months in particular have been horribly un-well. After way too many months of borrowing from Peter to pay Paul we're considering the possibility that I leave the house to "get a real job".
I have a feeling that most people would look at this and say "So what? You have to do what you have to do to put food on the table," while others might advise us to apply for assistance until business picks up again. To the second group pf people, I have to let you know that current regulations (in our area, at least) do not consider self-employment to be suitable work. In order to be eligible for assistance you must either be working full-time or involved in a related program that requires you to be in training/searching for 30+ hours a week until you are gainfully employed at a "real job". To the first group of people, I bring forth my inner battle of faith.
You may ask, "What does faith have to do with providing for your family?" Before I answer that question, I feel it necessary to get something out of the way: my husband works a full-time manual-labor job and I have two at-home businesses, so it's not that either of us are afraid of hard work. And secondly, my husband and I truly believe that the best way to raise our children and take care of our family is with me at home. Now to answer your question about faith, I must start by quoting Matthew 6:25-34
In the words of Yoda, "Meditate on this, I will."
Well, in the past few years, my supplemental cash has not been enough for us to make ends meet, even after cutting out all of the non-essentials. Don't get me wrong, when business is going well, we can get by just fine, but the past 6 months in particular have been horribly un-well. After way too many months of borrowing from Peter to pay Paul we're considering the possibility that I leave the house to "get a real job".
I have a feeling that most people would look at this and say "So what? You have to do what you have to do to put food on the table," while others might advise us to apply for assistance until business picks up again. To the second group pf people, I have to let you know that current regulations (in our area, at least) do not consider self-employment to be suitable work. In order to be eligible for assistance you must either be working full-time or involved in a related program that requires you to be in training/searching for 30+ hours a week until you are gainfully employed at a "real job". To the first group of people, I bring forth my inner battle of faith.
You may ask, "What does faith have to do with providing for your family?" Before I answer that question, I feel it necessary to get something out of the way: my husband works a full-time manual-labor job and I have two at-home businesses, so it's not that either of us are afraid of hard work. And secondly, my husband and I truly believe that the best way to raise our children and take care of our family is with me at home. Now to answer your question about faith, I must start by quoting Matthew 6:25-34
All of that being said, my inner struggle is this; is my need to find a regular 9-5 job simply a lack of faith? Should I be working harder from home and relying upon the Lord to provide when I cannot? Or is that line of thinking just a cop-out because my flesh desires to stay close to my family at all times? Or because I'm afraid of change and the unknown?“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life ? 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
In the words of Yoda, "Meditate on this, I will."
Bible Challenge
In this morning's sermon, Pastor challenged the congregation to do one or more of the following things:
That being said (and assuming I have any readers at all), I have a favor to ask of you. I'd like you to be my accountability partners. If you see that I haven't blogged in a few days, please send me a "kick in the rear" message; a question about what I've been reading or a reminder that I'm not holding to the commitment I so dearly want to keep. Ok? Ok!
Wishing you many blessings in 2009!
- Commit to reading the Bible daily.
- Read the entire Old Testament by the end of 2009.
- Commit to Bible "journalling" for at least 1 month.
That being said (and assuming I have any readers at all), I have a favor to ask of you. I'd like you to be my accountability partners. If you see that I haven't blogged in a few days, please send me a "kick in the rear" message; a question about what I've been reading or a reminder that I'm not holding to the commitment I so dearly want to keep. Ok? Ok!
Wishing you many blessings in 2009!
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