February 14, Day 45

Today's Reading

Leviticus. Today's reading begins with a few ways people could become guilty and need a sin or guilt offering.  After this, more specifics are given about the use of the offerings among the priests. Yesterday we saw how blood was sprinkled to demonstrate the remission of sins. Today, we see how the priests (the descendants of Aaron) were to treat those offerings when they used them as food. The offerings weren't just left there to rot. They provided meals for the priests who served God and the people.

One thing I found interesting: the priests garments were worn only at the Tabernacle. If any of the sacrificial blood (Lev. 6:27) was dripped on them, they had to be washed. The very blood that represented cleansing from sin actually defiled the holy garment. Hmmmm.

 

February 13, Day 44

Today's Reading

We begin reading the book of Leviticus today. Leviticus was primarily written to clarify God's law of worship and sacrifices. The priestly tribe in the Old Testament was Levi and the name of this book is derived from their family name. Notice the number of different types of offerings and sacrifices. Each had special significance.

Notice in Chapter 4 that the blood from sin and guilt offerings was used in the Holy Place, which was the outer room in the Tabernacle (the inner room or "Holy of Holies" was where only the High Priest went and only on the Day of Atonement). This is comparable to the room which Zechariah entered in the Jerusalem Temple when he met the angel that told him that he and Elizabeth would have a son (John the Baptist). The priests entered the Holy Place regularly to bring the sacrifices. 

The blood of sin and guilt offerings was sprinkled seven times before the curtain that separated the two rooms. That curtain -- or veil -- was what tore in half from top to bottom as Christ died on the cross. Seven is the number representing completeness in Scripture (7 days = 1 complete week). The seven sprinkles represented a "complete" covering by the blood. (Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission -- Hebrews 9:22). Then a dab of blood was smeared on the horns of the incense altar to "cover" it. Finally, the rest was poured out to run off to a designated place.

 

February 12, Day 43

Today's Reading

Exodus. After the precise instructions from God, the plentiful gifts from the people, and the long and careful construction process, the Tabernacle is finally completed.  During the dedication, God shows up!  Powerful, huh?!

February 11, Day 42

Today's Reading

Exodus. The people of Israel had favor with the Egyptians when they departed and were given all kinds of precious metal and jewelry.  These became the source of offerings for the Tabernacle.  It is really a powerful illustration: God provided for the people and the people freely gave to God's work.  God gave gifts of craftsmanship to some of the people and they used their gifts to make the Tabernacle according to God's blueprint.

Exodus 38:8 says, "Bezalel made the bronze washbasin and its bronze stand from bronze mirrors donated by the women who served at the entrance of the Tabernacle." My mind ran a circuitous course as I read this words today.  First, I noticed that mirrors (of shiny bronze or brass) were being used in that ancient time.  Second, I thought about the women and how their hearts were moved to give.  I could imagine conversations: "I will give my mirror; will you share yours with me?"  "I have two mirrors; I can give one!"

Finally, I thought about how God wants to use all His people in the offerings to support His corporate work.  I have seen wealthy, generous people lead the way in giving.  I have seen the proverbial widows give their mite.  I have seen people in the middle give faithfully and sacrificially to support God's work.  The church may be flawed and scarred, but it has existed for 2,000 years and has been supported by God's people.

February 10, Day 41

Today's Reading

Exodus. Did you notice in chapter 33 that they stopped wearing their jewelry and fine clothes?  They must have really dressed for the party when they got into the pagan worship of the golden calf.  Now they (and God) related their finery to their idolatry.

in Exodus34:7, God said, "I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But I do not excuse the guilty."  I think this means that God doesn't excuse those who hang on to their sin.  They remain guilty because they don't fall into God's mercy.  Jesus said it was the man who wouldn't lift his eyes up to heaven and who cried out, "God be merciful to me, a sinner," who walked away justified.

Later in chapter 34, God warned them against any treaty with the people of the land.  The people would seduce them into sin.  Later, in the days of Balaam, this is exactly what happened.  You can't make peace treaties with sin.

February 9, Day 40

Today's Reading

Exodus. I had a few random thoughts today.  First, I thought of Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist.  He went into the Holy Place and burned the sacred incense, the making of which was described here.  Then I thought about Sabbath and how hard it is for me to slow down as described and practiced among the Jews (and many Christians today).

Finally, I reflected on the response of Aaron, when he was confronted about the Golden Calf.  In Exodus 32:24, he said, "I threw the gold jewelry into the fire and out came this calf!"  He didn't face up to his own sin of giving in to the people and carving the calf for them.  I have (sadly) been a part of multiple conversations where we confronted someone who had been snared in a destructive sin.  I can't think of a single time when they fully owned up to their responsibility at first.  They always minimize and try to make it sound like it wasn't as bad as it was.  Even after warnings that the truth has a way of coming out, they lie at some level.  I am of the conclusion that it would be better to overstate the depth of the sin than to understate it.

February 8, Day 39

Today's Reading

Exodus. Today contains the "uniform" to be worn by Aaron, the High Priest (and each High Priest who came after). Each piece had significance as he represented the people before the Lord. The New Testament Book of Hebrews clearly points out that Jesus Christ is once and for all our High Priest. We are also taught that we --all of us who receive Christ -- become priests.

Chapter 29 contains the ordination of the High Priest. Notice how much blood is shed to cover everyone and everything consecrated for worship. Following that is the instruction for the incense (represents prayer/intercession) altar.