In these passages there are many instructions given regarding sacrifices and sacrificing. Aaron was given specific instructions what was required before he could could enter the Most Holy Place. I think with these instructions God was looking for obedience and to not forget that God is Holy. Aaron had to spend a great deal of time preparing to meet God but through the sacrifice of Jesus dying on the cross for our sins we can approach God anytime. In chapter 17 the passage talks about being forbidden to eat blood. In the Life Application Bible, I found 3 reasons to help explain this which I found interesting. It said that God forbid eating blood because "(1) to discourage pagan practices, (2) to preserve the symbolism of the sacrifice and (3) to protect the people from infection because many deadly diseases can transmitted through the blood. " With these instructions and requirements that God put in place it is a reminder that God is wanting the best from us and is concerned for our well being both spiritually and physically.
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Sunday, February 21st ~ Kelora
Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Leviticus 16-18
Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Leviticus 19-21
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In chapter 21 we read clearly what God says about homosexual acts and what the result will be if a nation (here it's the Israelites) allows this behaviour,
22 “‘Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable.
And goes on here to say,
24 “‘Do not defile yourselves in any of these ways, because this is how the nations that I am going to drive out before you became defiled. 25 Even the land was defiled; so I punished it for its sin, and the land vomited out its inhabitants. 26 But you must keep my decrees and my laws. The native-born and the foreigners residing among you must not do any of these detestable things, 27 for all these things were done by the people who lived in the land before you, and the land became defiled. 28 And if you defile the land, it will vomit you out as it vomited out the nations that were before you.
We can't fall for some of the half truths that society is telling us, saying this behaviour is OK because it makes some feel good. I pray for strength and wisdom for us as Christians, and the church as we deal with this large issue we face.
Interesting notes on the forbidding of eating blood.
29 “‘Everyone who does any of these detestable things—such persons must be cut off from their people. 30 Keep my requirements and do not follow any of the detestable customs that were practiced before you came and do not defile yourselves with them. I am the Lord your God.’”
Again, as Kelora mentioned, God wants the best for us and engaging in immoral behaviour isn't what God wants for us.
I love the symbolism of the Day of Atonement. There were two goats involved, each representing different ways God dealt with the Israelite's sin. The first goat was sacrificed and symbolized the forgiveness of their sin. The second was the scapegoat that was sent into the wilderness, symbolizing the removing of guilt. Jesus was the perfect sacrifice and the perfect scapegoat. Through Him and Him only our guilt is removed and our sin forgiven.
It's amazing to me that we can have access to God in a way even the High Priest could not. We must never forget that God is holy or take this privilege lightly or approach God carelessly. We must not presume upon His grace!
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