Monday, February 1, 2010
February 1 ... Leviticus 1 - 4 "Nearness of God"
Leviticus 3:16 - "...Fixed rules down through the generations..." How can they possibly remember all of this as it wasn't written down in a book for them to review daily. Loved the last line of Love Letters: "Leviticus reveals what's most wrong with you that blocks your joy." What is it???? Holiness---"The toughest part of My Plan is to make you holy. You want me to solve your problems, but you don't know what your worst problem is. You don't yet realize that distance from Me is the most lethal problem you have." I will hold that word--- "distance" ---close to my thoughts and heart this day. How do I distance myself from friend and foe? Do I distance my thoughts and worries and decisions from my God? The nearness of God is my good (Psalm 73:28), not distance. So what does that look like this day?
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Good point, Bev. I also wonder how they could possibly remember!
ReplyDelete"... relationship with Me is ALWAYS the issue that trumps every other concern... " I really do expect God to cooperate with my plans. I long for that intimate relationship with Him "first thing" then every "second thing" will be mine to enjoy. I am loving Dr. Larry Crabb's book to explain it in ways even I can understand.
I woke up last night with that feeling of someone standing on my chest. I'm so grateful to have His Word and to have the reminder that I'm not alone and that He really does care about every detail and wants to be my "first" love.
Have a good day, friends!
Angie xoxo
Love how there is a common thread in our thoughts. I have yet to get the book, (will remedy that soon) and was thinking how I want to fit God into my plans when His is the better plan!
ReplyDeleteReflecting further on: "Our worst problem is holiness." "Lethal," as described by Dr. Crabb. Everything else is a "second thing"
ReplyDeleteI'm reading Leviticus looking from this side of the cross, Christ as our Provision--the perfect Sacrifice, and thanking Him I didn't live in Moses' time. He is our only ticket to holiness, to relationship with God.
The readings in Leviticus have convicted me how little time I spend confessing my sin, and how often I take His Provision in Christ Jesus for granted.
Praying today for each of us to know the nearness of God.
Wow how all of your comments have blessed me. My husband has fallen in love with 66 Love Letters too, I think I am going to get him his own copy though. Now,IF I can only get it through my thick skull and perhaps my wandering heart that what He really wants is a relationship and to quit giving Him a list of things. I am succeeding in small steps but only due to His power and His grace. Bless all who follow this and are reading along.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing that the Israelites could remember how to do these offerings and when. It's very confusing to even read all of the details. Amazing how much God is in the details.
ReplyDeleteI am in agreement with all of the previous comments. I always lean toward wanting what I want, rather than truly valuing holiness. I was struck by Dr. Crabb's words, "This issue is worship and intimacy with Me, not health, wealth, or personal comfort. How often I find myself wishing that God would make things go my way! I can only imagine what a slap in the face that is to my Lord and Savior, after all He's done for me, yet I totally miss that most days.
These readings have been fabulous! Thanks, Bev, for your heart for God and your insights into His word, my friend. Thank you also to those of you who leave comments. You always make me think, and you bless me more than you could ever imagine.
What a wonderful way to begin Leviticus with each of you Godly Women!! Your insight has encouraged me today, and I have to say I agree with Bev, Ang, and CiCi.......how did they memorize all those commands. I have enough challenge with memorizing 24 verses a year. Oh My!
ReplyDelete....moving forward. These chapters truly reminded me how casual our culture's attitude is toward sin. We ignore the cost of sin and need for repentance and restoration. Reading the rituals today, made me realize the purpose was to reveal a high and holy God who should be loved, obey, and worshiped.
How I pray that through the cross my eyes and soul will be reminded of the Holiness and Splendor of Lord. And how through these 27 chapters that the Lord's plan to make us more like Him.
Have a blessed week Ladies.
oH aNGie! I am so sorry about the standing on the chest saga. It's not a strange thought to me---a familiar one. May He speak in those quiet moments Isaiah 30:18 - He longs to have Compassion on you! My Love!
ReplyDeleteAnnette, what a great thought about being convicted of our sin...i think way too shallow about sin!
ReplyDeleteKim D. - tell me I didn't miss you in Houston? Did you not get to go??? Wow, you did all 24! That's really neat!
ReplyDeleteAwww...thank you cici! Your words touch me in a good place!
ReplyDeleteMary Lou, God is good to me through you! a BONUS! gEN 43:23
ReplyDeletenISE, You are so faithful! What a privilege to get to do this again with you. Just love hearing from you.
ReplyDeleteMy book should be here this week and I can't wait.
ReplyDeleteI think I should join a "Books Anonymous" because I have an addiction for books.
That hand on the priest of the offering...just gets me.
Accept this in my place, GOD.
And my hand is on the head of Jesus Christ. Accept Him, Your one and only Son, in my place.
Talk about sacrificial giving...and I am convicted and encouraged to give more...better...and sacrificially...for my God.
Deborah, what's the ref on the hand on the head---ooohh...i loved it! I had a special moment this week putting my hand on a few heads and now to read this---ooohhh...would love to know. Just love your insight!
ReplyDeleteI had a typo: the hand of the priest on the offering.
ReplyDeleteAnd the priest's hand is only on the Absolution Offering when he sins unintentionally. Here's the breakdown of the hand on the sacrificial offering:
1. WHOLE BURNT OFFERING
(The sinner's hand on the head of the offering):
Lev 1:3-9 (Lev 1:4 in KJV)
2. PEACE OFFERING
(The sinner's hand on the head of the offering):
Lev 3:1-5 & 6-11 & 12-16
3. ABSOLUTION OFFERING
(The sinner's hand...this is the anointed priest who has sinned):
Lev 4:1-12
(The whole congregation has sinned...the elders hands on the head of the offering)
Lev 4:13-21
(The ruler has sinned...his hand on the head of the offering)
Lev 4:22-26
(An ordinary member of the congregation has sinned...his hand on the head of the offering)
Lev 4:27-31 & 32-35
Bev, if you are reading from Biblegateway's site online, there is a link on the row of thumbnails to click on to read the next chapter. Next to these is a link to a commentary. It is rich with additional information on these sacrifices...especially pointing out Christ in them.
I just am so humbled that the sinner had to lay his hand on the head of the offering and then slay the animal. Can you just imagine choosing the very best from your stock and offering this animal you are looking into their very eyes as you commit the deed?
That is a picture of our relationship with Christ. He is the very best of the best of humanity...we bring Him to the "door" of the Tabernacle (KJV) and I see that as my heart...we put our hand on Him showing our substitution...and then we kill him as our atonement.
This is so personal. My sin...my atonement...through Christ alone.
Bev - You didn't miss me in Houston, I was unable to attend. However, what a blessing the 24 verses were to me last year. To continue on my journey this year, with you as we travel through the 66 Books of the Word of the Lord is such a blessing, and I hope our paths cross soon.
ReplyDelete-Kim