Leviticus 14 - Day 141 (link to reading plan)
Scripture: Leviticus 14:1-32 Commentary: A person who became an outcast because of a grievous skin disease was cut off from access to the sanctuary and worship of God. Did the fact that one was stricken mean that that one had sinned? No doubt popular belief held that such a person was a sinner. But it is important to observe that the law itself did not make such an accusation. That such a position is not central to these regulations is seen in their prescribing the ritual for a person who had recovered from a grievous skin disease to be readmitted to the community. This possibility offered hope to anyone afflicted with such a loathsome disease—not only the hope that he might recover, but also that he could return to a normal life. Hartley, J. E. (1992). Leviticus (Vol. 4, p. 200). Dallas: Word, Incorporated. Application: It doesn't feel good to be an outcast. Instead of just discarding these individuals, God provided a way for them to be restored to their community after they were healed, foreshadowing the redemption of the coming Messiah. Prayer: Lord, thank You for fulfilling Your promise. Leviticus 13 - Day 140 (link to reading plan)
Scripture: Leviticus 13:40-46 Observation: The Lord gives Moses instructions concerning serious skin diseases. Application: Losing your hair doesn't make a man "ceremonially unclean," it just means that he's balding. Thank God! I chuckled when I read this verse because I could just imagine all the balding men expressing their sense of relief as Moses explained these instructions. Prayer: Lord, thank You for caring more about what's inside than outside. Leviticus 12 - Day 139 (link to reading plan)
Scripture: Leviticus 12:1-5 Commentary: Not all uncleanness was avoidable, and the cause of uncleanness was often something that would in no way be considered sinful. There are several categories of uncleanness that could not be easily avoided, including sexual impurities, disease-related impurities and the uncleanness that came from contact with a corpse or carcass. Though it was a matter of etiquette rather than ethics, the sacred compass needed to be protected from that which was inappropriate...In Israel bodily emissions such as menstrual blood and semen were closely associated with life. When the potential for life that they represented went unfulfilled, they would represent death and therefore uncleanness. That the uncleanness from childbirth should be seen as similar to monthly uncleanness from the menstrual cycle was common in ancient cultures, including Egypt, Babylonia and Persia. Matthews, V. H., Chavalas, M. W., & Walton, J. H. (2000). The IVP Bible background commentary: Old Testament (electronic ed., Le 12:2). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. Application: Besides dietary restrictions (don't eat the fat of animals), God gave the Israelites instructions for their health, wellness, and grooming. Like a good parent God was concerned for His children, so He took the time to teach them the simple things that they needed to do, in order to take care of themselves. Prayer: Lord, thank You for caring about our health too. Leviticus 11 - Day 138 (link to reading plan)
Scripture: Leviticus 11:46-47 Commentary: In following these dietary laws, the Israelites obeyed God’s instructions several times each day, developing deep in their consciousness an attitude of obedience to God. That all the people observed these laws at every meal was a mighty force of solidarity, uniting the people as God’s special treasure (Exod 19:5). It separated the Israelites from their polytheistic neighbors and became a distinguishing mark of their national identity. The importance of these dietary laws increased when the Jews became dispersed among the nations. They have become a significant force in preserving Jewish identity. They erect a high barrier against assimilation and amalgamation of the Jewish people, which would lead to the loss of their racial identity. Today, keeping kosher is a distinguishing mark of a very devout Jew and communicates the understanding that that person belongs to the chosen people of God. Hartley, J. E. (1992). Leviticus (Vol. 4, p. 163). Dallas: Word, Incorporated. Application: Before Jesus arrived on the scene, God wanted his children to be separated from their pagan neighbors so one way to do that was with these dietary restrictions. Thank God Jesus taught us that it's not what we eat that makes us unclean but what's already inside of our hearts and minds. Prayer: Lord, thank You that we can use mealtimes to get to know people, especially those who don't know you. Leviticus 10 - Day 137 (link to reading plan)
Scripture: Leviticus 10:1-3 Observation: Aaron's sons were killed for disobeying the Lord's instructions. Application: There are consequences for our disobedience. Nadab and Abihu's death was a dramatic reminder that God is holy and is serious about His instructions. Thankfully, Jesus has already paid the price for our sins and given us his grace. Prayer: Lord Jesus, have mercy on me a sinner.. |
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