Leviticus 20 - Numbers 2: Holiness, slavery, and Jubilee

Yesterday was, by far, the hardest day so far for my Bible Boot Camp reading. Lots of heavy duty laws and punishments outlined in this part of Scripture. It was hard reading. A few thoughts:

-  The key to holiness:  Holiness means being different from the sinful behavior going on around you. To help the Israelite people remember that they were to be holy like God, they kept a holy calendar which included feasts, Sabbath (which was for the people, the land, and the animals, too), and a Jubilee Year every 50th year. Jubilee meant family reunions, no harvest work, and release of obligations.   
- Slavery?  I'm wondering why God permitted slavery? In Lev 25:44-46, the Israelites were allowed to purchase slaves from surrounding tribes, but Israelites themselves were not to be kept as slaves. Perhaps, this gave other peoples access to the Israelite way of life and a chance to get to know God?
- God at the center:  The Tabernacle was the center of the Israelite world. The people were to set up camp around the Tabernacle, facing it. It was the center, as God was to be the center.

- On another note regarding slavery and gender, Vickie wondered why, in Leviticus, women slaves were worth only half what men were worth. This is a great question. Jonalyn Fincher, an author and apologist, wrote an article on this topic called "Is God Playing Favorites in Leviticus 27:1-8?" The articles are here on her blog: Part I and Part II.

 Elena's Verse of the day:  "I am the Lord your God...I have set you free; now walk with your heads held high" (Lev 26:13).

I'm sharing a few thoughts from each day's reading. Feel free to jump in and share your own! 

Exodus 34 - Leviticus 6: Glowing, gold, and blood

- What glowing skin:  Love how Moses' face glowed after he talked to God. He had to wear a veil. I'm wondering--do we glow when we spend lots of time with God?

- Ton of gold:  Amazed at the craftsmanship that went into the tabernacle and its furnishings. For example, the lampstands were made of pure gold and formed into a stem, branches, calyxes, and blossoms. 1900 pounds of gold went into the construction of the sanctuary--almost a ton of pure gold. Wow.

- They did it all:  When the Israelites were good, they were very very good. "The did what God had commanded to Moses. They did it all" (Ex 39:32). Do I always do all of what God asks?
- Overwhelming:  The sacrifices were bloody. They were instructed to make an offering of blood by splashing it against the sides of the altar. I can only imagine the sight, the sounds, and the smells (Lev 1:3-9). It must have been overwhelming and unforgettable.
- Pure and perfect:  The animals used for sacrifice were to be without defect. This foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice, Christ, and his sinlessness (Lev 3:1).
- Offerings:  Many different types of offerings described in Leviticus include absolution (atonement) offerings, burnt offerings, peace offerings, grain-offerings, and compensation-offerings.

Verse of the Day: "I am the Lord God. I am merciful and very patient with my people. I show great love and can be trusted." (Ex 34:6 CEV) --from Elena Santos Scharnhorst

I'm sharing a few thoughts from each day's reading. Feel free to jump in and share your own!

Exodus 21-33: Pomegranates, craftsmanship, and when God changed his mind

- He'll be there:  Love this verse from yesterday's reading: "Every place where I cause my name to be honored in your worship, I'll be there myself and bless you" (Exodus 20:22-26). I wonder if this is why I always feel lighter and happier coming out of church? It's so simple--God is there and he blesses me.
- Intent:  I notice that God takes a person's "intent" into consideration when determining punishment for breaking the law. God is fair.
- Slurs against our leaders:  "Don't curse God and don't damn your leaders" (Exodus 22:28). It's tempting to damn leaders from the other political party. Don't.
- Get ready:  God tells the Israelites to get themselves ready for where God is taking them. Am I ready for where God is taking me? Are you?
- Pomegranate:  God designed Aaron's priestly clothing with pomegranate trim (Exodus 32:9-13). I wonder what the significance of the promegranate is? Research says: "The pomegranate, from the abundance of its seeds, was regarding in ancient times as an emblem of fruitfulness."
- Mysterious book:  What is the "book of the Covenant"? (Exodus 24:7). Apparently it's the second set of laws/codes given to Moses on Mt Sinai (the first was the 10 Commandments).
- Called & equipped:  God designed the tabernacle and everything in it, then he filled the craftsmen with the Holy Spirit so they could do the work. He gifted them with the skill, the know-how, and the expertise (Exodus 31:1-4).Please, Lord, do that for me!
- Chutzpah:  Moses pleaded with God and God changed his mind. Wow! (Exodus 32:2-4)

Verse of the day:  "I know you by name" (God speaking to Moses in Exodus 33:17)

Sharing a few thoughts from each day's reading. Feel free to jump in and share your own!