“With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Leviticus 9

“With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:6-8

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - moving on to chapter nine - Powerful Worship - covering Leviticus 9:1-24, looking specifically at the theme - Powerful Worship Includes Submission to God's Word. Here, the commentary examines the broad brush of how God commanded Moses and the Israelites regarding the details of worship.  In the inaugural worship (described as powerful per my post yesterday), "God's people in worship submitted to what God had said regarding worship." The implication is clear: while the ceremonial law, including the Old Testament sacrificial system, no longer applies, God still seeks an appropriate worship from believers, as our worship reflects how we submit to God's Word, and it is how we relate to God.  The commentary notes "three ways worship relates to submission of God's Word":

1. "We Submit to God's Word by the Act of Worship": throughout scripture (see Psalm 96:8-9, John 4:23, Matthew 6:10, and Revelation 4:8 as examples) God commands us to worship.  The commentary exhorts believers to see how we must attend church weekly as "[n]othing is clearer, more fundamental, and more imperative in God's Word than God's people gathering to give worship and praise to God.  We submit to God's Word by the act of the worship."
2.  "We Submit to God's Word by the Way We Worship": We are to sing praise to Him; we are to be contrite - so humility and confession are important; we are to pray; we offer gifts and tithes; and we read and examine scripture. "God's Word does not tell us to critique what others do in worship, but to worship.  We are not spectators, we are participants.  The almighty, holy, sovereign God meets with us in worship.  He has told us to gather to worship Him, and He has told us what to do in worship."
3. "We Submit to God's Word by a Life of Worship": God does not need animal sacrifices as described in Leviticus, and He does not want empty rituals  - He wants our heart. We are encouraged to fully submit to God in all areas of our life.  We are encouraged to follow Micah's words (Micah 6:6-8).  

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who has provided amazing churches for me to experience powerful worship.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You bless me in this way, or in any way.  I am full of anger and harsh words.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And Moses and Aaron went into the tent of meeting, and when they came out they blessed the people, and the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people. And fire came out from before the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the pieces of fat on the altar, and when all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces.

Leviticus 9

And Moses and Aaron went into the tent of meeting, and when they came out they blessed the people, and the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people. And fire came out from before the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the pieces of fat on the altar, and when all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces. Leviticus 9:23-24

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - moving on to chapter nine - Powerful Worship - covering Leviticus 9:1-24, looking specifically at the theme - Powerful Worship Follows Preparation for God's Presence.  Here, the commentary focuses on how in Leviticus 9 we see a description of the "inaugural worship service for the tabernacle that God had commanded to be built during Israel's wilderness wandering.  God had told them to build the tabernacle; they obeyed and built it.  God had told them to consecrate Aaron and his sons as priests, and they did that [Leviticus 8].  God had told them what sacrifices to offer and how to offer them [Leviticus 1-7]. Now, the time of preparation was over and the time of worship had arrived, and, and if any worship experience could be described as powerful, this one was powerful.  It was ordained by God, blessed by God, and visited by God.  God can use it to teach us something about powerful worship."

The commentary describes powerful worship as an undeniable demonstration of God's power moving in our life or in the life of others near us.  The commentary then pivots to how believers can consistently experience powerful worship as believers often do not experience such powerful worship because we are focused perhaps solely on secular aspects of the worship experience such as the music, or the sermon. Or believers may focus on earthly concerns or cares and such distractions prevent us from experiencing powerful worship. We are then urged to see how we don't experience powerful worship simply because we weren't ready to receive anything from God[, as p]owerful public worship is so often preceded by powerful private worship."  The commentary points out how the Israelites inaugural public worship was preceded not just by preparation via learning about how to perform the sacrificial system as the means of atonement or or learning about how priests are to be consecrated and ordained.  The inaugural worship was also preceded by a recognition and acknowledgement of all that God had done for Israel at that point: delivery from bondage in Israel (including the 10 miracles/plagues God demonstrated to Pharaoh/Egypt), provision for food and water in the wilderness, God's awesome presence at Mount Sinai, the giving of the Ten Commandments, etc. As we prepare for worship on Sundays, we too prepare our hearts for worship.  We should recognize and acknowledge all that Jesus has done for us and how He is all that we need.  We should pray that we exalt Him during our time in worship, and for God to prepare our hearts to receive Him and His Word for us.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who has done so much for me - my words and worship cannot fully describe the breadth and depth of Your love for me, how You reign, and how awesome You are.  Thank You Jesus for Your love for me and of course for my salvation - the greatest gift of all time.  I am not dserving of such a gift and for how You love me.  I am often harsh with others.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Leviticus 8

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - ending my time with chapter eight - Are You Ready to Serve - covering Leviticus 8:1-8:36, looking specifically at the theme - Enjoy Communion with God in Serving.  Here, the commentary wraps the chapter by looking at v31 where Aaron and sons are commanded by to God to eat an ordination meal at the entrance of the tent of meeting, "a space that represented the presence of God.  Therefore they were eating in the presence of God.  Eating with someone symbolized fellowship...[and] friendship." The commentary then describes how a friendship or close relationship can develop into something where one of the friends who is not a believer may see "something" about the other friend who is a believer and this something is Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit working in the believer's life.  As this chapter of the commentary wraps its look at how we are to serve, just as Aaron and his sons did, we are encouraged to look at how believers are to serve in all areas in our life, including in our relationships, as all believers are part of a "royal priesthood" (see 1 Peter 2:9). 

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who has placed many, many believers in my life who acted in their "priestly duties" by submitting their lives to Jesus, and allowing Jesus to work through them as I and others saw this - all so that myself and others became drawn to God.  Amazing indeed - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You have orchestrated all of this.  My sin, of anger, worry, etc. continues.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

 

And he killed it, and Moses took some of its blood and put it on the lobe of Aaron's right ear and on the thumb of his right hand and on the big toe of his right foot. Then he presented Aaron's sons, and Moses put some of the blood on the lobes of their right ears and on the thumbs of their right hands and on the big toes of their right feet.

Leviticus 8

And he killed it, and Moses took some of its blood and put it on the lobe of Aaron's right ear and on the thumb of his right hand and on the big toe of his right foot. Then he presented Aaron's sons, and Moses put some of the blood on the lobes of their right ears and on the thumbs of their right hands and on the big toes of their right feet. Leviticus 8:23-24

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing with chapter eight - Are You Ready to Serve - covering Leviticus 8:1-8:36, looking specifically at the theme - Demonstrate Dedication to Serve.  Here, the commentary focuses on the ordination offering as described in v8:22-29. Specifically, we are referred to v23-24 where Moses puts blood on the ear and toe of Aaron, and he does the same for Aaron's sons. The commentary then uses the colloquialism "from head-to-toe," to show how all of Aaron and his sons were fully dedicated to serve.  We are then referred to the hymn Take My Life, and Let it Be, and also to the Hebrew word translation of ordination as "to fill the hand."  This "filling of the hand" implies how not only God equips us with the tools (spiritual gifts) needed to serve, but also to show us that God gave us hands to serve the church and others (see 1 Corinthians 12, and Galatians 5:13).  We are urged to see that work must be done and believers are not to be idle.  We must not only not be idle, but we must be - just as Jesus was in His ministry as described in the gospel books - dedicated to serve.  

Comment and discuss this post. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has blessed me and others with spiritual gifts so that we can serve You and others.  I have been blessed by the spiritual gifts of others - Your design is perfect and awesome! Thank You for the dedication of others to serve. Thank You Jesus!  Yet I am not deserving of how You bless me - my sin of worry, harsh words, etc. continues.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friens and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve, You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.

Leviticus 8

Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. 2 Timothy 2:20-21

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing with chapter eight - Are You Ready to Serve - covering Leviticus 8:1-8:36, looking specifically at the theme - Seek Purification to Serve.  Here, the commentary focuses on the Old Testament sacrificial system of purification, how Jesus as the New Testament High Priest needed no purification, and how God seeks all those who serve Him to be pure.  To start, the commentary refers to v8:6 to describe how God directed Moses to purify and wash Aaron and his sons for their work in the priesthood.  The commentary then pivots to how in the Second Covenant and New Testament believers have Jesus - the Great High Priest who knew no sin and therefore required no washing or purification (although John the Baptist baptized - see accounts in Matthew, Mark and Luke). We are pointed to Hebrews 4:15 and 7:26-27 where Jesus is described as perfect and sinless.  Finally, the commentary states how Jesus was able to serve because He was "always clean morally and spiritually, so He was always ready to serve Him.  As this chapter of the commentary focuses on believers serving the church and Jesus, if we are to serve, we are urged to "confess our sin and allow God to forgive us[, as] God requires us to be clean in order to serve Him....God wants clean vessels to carry His living water to thirsty people."  On this point, the commentary points us to 2 Timothy 2:20-21.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who lived a perfect sinless life but You nonetheless willingly died on a cross so that I could have forgiveness of sin and eternal life.  Thank You Jesus!  Yet I am undeserving.  I continue to sin, harshness towards others, etc. and need cleansing and purification.  Please forgive me for my sin and help me turn from it towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.   

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound[.]

Leviticus 8

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound[.] Isaiah 61:1, Luke 4:18

This afternoon, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing with chapter eight - Are You Ready to Serve - covering Leviticus 8:1-8:36, looking specifically at the theme - Be Consecrated to Serve.  Here, the commentary focuses on how God directed Moses to anoint Aaron and his sons to serve in the priesthood.  Anointing oil, the anointing of the altar, and the anointing of Aaron and his sons is mentioned seven times in Leviticus 8 (v2, 10, 11, 12, 30).  The act of anointing the altar, Aaron, and his sons is God's way of "pouring out His blessing" on the altar, Aaron, and his sons.  With the anointing process, God's bestows spiritual power and position.   This process is mentioned throughout scripture, including with kings Saul (1 Samuel 9), David (1 Samuel 16), and Solomon (1 Chronicles 29). The commentary also refers us to Luke 4:18 and how Jesus quotes the messianic prophecy from Isaiah 61:1. Believers are also referred to as anointed - 1 John 2:20.  The commentary wraps up by observing how too often those who seek success focus on the secular aspects of how to get ahead, but don't seek "the one thing we need more than anything else if we are ever to" not only serve God effectively, but also to live successfully.  "We need God's anointing-His blessing and power.  That is His consecration to serve Him."

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has equipped me to serve, and I have seen Your hand at work moving in the lives of others as You worked in me to serve others - thank You for the blessings to experience this.  Yet I am not deserving of how You have blessed me in this way and in all the ways You bless me.  I have sin - every day - please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul,  and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“You shall make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it, like the engraving of a signet, ‘Holy to the Lord.’ And you shall fasten it on the turban by a cord of blue. It shall be on the front of the turban. It shall be on Aaron's forehead[.]

Leviticus 8

“You shall make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it, like the engraving of a signet, ‘Holy to the Lord.’ And you shall fasten it on the turban by a cord of blue. It shall be on the front of the turban. It shall be on Aaron's forehead[.] Exodus 28:36-38

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing with chapter eight - Are You Ready to Serve - covering Leviticus 8:1-8:36, looking specifically at the theme - Commit to a Position of Service. The commentary focuses on the description of the priestly garments Aaron and his sons wore in support of their role.  We are pointed to not just Leviticus 8:5-9, but also Exodus 28:36-38, where more detail is provided. Everything about the details is important and plays a role, including the colors of the garments, which the commentary points out match the colors of the tabernacle to remind us that the priest "goes with" the tabernacle; the twelve gemstones (see Exodus 28:21) that symbolize the twelve tribes of Israel; and the bells around the hem of the garment allow the Israelite congregation to hear the priests as they move about their duties in the tabernacle. The commentary not only emphasizes how Aaron and his sons are dedicated to serve, but it also encourages all believers to serve the Kingdom of God - to use our God-given abilities to glorify Him.  We are referred to 1 Corinthians 12 where Paul discusses how "every member of the body is necessary and important...[and] [e]ach has a role to play in the church." 

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has blessed me through my service in the church!  Thank You Jesus!  You have blessed me and equipped me to serve - thank You Jesus!  I am undeserving of how You bless me because my sin continues - unintentional sin, arrogance, quick to talk, slow to listen, etc. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you....For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands[.]

Leviticus 8

Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you....For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands[.] 1 Timothy 4:14, 2 Timothy 1:6

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - starting chapter eight - Are You Ready to Serve - covering Leviticus 8:1-8:36, looking specifically at the theme - Make a Public Declaration to Serve.  Here, the commentary points out how Leviticus 1-7 consist of the laws that comprise the sacrificial system, and Leviticus 8-10 focus on the priests that lead the sacrificial system.  In Leviticus 8, the commentary provides for two key takeaways: (1) "in Christ, God has eliminated the need for mediation by a human priest; (2) all followers of Jesus are priests."  Regarding the first takeaway, the commentary emphasizes what believers should already understand: we have "immediate access to the presence of God....[and] the old covenant priesthood [is] obsolete."  We are urged to refer to Hebrews 4:16, 9:15, 12:24, and 1 Timothy 2:5 as scriptural basis for this key takeaway. For the second takeaway, we are urged to refer to a number of scriptural examples, including 1 Peter 2:9. In the context of the theme for today Make a Public Declaration to Serve, the commentary looks at v8:6,13, and 24 and how the whole Israelite congregation gathered for the public consecration of Aaron and his sons for service in the priesthood.  The commentary wraps by describing how the laying of hands on the sacrificial offering here in Leviticus 8 is carried forward into the New Testament (and the current church) as described in Acts 13:1-3 and 1 Timothy 4:14 and 2 Timothy 1:6 where this practice is used with elected church leaders.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who has blessed with amazing church leaders where I have seen the examples of how church practices such as the laying of hands are carried forward from Leviticus and other places in scripture to current day - all as a demonstration of reverence for God and how He desires us to worship and serve Him.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You have blessed me with such amazing leaders and how You have blessed me in other countless ways.  My sin is great - rashness, impatience, quick to talk and slow to listen, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace?

Leviticus 6-7

How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? Hebrews 10:29

This afternoon, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing chapter seven - Serving God in God's Way - covering Leviticus 6:8-7:38, looking specifically at the theme - We Maintain Holiness Before God.  Here, the commentary focuses on how God desires us to avoid uncleanliness (or sin), and for us to "show reverence for God's means of atonement."  In several places in the text for today, God commands the Israelites to keep the place of worship clean - the implication being for Christians of today is (per the commentary) that God "does not want us to engage in something holy, like worship, when our lives are unholy.  He wants us to live holy lives and offer holy worship." We are urged to see how this principal in Leviticus shows up elsewhere in scripture, including Isaiah 52:11 and in 2 Corinthians 6:17 when Paul quotes Isaiah 52:11. 

The commentary for today and this chapter wraps by urging believes to not treat Christ's sacrifice "flippantly."  God designed the Old Testament sacrificial system and all of its details perfectly with an eye towards having the Israelites work through the details carefully to ensure complete obedience to God.  While this sacrificial systems is no longer used for Christians, God nonetheless wants us to see Christ's death on the cross as a very serious matter and an act that demands both our attention and ongoing focus was we approach worship and every aspect of our life.  We must remain right with God.  As a scriptural basis for how we are to remain right with God and to not treat His death on the cross flippantly we are to refer to Hebrews 10:29.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are Holy and You are perfect and all of your designs are perfect, including how You command us to worship.  I have also seen Your perfect design in my life with how You orchestrate the many blessings I experience - thank You Jesus!  Yet there are times when my worship is treated flippantly - please forgive me Jesus! Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.

Leviticus 6-7

Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel. 1 Corinthians 9:13-14

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing chapter seven - Serving God in God's Way - covering Leviticus 6:8-7:38, looking specifically at the theme - We Provide for Worship Leaders. Here, the commentary focuses on how throughout v6:8-7:38 - specifically 6:16-18, 6:29, 7:5-8, and 7:11 - God commands the Israelites to set aside portions of the various sacrifices for the priests.  The commentary then turns to believers who are to see how, even though the Old Testament sacrificial system was done away with Christ's sacrifice on the cross, God still seeks for us to support our worship leaders. During the period of the Old Testament when Leviticus was written, priests' only means of sustenance and provision was through their role in the tabernacle and temple.   The commentary points us to 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 where Paul "repeats" this call for worshipers to support worship leaders; similarly, Paul writes about how elders should be afforded the same support in 1 Timothy 5:17-18. We are urged to see how Paul uses Deuteronomy 25:4 and 24:14-15 as the scriptural basis for what he writes in 1 Corinthians 9 and 1 Timothy 5. 

The commentary closes by ensuring that we are clear that "God does not command us to support Him" as "nowhere does the Bible imply that God needs or lacks something...He commanded sacrificial offerings not because He needs anything from us, but because we need the sacrifice to take the penalty for our sin so we will be allowed to come into His presence to be reconciled to Him."

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who loves me and who is so full of compassion and mercy for me - You have placed great pastors in my life who have encouraged and supported me - I am grateful!  Yet I am undeserving for how You have blessed me in this way and in all ways....I have been critical of pastors my criticism is sinful...please forgive me Jesus!  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me support my pastors.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Fire shall be kept burning on the altar continually; it shall not go out.

 Leviticus 6-7

Fire shall be kept burning on the altar continually; it shall not go out. Leviticus 6:13

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - starting chapter seven - Serving God in God's Way - covering Leviticus 6:8-7:38, looking specifically at the theme - We Depend on God's Presence. Here, the commentary points out what anyone who has read the previous chapters of Leviticus would already notice - that it seems that God is simply repeating his law for the various offerings described in previous chapters (burnt, grain, fellowship, sin, restitution offerings).  Yet the commentary urges us to slow down and pay attention to the details - to read the Bible with what John Piper refers to as "aggressive attentiveness." Of course, if we do this here in Leviticus 6:8-7:38 we can see new, previously undisclosed details of God's law not mentioned in previous scripture. As I begin this chapter of the commentary, I am urged to, as the title of the chapter in the commentary states, "serve God in God's Way," not in my way and not to accomplish via human means what only God can do. 

The commentary provides three takeaways for today, using three subheadings, with the first being "The Perpetual Fire Reminded the People of Their Access to God's Presence."  We are pointed to the text where it says three times in v6:9,12, and 13 that the fire on the altar must not go out - it must continue burning. We are reminded that no matter what the circumstances, including pain and suffering, that God is always with us.  The commentary uses Jeremiah 1:8 and of course Matthew 28:20 as examples of God's promise that He is always with us.  

The next takeaway (subheading) is "The Perpetual Fire Reminded the People of the Availability of Atonement." With the fire always burning, regardless of where the temple exists, the presence of light and fire served as an encouragement that God is never "Closed for Business", but instead atonement is not only available for everyone, but at any time.

The final takeaway (subheading) is "The Perpetual Fire Reminded the People of the Activity of God Among Them." The commentary states how "God gave these laws concerning how these sacrifices [Old Testament sacrificial system] would be offered before the first sacrifice was offered." It points us to Leviticus 9:24 where it states how "[f]ire came [out] from the Lord."  The commentary further points out fire repeatedly in scripture represents God's activity - examples including the burning bush (Exodus 3), and how God led the Israelites out of Egypt by a pillar of cloud and fire (Exodus 13:21-22).

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me, who never leaves or forsakes me, is always available for atonement, and is always at work...thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a God.  My sin is great and it continues...worry, etc. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

 

Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.”

 Leviticus 5-6

Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” Romans 7:7

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing with chapter six - When We Are Guilty - covering Leviticus 5:14-6:7, looking specifically at the theme - God Provides for the Cancellation of Our Guilt.  Here, the commentary is rich with takeaways as it starts with the sub-heading God Requires Realization of Sin. It describes how the phrase "realizes his guilt" appears in Leviticus 6:4 and upon closer inspection we can see this phrase six times, emphasizing how an acknowledgement of sin is critical to our faith. To see the need for Jesus, you must first acknowledge your sin. The commentary digs deeper and writes how such an acknowledgement is not based on a worldly view of right and wrong but instead on God's view alone, and as written in the Bible; and the more we read the Bible, the more we should be drawn to God, because God reveals our sin to us in the Bible - we are pointed to Romans 7:7 as an example. Of course our brothers and sisters in Christ also play a role in "sharpening" us, as does the Holy Spirit. The commentary points us to Martin Luther's writings (see commentary on 3:19) on the role of the Law in helping us see our sin. 

The commentary then pivots to the next sub-heading God Requires Restitution for Sin (as described in v5:16, 6:4) and here it describes how we are to have Godly-grief over sin vs worldly grief (see 2 Corinthians 7:9-10). Such grief leads to true repentance - and changed behavior/lives - which is the restitution God seeks from us over our sin. 

Finally, the commentary writes in the sub-heading God Requires Receiving His Atonement that Jesus death on the cross is what God wants for us - He knew the Old Testament sacrificial system was going to be insufficient for our atonement so He sent His Son.  Isaiah 53:10 prophecies such a plan:

Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. Isaiah 53:10

We must acknowledge our sin as we all sin, are in need of Savior, and Jesus Christ is that Savior.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who gives atonement for my sin - through Jesus Christ.  Thank You Jesus!  The greatest gift of all time.  Yet I am undeserving of such grace and compassion.  My sin continues every single day.  Please forgive me Jesus.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “If anyone sins and commits a breach of faith against the Lord by deceiving his neighbor in a matter of deposit or security, or through robbery, or if he has oppressed his neighbor or has found something lost and lied about it, swearing falsely—in any of all the things that people do and sin thereby—if he has sinned and has realized his guilt and will restore what he took by robbery or what he got by oppression or the deposit that was committed to him or the lost thing that he found or anything about which he has sworn falsely, he shall restore it in full and shall add a fifth to it, and give it to him to whom it belongs on the day he realizes his guilt.

 Leviticus 5-6

The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “If anyone sins and commits a breach of faith against the Lord by deceiving his neighbor in a matter of deposit or security, or through robbery, or if he has oppressed his neighbor or has found something lost and lied about it, swearing falsely—in any of all the things that people do and sin thereby—if he has sinned and has realized his guilt and will restore what he took by robbery or what he got by oppression or the deposit that was committed to him or the lost thing that he found or anything about which he has sworn falsely, he shall restore it in full and shall add a fifth to it, and give it to him to whom it belongs on the day he realizes his guilt. Leviticus 6:1-5

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing with chapter six - When We Are Guilty - covering Leviticus 5:14-6:7, looking specifically at the theme - We Are Guilty When We Cheat Other People. The commentary this morning focuses on v6:1-5 and how God describes the sin of deceiving and oppressing others - generally described as "cheating."  Often times, depending on the object at hand and the associated value, such sin is seen as innocent and perhaps unintentional - again, as discussed previously, it does not matter as it is all sin.   From time to time, all of us are guilty of such matters and the commentary uses the example of borrowing a book and neglecting to return it.  We cannot get around the truth that we all sin and are in need of Savior. 

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Jesus, You are an amazing God as it amazing that despite how believers were enemies of You, and despite how we are unfaithful, You love us and save us anyways.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving, as my sin continues - worry, impatience, etc. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“If anyone sins, doing any of the things that by the Lord's commandments ought not to be done, though he did not know it, then realizes his guilt, he shall bear his iniquity."

 Leviticus 5-6

“If anyone sins, doing any of the things that by the Lord's commandments ought not to be done, though he did not know it, then realizes his guilt, he shall bear his iniquity." Leviticus 5:17

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing with chapter six - When We Are Guilty - covering Leviticus 5:14-6:7, looking specifically at the theme - We Are Guilty When We Disobey a Command of God.  Here, the commentary stresses unintentional sin, which is explicitly discussed in v5:14, 17-18.  It states that we sin unintentionally all the time - we often refer to these as mistakes, but these are sins nonetheless. We are urged to step back to see the extent of the details in Leviticus as laid out by God as commands that we are to follow.  Yet, the commentary then states regarding the Israelites' ability to keep all of these commandments: "[i]t was easy to make a mistake by forgetting or not knowing about a particular law."  V15 is called out with its reference to "holy things" and the commentary describes these as "all the things set apart for use in the sanctuary--shovels, utensils, and pans used in offering sacrifices and preparing incense. Those things were holy in that they were reserved only for use in the sanctuary." The commentary writes about how easy it must have been to miss a detail - unintentionally - about these commands.  We are urged to see how we - just as those living during the time when the Old Testament sacrificial system was in place were - are human and prone to mistakes and imperfection.  Only God is perfect and Holy. We are also urged to not question God's laws as He is the authority and He gets to make the rules, just as a parent does with a child.  There are no imperfect laws from God as He is perfect and Holy. 

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and whose laws are perfect and good for me.  All that You do is good and good for me.  I am undeserving of how You bless me.  I have sin such as worry, etc. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.  

Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.”...Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it in the hearing of the people. And they said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.”

 Leviticus 5-6

Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.”...Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it in the hearing of the people. And they said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.” Exodus 19:5-6, 24:7

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - starting chapter six - When We Are Guilty - covering Leviticus 5:14-6:7, looking specifically at the theme - We Are Guilty When We Violate Our Covenant Relationship with God. Here, the commentary describes the restitution offering, which as part of the Old Testament sacrificial system, includes "provisions for reparations, or restitution, to be made against whom we sin." See v5:16 where "restitution" is described, and v6:4-5 where we are instructed to "restore" or compensate those we've sinned against. As the commentary starts to unpack the chapter theme - When We Are Guilty - it starts by looking at the covenant God makes with His people, first in the Old Testament, and then ultimately with Jesus Christ with the Second Covenant.  The commentary urges us to look the covenant God establishes with the Israelites at Mount Sinai as written in Exodus 19 and 24.  The commentary then states that in the context of the covenant we make with God - as established in the Old Testament with the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20 and superseded with the Second Covenant - when we sin, regardless of the nature of our sin, it is sin nonetheless and we are being unfaithful to God and we are breaking the covenant we have with God. Of course, as I have been posting recently, although sin separates us from God, He provides a path for atonement, reconciliation and forgiveness.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God in that although we are unfaithful - as believers - to You and the covenant we establish with You, You are full of grace and compassion and provide a path for atonement, reconciliation, and forgiveness.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such grace and compassion.  My sin continues, including worry, etc. Please forgive me Jesus!  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to Your Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

 Leviticus 5

Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. Psalm 32:1-2

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - wrapping chapter five - Five Eternal, Counter Cultural Truths about God, Us and Our Sin - covering Leviticus 5:1-13, looking specifically at the final truth - After Confession and Atonement, God Forgives. The commentary this morning emphasizes how once sacrifice and atonement was offered - God forgives.  See this in v5:10 and 13. It is also emphasized how "atonement is available to everyone" and how regardless of social (see Leviticus 4:27 reference to "common people") or economic status - see Leviticus 5 for how less costly sacrifices are acceptable by God for those who cannot afford a lamb (v5:7) or even two turtledoves or two pigeons (v5:11) - everyone has access to God's forgiveness. The commentary states unequivocally "[n]o one was barred from God's forgiveness."  The commentary then pivots to how worshipers experience joy with forgiveness - we are urged to examine scripture where we see this joy. 

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and You forgive.  The joy of forgiveness!  I am grateful for how You forgive...yet I know I am undeserving because my sin - intentional and unintentional - continues....anger, worry, etc. Please reveal to me my sin, forgive me Jesus for my sin, and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.

 Leviticus 5

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 1 Timothy 2:5-6

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing with chapter five - Five Eternal, Counter Cultural Truths about God, Us and Our Sin - covering Leviticus 5:1-13, looking specifically at the theme God Provides Atonement for Sin. The commentary this morning focuses on atonement and starts by stating how the word is defined as reconciliation, with the implication being that sin separates us from God and atonement via the sacrificial system in the Old Testament was designed to provide a path for forgiveness and reconciliation. The commentary reinforces a recent post on the importance of our heart vs mindless rituals.  God's instructions on how to perform the sacrificial system as laid out in the Old Testament go to great lengths of details because details matter, and when we slow down and are careful, we can give more thought to what the rituals and corresponding details mean, and why God's design for the sacrificial system at the time was perfect.  However, God also knew at the time that the Old Testament sacrificial system was temporary as we knew Jesus was needed to die once and for all from the very beginning in Genesis. Ultimately, as the commentary points this out - Jesus became both the sacrifice and the mediator (priest). The commentary points to 1Timothy 2:5-6 as a great scriptural reference. 

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who provides a path for atonement and reconciliation - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You died for me and provided this path, nor for any of the blessings You pour out for me.  I continue to sin, gossip, worry, etc. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.

 Leviticus 5

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. James 5:16

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing with chapter five - Five Eternal, Counter Cultural Truths about God, Us and Our Sin - covering Leviticus 5:1-13, looking specifically at the theme God Requires Confession of Guilt. Building on my post yesterday that focused on how we all sin, including unintentional sin (omission) and with sin resulting from impure or unholy thoughts (hate, lust, envy, etc.), my commentary this morning focuses on confession once we realize our guilt - it is a critical and daily act that we must bring before God as we repent and ask for forgiveness. The commentary discusses how God's intention for confession in the Old Testament was that it be a visual and public display.  In the New Testament, we read in James 5:16 how we are to confess our sins to one another, implying that we at least confess our sins to those perhaps that we have "injured", but also implying that there are occasions when public confession is also appropriate. John Piper provides a thoughtful post on the matter.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed God as You are gracious and compassionate - providing a path for atonement through Your Son Jesus Christ - who died once and for all.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a God.  I have impure thoughts and say things that are harmful.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to Your Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

...and [Sin] is hidden from him, when he comes to know it, and realizes his guilt....

 Leviticus 5

...and [Sin] is hidden from him, when he comes to know it, and realizes his guilt.... Leviticus 5:2,3,4,5

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing with chapter five - Five Eternal, Counter Cultural Truths about God, Us and Our Sin - covering Leviticus 5:1-13, looking specifically at the theme Sin Results in Guilt. Building on my post yesterday, my commentary right away points how in v5:2, 3, 4, and 5, God gives us instructions on how to handle sin once we realize our sin.  We are constantly sinning, with our thoughts in particular and even unintentionally - the point is that we are all born sinners and it pervades our life, and Believers are not immune to sin as we are human.  Yet even as we sin, our culture, in which we as Believers find ourselves, refrains from discussing sin as morality fades from public view.  My commentary points to a secular book Whatever Happened to Sin as an example of such discussion, and this book was written nearly 50 years ago!  The commentary then proceeds to describe guilt within secular culture as a bad thing - something to be alleviated just as another malady where perhaps we can take a pill, have a drink, etc. Yet the commentary urges all of us, Believers and non-believers alike, to see guilt as playing a necessary and critical role in pointing us to the need for God.  God alone provides the path for atonement and a means to reconcile us to Himself. We all sin and we all need a savior - Jesus Christ is that Savior! 

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves us and who gives us a conscience, the Word, etc. so that we can all recognize our guilt and seek You.  Thank You Jesus!  What an awesome design!  I am not deserving of how You love me and how You design and provide for all of my needs.  I have anger and other sins.  Please forgive me Jesus.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

 Leviticus 5

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing with chapter five - Five Eternal, Counter Cultural Truths about God, Us and Our Sin - covering Leviticus 5:1-13, looking specifically at the theme Transgressing God's Law is Sin. Here, my commentary focuses on our proper response to sin when we are made aware of our sin.  We are to confess and to ask forgiveness - to seek atonement from God.  God gives all of us a conscience, the Word (the Law) and our brothers and sisters in Christ to help us see our sin. Today's verses mention the words  "realizes his guilt" five times and such emphasis highlights the need for confession and atonement. Several sins are described including failure to speak up as a witness to a crime or "indifferent silence" (v5:1), "prolonged impurity" (v5:2-3), and "an unfulfilled promise" (v5:4). The implications of these sins are discussed, including injustice, extended separation from God, and keeping one's word with regard to promises made to God in the context of marriage vows and other vows made before God. Sin offerings are described, including options for those of lesser means. We should recognize that there are no unrighteous laws, that God's law is perfect - nothing should be added or removed - and that it is only through God that we have forgiveness, reconciliation to God, and an ability to be obedient to God.  

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who provides a means for understanding my sin and for atonement of this sin - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of this or any of the other blessings You pour out for me.  My sin continues - anger, impatience, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself.

Leviticus 4

He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. Hebrews 7:27

This evening, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing with chapter four - How God Deals with Sin - covering Leviticus 4:1-35, looking specifically at the theme Jesus Fulfills the Old Covenant Sacrifices for Sin. Here, my commentary focuses on how even as God commanded the Israelites to follow the sacrificial system as written in Leviticus, "God knew that He intended the levitical sacrificial system to be temporary.  God knew His people would corrupt His sacrifices." Ultimately, as my commentary goes further, "they went through the motions as if the ritual itself was sufficient to atone for sin, like someone attending church with the assumption that their mere presence in the building means that all is well with them spiritually."  The commentary refers to "legalism" and "ritualism" as over-emphasis on the "doing" of the letter of the law without concern to an appropriate heart condition that seeks to love God first and foremost and to glorify Him for who He is and what He has done. The commentary also raises an important question which is "why didn't God simply send His Son immediately after Adam and Eve's sin?"  The commentary responds by stating God intended to demonstrate a powerful lesson that was to be clear - NONE of us are able to be righteous without God and we also ALL need God to be reconciled to Him as our sin separates us from Him.  

The commentary then moves to describe how God's lessons regarding sacrifice prepared the way for Jesus.  In Leviticus, we see several types of sacrificial offerings - burnt, grain, peace/fellowship, purification - to demonstrate that no single sacrifice was sufficient and that even together such a system was imperfect as it was offered by humans.  The commentary points to several verses, including Hebrews 7:27, where it is stated that Christ died once for all and became the perfect sacrifice and atonement for all sin, for all of humanity, for all of eternity. He did this so that just so that we could have a path to atonement and reconciliation with Him - what an act of grace...amazing grace!

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You offered Yourself and died on the cross so that I could have forgiveness from sin and be reconciled to You - amazing!  The greatest gift of all time.  I am not deserving of that or any other blessing You pour out for me.  Thank You Jesus.  Yet my sin continues...worry, gossip, harshness with others.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.