Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Exodus 30-32
A few things that stood out to me as I read this passage, was first how it's mentioned a few times that those that don't follow the ways God has laid out for the Israelites would face tough punishment.
30:33 "Whoever makes perfume like it and puts it on anyone other than a priest must be cut off from their people.' ”
30:38 "Whoever makes incense like it to enjoy its fragrance must be cut off from their people.”
And then later the punishment gets more serious,
31:14 "Observe the Sabbath, because it is holy to you. Anyone who desecrates it is to be put to death; those who do any work on that day must be cut off from their people."
God doesn't want us to follow Him part way, or only take part of what He says seriously. He wants us to take everything He says seriously, and show Him the honour and respect He deserves. In order for us to remember this He let's us know in the Bible what can happen to those that don't follow fully, which would be eternity without God.
Another thing that caught my attention after reading through a commentary on this chapter was from a verse in 30:15
"The rich are not to give more than a half shekel and the poor are not to give less when you make the offering to the Lord to atone for your lives."
At first this seemed strange, I've always thought and been taught that "each should give according to his means ", but continuing to read further it clearly states that all over age 20 should give the same amount. This was done off course as a ransom of the soul, and all souls are equal in God's eyes, therefore the amount given must be equal. All souls are in equal danger of spending eternity in hell, therefore all equally need forgiveness from God.
A good reminder that not only do our loved ones need saving from the bondage of sin, but all people need this. Some just don't realize it yet.
As we read earlier, consequences can be massive for those that don't fully follow the way, and not being saved from sin will lead to the biggest punishment of all.
Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus 33-35
3 comments:
Good point about following God fully, and not being lukewarm.
I also found it interesting that Aaron joined the people in letting them make the god. It reminded me that no matter how close we are with God, we are not immune to failure.
It's so easy to fall to peer pressure as we saw Aaron fall into the trap so easily. It's hard to stand against the current and the cultural norm and do what is right.
I found it ironic (not to mention sad and frustrating) that the Israelites were worshiping a golden calf at the same time that Moses was getting instructions from God on how they should honour and obey Him as a people set apart from the pagan religions around them.
I'm trying to read as though reading for the first time, trying to forget that I already know what happens. From that lens, I was so disappointed in Aaron, who not only helped the people into their idolatry, but then lied about it when confronted by Moses, completely trying to pass the buck. And yet, God use this man to be the high priest. What grace!
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