Category: OTC

Posted on

Priests Ministry Begins — Ordination of Aaron and His Sons

Leviticus 8-9

The eloquent speaker for Moses, Aaron, along with his sons become the first official priests for the Israelites. The ceremony requires a series of required steps for consecrating, purifying, etc., all of which required Moses to perform with precision as detailed in the previous chapters. Moses did these things, not servants or those that worked “for” Moses–he did them himself–in front of the assembly of people.

The Lord was pleased with the process, apparently everything was performed exactly as prescribed.

…and the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people. Fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell facedown. Leviticus 9:24

There was joy in the camp.

Reading through the processes followed by Moses, I have a better appreciation for the Roman Catholic church, for their adherence to rituals, robes, ornaments and the like. I’ve personally known many who love Jesus, who fully profess Christ as King. They are indeed our brothers and sisters in Christ. Following rituals doesn’t make me a Christian, I get that, and I hope that is clear, but there is something to be said about being obedient. Perhaps the point of reading these relatively ancient stories is to appreciate they were, in their time and in their space, being completely obedient to what God called them to be and do.

Todd Wilson echoes this theme in his excellent work, More, and the Be-Do-Go framework he built on Ephesians. Lord, help me to hear your voice clearly, to be who you called me to be, to do what you want  and to go where you called me.

Posted on

Offerings (Leviticus begins)

Leviticus 1-7 and Psalm 20

Several offerings are defined in the beginning of Leviticus. The following synopses are from the NIV Study Bible, p.164:

  1. The Burnt Offerings:
    1. Voluntary act of worship
    2. Atonement for unintentional sin in general
    3. Expression of devotion
    4. Commitment and complete surrender to God
  2. The Grain Offering
    1. Voluntary act of worship
    2. Recognition of God’s goodness and provisions
    3. Devotion to God
  3. The Fellowship Offering
    1. Voluntary act of worship
    2. Thanksgiving and fellowship (it included a communal meal)
  4. The Sin Offering
    1. Mandatory atonement for specific unintentional sing
    2. Confession of sin
    3. Forgiveness of sin
    4. Cleansing from defilement
  5. The Guilt Offering
    1. Mandatory atonement for unintentional sing requiring restitution
    2. Cleansing from defilement
    3. Make restitution
    4. Pay 20% fine

Season all your grain offerings with salt to remind you of God’s eternal covenant. Never forget to add salt to your grain offerings. Leviticus 2:13

The note in the grain offering to add salt is interesting, though I’m not sure I appreciate the significance.

If anyone sins because they do not speak up when they hear a public charge to testify regarding something they have seen or learned about, they will be held responsible. Leviticus 5:1

What a concept! This is a great lesson for all to hear, something that I hope I can learn from.

The priests have lots of responsibilities to carry out in implementing all of these offerings. They (and their family) are able to eat a portion of the sacrificed items and receive some of the income in the way of fines, but it seems it is enough to keep them going. No one is getting rich by being a priest!

These ceremonies were taken quite seriously, especially when considering mixing the clean and the unclean (that which is defined in great detail). Failing to follow these rules would result in excommunication: “must be cut off from their people.”

 

 

Posted on

Work on the Tabernacle and the Ark

Exodus 35-40

Those who were willing and had the ability to do the work joyfully committed themselves to making the Tabernacle a work of art. “Those who were willing…” appears several times. For what it’s worth, the New Living Translation is much easier to read through this section. They convert cubits to feet and weights to pounds. It may seem trivial, but 150-foot wall means more than a wall of 100 cubits. I have a small brain.

36 Now whenever the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out on their journey, following it. 37 But if the cloud did not rise, they remained where they were until it lifted. 38 The cloud of the Lord hovered over the Tabernacle during the day, and at night fire glowed inside the cloud so the whole family of Israel could see it. This continued throughout all their journeys. Exodus 40:36-38

The closing words of Exodus conclude the tribute to those who willingly worked to build the Tabernacle, Moses’ blessing on them and the Lord’s response was to be with them in the cloud.

Posted on

God’s Presence; New Tablets

Exodus 33-34

The Tent of Meeting, Moses and the Glory of the Lord, The Radiant Face of Moses.

The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Exodus 33:11

I’m letting those words just wash over me, amazed at the relationship between the Lord and Moses. This relationship is available to all who come to Christ. There are times when I have prayed for discernment, in particular, and I believe I have seen the radiance of God in the eyes of those who call him Lord. That might sound a bit bizarre, but I don’t dwell in that place for long, but perhaps I should. I imagine Moses looked forward to the Tent of Meeting, an opportunity to be with God. Still, Moses never had any misunderstanding that, though there was friendship, God was still God. He will not let the wicked go unpunished, nor the righteous go unnoticed. Sometimes we dwell too much on the former, well, I certainly want to see the wicked get what they deserve! Perhaps that’s why I’m not in charge!!

 

Posted on

Craftsmanship; The Golden Calf

Exodus 30-32 and Psalm 19

Bezalel and Oholiab step into the picture. Not kings or judges, not prophets or apostles, these men were chosen because of their great skill. Bezalel was filled “with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills–to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic crafts” (Exodus 31:2-6 & 35:30-33). Oholiab was chosen as a skilled teacher. Together they did the work of creating all of the items in the royal tent (including the tent itself).

This is great motivation for me to read and should encourage all those who labor for the Lord. Bezalel doesn’t get a lot of attention in the narrative of the Bible and is probably not frequently preached on, but he and Oholiab were those responsible for creating the place of worship, for setting the stage upon which the priests and leaders could do their part. God indeed blessed them with skills, but I believe it was because Bezalel and Oholiab had proven themselves before the Exodus 35 statement was penned. Most of us want to be skilled at something, but most lack the resolve to put in the effort to get to the finish line. In the arts, there is no finish line, just continual improvement. Sports are popular because there are boundaries and time limits, music and art are not about perfection, they are more about the spirit of the craft.

God honors these men by including them in the Bible for us to learn by example. I can only be useful by learning my craft and honing my skills and rejoicing in the Lord every day. Whatever talents God has given us, he has a purpose and reason behind it. Our responsibility is to do our best for Christ every day, without regard to fame or glory on earth or among men–only with regard to Christ the King.

The Golden Calf

Really Israel, really Aaron? Yep. They went there. As I sit in judgment, I wonder if I would have joined the party. My prayer is that simply by reading this narrative I won’t fall short as our ancestors did; that I would learn from their mistakes.

Posted on

The Priests

Exodus 27-29

Many details are provided for consecrating Aaron and his sons, priests of the Lord. One thing I see when reading these details is that Moses honored the people who created all of the supporting elements of the tabernacle. By examining each detail, in essence he says, we are able to worship the Lord because you created the “skillfully woven waistband,” your contribution matters.

The people needed order and discipline, God provided both through Moses, Aaron and the leaders. They are far from done at this point, but no one can say they didn’t understand what they were supposed to do: it was clearly spelled out for them.

Many people want to revert to this kind of religion: just tell me exactly what to do! If I have any inkling of understanding here, this is a careful examination of a very young, very immature Israel, God’s chosen people. We can see their growth by watching the changes through the Old Testament. The more I understand the ancient, the more I have a chance at appreciating the Gospels. The time before and after Jesus ministry is so radically different, but only when I learn about the before picture.

Lord help me to appreciate the words of old, those who dedicated themselves to you, your tabernacle, your worship. It’s difficult to see how to preach from these chapters, but I know you gave it to us for a reason. Show me Lord. I’m wide open.

Posted on

The Ark and the Tabernacle

Exodus 24-26

Chapter 24 has some remarkable thoughts: “they saw God, and they ate and drank.” Scholars are quick to clarify what it means here, but these few people committed to obeying God, “Everything the Lord has said we will do…we will obey” (Exodus 24:3,7), so the Lord invited them, “Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu and the seventy elders of Israel” to worship at a distance. Keep in mind the 70 and the commitment to obey. The story changes quickly.

Most of today’s reading involves explicit details for building the Ark and Tabernacle furnishings. As I was reading the instructions, I wondered if it would read differently as a descriptive review of the finished product, rather than instructions to create the items. Just an idle thought, but one I think was given to help me appreciate Moses’ attention to detail, how he attempted to carefully follow God’s instructions. The lesson learned from these words is wrapped up in understanding details.

It’s an honor and privilege to worship the way we worship today. I suppose every generation has its method of worship, but for me, the live music led by talented, devoted followers of Christ opens up an opportunity to let go of the world around for a refreshing moment and see the Lord in words and sounds. Thank you Lord for the ability to honor you in this way. We don’t have an Ark or a Tabernacle like the days of old, but we can recommit to “obey.”

Posted on

Various Laws

Exodus 21-23 and Psalm 18 See also Matthew 5:38-42

Reading these laws of old make me wonder how to apply them to my life in 2016 and beyond. The best response I can give is one of historical perspective, that these words provide color to the outlines of our ancestors. Slaves for over 400 years, God provides rules, commands, laws–he provides structure for them to grow into the people he has promised. It won’t happen quickly, “Little by little” is the promise.

I’m grateful we don’t live by the letter of these laws. Lord help me to understand an appreciate your words. Help me know how to explain this to those who are far from you, but are trying to wrap their minds around the Bible. Help me understand how to guide them.

Posted on

God’s Provision in the Desert; The Ten Commandments

Exodus 15-20 and Psalm 17

Psalm 17 is particularly comforting this morning. “Keep me as the apple of your eye…” What an amazing thought! God actually looks at me, he sees me and is pleased with the possibilities. My reflection is in his eyes because he is watching, not as one who lords over another, but as a father who is hopeful his child will take his first step! In my mind, I picture his face with great anticipation, knowing that once I make the first step on my own, many difficulties will follow, but this is the way it must be. The assurance is profound: I am with you always, Jesus’ words recorded at the very end of Matthew’s gospel.

From Psalm 17 to Matthew 28 and back to Exodus. The theme is consistent: God loves his people. This time through the Bible I keep hearing that theme ring out. Maybe that’s God’s reminder for 2017 as our country continues to toss and turn. Be assured, God is with us!

Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, leads a dance and song of celebration for God’s deliverance from the Egyptians. The party must have been fantastic. Three days later, “…the people grumbled against Moses…” So it begins: grumbling. First against Moses, then Moses and Aaron. How quickly we tend to take things personally! Moses heard the grumbling, but knew the grumbling is really against God, “Who are we? You are not grumbling against us, but against the Lord” (Exodus 16:8). Water is purified. Manna is provided, then quail. Then water from a rock that God commands Moses to strike (noted here, Exodus 17:6, for future reference).

Jethro Visits Moses

Moses’ father-in-law enters the narrative for a second time (Ex 4:18, Jethro says, “Go, and I wish you well.”) Moses greatly respected Jethro, “So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him.” (18:7). Moses, the man who converses with God still has room in his heart to show such respect to Jethro. Interesting. Jethro and Moses talk about God’s greatness, all the things He has done and it’s clear they give God all the glory. The next day Moses starts his routine as judge for the people, the task for which he understands he was called to perform (18:13-16). Jethro sees this and says, “What you are doing is not good…listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you…” (18:17 and 18:19). Though Jethro hasn’t been with them through all of the difficulties, he has a sincere, God-centered heart, so Moses listens to his advice. As a result, Moses creates organized divisions to more effectively lead the vast number of people. I’m amazed how God uses Jethro in this place and at this time. A relative outsider comes in like a management consultant and restructures the unwieldy crowd of Israelites.

What incredible discernment! How did Moses hear Jethro amid the chaos that must have been the norm at that time? This makes me laugh at the “difficulties” of any day I might have, but serves as a reminder that God works through people in many ways. God please help me to hear your voice through your people. Keep me humble and give me ears to discern your wisdom offered by those who seek you with all their heart. Help me to see Jethro’s that come into my path and may all the glory be given to you God. Amen.

The Ten Commandments

God provides the basis for a civilized society to get along, beginning with respect for God, our parents and then each other, in the form of 10 simple rules:

  1. Love the Lord God only
  2. Do not worship idols
  3. Do not misuse the Lord’s name
  4. Keep the Sabbath
  5. Honor your father and your mother
  6. Do not murder
  7. Do not commit adultery
  8. Do not steal
  9. Do not give false testimony
  10. Do not covet your neighbor’s stuff

Lord help me to remember each of these and keep them without a second thought.

Posted on

Consecration of the Firstborn; Crossing the Sea

Exodus 13-14 and Psalm 16

The Passover took the firstborn from the Egyptians, all the Israelites were spared. Now God directs a simple gesture of gratitude: “Consecrate to me every firstborn male.” So what does it mean to consecrate? When was the last time someone asked me to consecrate something?

Answer: In the Bible the word consecration means “the separation of oneself from things that are unclean, especially anything that would contaminate one’s relationship with a perfect God.” Consecration also carries the connotation of sanctification, holiness, or purity.1

In Romans 12:1, Paul provides a New Testament view that extends consecration to everyone, we are all a “living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God…” Over and over we are reminded of the good things God has done. For some reason the Israelites needed constant reminders, how about us? Their memories were so bad AND they witnessed miracles on a scale that we have not seen in our lifetime. Will we remember?

It didn’t take long for the grumbling to begin, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die?” Exodus 14:11. Seriously? Yes. That’s the plan. No! This was an opportunity for God to demonstrate his power, his desire, in front of a million Israelites: The crossing of the Red Sea.

Pharaoh pursued the mass of people to retrieve “his slaves” and restore the brick industry, but God had other plans. God needed to intervene. These people had been slaves for generations, 430 years. All they knew was slavery. The eldest elder was the son of a slave. It’s hard to wrap my mind around the concept. They didn’t know how to muster an army, they had just packed up everything they had and headed out of Egypt. They were probably pretty unsure of their decision when God intervenes and demonstrates a sample of what he has in mind:

And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant. Exodus 14:31

I wonder if I see the small miracles in my everyday life, the evidence of God’s hand in little things. On one hand, God provides additional funds for our family with a requirement to work day and night for a period of time. On the other, money is ripped out from our family and given up for unplanned reasons. At the end of the day, somehow, it all balances out. Do I have the faith to believe? Will I put my trust in God?

I don’t know your ways, my Lord, but I will follow you all of my days. Let me learn from those that watched amazing wonders and yet got confused, but keep me from becoming the grumbling fools I read about.

1https://gotquestions.org/Bible-consecration.html

 

Proudly powered by WordPress