When reading chapters such as the ones we read today, I find it’s sometimes easy to just glide through these laws that initially seem irrelevant to us today. Within these ancient statutes, however, two timeless themes particularly stood out to me: God’s call for His people to be set apart in holiness, and His heart for the most vulnerable in society.
1. A Call to Holiness
As we’ve read previously, God set Israel apart from the surrounding nations to be a people that reflected His righteousness. These laws we observed today emphasize moral purity, integrity, and responsibility within the community. For example, laws regarding sexual immorality (Deut. 22:13-30) were meant to protect family structures and promote faithfulness.
While we no longer live under these specific laws, the principle of holiness remains. Something beautiful happens in the New Testament—though it caused an outrage at the time. Jesus shifted the focus from outward regulations to inward transformation.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. – Matthew 5:8
Holiness today, while still requiring abiding by a list of rules (the handy little updated one provided by Jesus), is ultimately about living in a way that honors God, demonstrating His love and goodness in our daily actions. Even though we don’t face the consequence of being stoned to death if we fall into temptation, these passages point out just how important it is in the eyes of God that we choose to walk in His light.
2. Justice and Care for the Vulnerable
These chapters also reveal our Father’s deep concern for justice and protection of the weak; many of the laws were designed to guard against exploitation:
Captive women were given dignity and rights, rather than being killed or treated as property, as they would if their home had been conquered by other nations at the time (Deut. 21:10-14).
Neighbors were expected to care for one another—returning lost property and offering help when needed (Deut. 22:1-4).
Fair treatment of runaway slaves—they were not to return an escaped slave to their master but to let them settle freely in their land. (Deuteronomy 23:15-16)
We see Jesus continue this mission throughout his ministry on earth, declaring, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor… to set the oppressed free” (Luke 4:18-19). He demonstrated through both his life and death that true holiness heeds more than personal purity, but also constantly considers how best we can treat those around us, especially those in need.
-Isabella Osborn
Reflection Questions:
How do we maintain spiritual purity in a world full of distractions? What are some ways you can guard your heart, mind, and actions?
Even though we are no longer called to live according to the Old Law, we still are called to holiness in the New Testament. What are some of Jesus’ commandments that you find it difficult to abide by?
What are some practical ways we can reflect God’s heart for the weak and vulnerable in our modern world?
Back in 1847 a doctor named Ignaz Semmelweis noticed that, through several events, women who had died of postnatal fever had been attended during the birth by doctors who had just done autopsies. Semmelweis came up with the idea that doctors should wash their hands between autopsies and births. And all of us collectively think… well yeah! Of course! But this was not part of the course of a doctor’s day at the time. In fact, many doctors were offended at the suggestion they weren’t clean. Semmelweis was absolutely ridiculed and eventually driven mad. He was placed in an asylum where he died within two weeks, ironically from an infection, after being beaten by prison guards. Perhaps these doctors should have referred to today’s reading. After discussing the duties of the Levites in Numbers 18, Numbers 19 discusses being “unclean” for 7 days after touching a corpse for any reason. Definitely something these doctors should have taken note of.
Much is said about what is clean and unclean in the Pentateuch. The Israelites certainly benefited physically from not touching dead bodies or eating pork. Some issues of cleanliness could not be helped, such as touching the dead or having a monthly period. In these cases, people were unclean for a time and then had to wash themselves in special ceremonies and offer sacrifices. But God did not delineate what was clean and unclean just for hygiene’s sake. God also wanted the Israelites to be set apart, different than the rest of the world, holy.
We are to come before Him with clean hands and pure hearts (Psalm 24: 4). But there are times when we become unclean and need someone who can wash us white as snow. Praise God for providing the sacrifice that completely cleans us, His Son, Jesus Christ.
We’ve come a long way since 1847. Hand washing is the first skill nurses have to demonstrate before moving on to other skills. As you wash your hands today, keep in mind the One who cleans you completely!
-Maria Knowlton
Reflection Questions
What can we learn from Ignaz? What can we learn from the doctors who ridiculed Ignaz, believing that they themselves were clean?
Does God still want His people today, the church, to be clean, holy and set apart? What does that look like? What does it look like to have a church that is dirty/stained, unholy and blending in with the world?
Are there any common practices today that you think might be making many Christians unclean before the Lord?
What is the only way you can come before God clean? If you accept Jesus as Lord of your life, are there still things you do that make you clean and unclean? How might Numbers have been preparing God’s people for Jesus?
Two of my favorite foods to eat are bacon and shrimp (sometimes together): I absolutely love the smell, taste, and feeling of crunching into a crisp piece of bacon. Shrimp is a delicacy that I enjoy in all different styles of cooking: fried, grilled, or even cold with a side of cocktail sauce. And yet, when I read through today’s Leviticus passage, I find out that the Israelites weren’t supposed to eat either of these very popular items: they are said to be “unclean” for them and were to be avoided… Am I sinning against God by enjoying these dishes?
We must understand the concept of “cleanliness” and the purpose behind the food laws in this book to answer that question. First, what does being “clean” mean in Leviticus? According to scholar Walter Kaiser, “being clean makes a person fit and suitable for entering into the worship of God.” Being clean simply meant that you are in a proper position to enter into God’s presence: it didn’t necessarily mean that you had sinned against Him and were guilty of punishment (although, sinning would certainly make you unclean). For example, in Leviticus 12, a woman who recently gave birth was considered “unclean” until seven days had passed by. Did the woman sin by giving birth to a child, which God commanded for humans to do? (Genesis 1:28) Of course not: this is just one example that being “unclean” didn’t necessarily mean that you had sinned, but that you were just not allowed in God’s holy space for a period of time.
With that understanding, we need to look at the purpose behind the food laws in Leviticus. We are told:
“For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. And you shall not make yourselves unclean with any of the swarming things that swarm on the earth. For I am the LORD who brought you up from the land of Egypt to be your God; thus you shall be holy, for I am holy.” – Leviticus 11:44-45 NASB1995
“I am the LORD your God. You shall not do what is done in the land of Egypt where you lived, nor are you to do what is done in the land of Canaan where I am bringing you; you shall not walk in their statutes.” – Leviticus 18:2-3 NASB1995
The entire purpose behind the food laws was for the Israelites to be “holy”, which means “set apart” or “different”: since they worshiped and represented a completely holy God, they were supposed to live differently than the people around them. Although all the animals were given to humanity for food (Genesis 9:3), the Israelites were supposed to look different than those around them. Why? So that people would notice and begin pursuing their holy God. The entire purpose is so that others would come to know the one true God and follow His ways.
So are Christians sinning against God by deliberately disobeying these food laws? Well, Jesus in his ministry redefined what it means to be “clean” and “unclean”: it is no longer based on the food we eat, but the condition of our hearts and behavior towards others. What matters the most is what’s inside the person’s heart, not what they take into their stomach.
“He said to them, ‘Are you so lacking in understanding also? Do you not understand that whatever goes into the man from outside cannot defile him, because it does not go into his heart, but into his stomach, and is eliminated?’ (Thus he declared all foods clean.) And he was saying, ‘That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.’” – Mark 7:18-23 NASB1995
Christians have the same command as the Israelites: to be “holy” like their heavenly Father is holy (Matthew 5:48). However, how we fulfill that command is different: under the New Covenant, we are supposed to be focused on making sure our hearts are pure, rather than our plates, if we want to be useful for God in this world. So, although we are now allowed to enjoy bacon and shrimp, Christians must ask themselves: “has my behavior brought glory to God, or am I unclean and unuseful because of the choices I’ve made and the words I’ve said today?”
-Talon Paul
Reflection Questions
“Has my behavior brought glory to God? Or am I unclean and unuseful because of the choices I’ve made and the words I’ve said today?”
What was the prescription for how the Israelites would get clean again in Leviticus?
According to the New Covenant how do Christians get clean again?
Social transformation is often a long and painful process. Think about efforts at equality within the United States. The founders’ vision was for a society where everyone had the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The Declaration of Independence expressed this in 1776. Yet it took nearly a century and a Civil War to bring an end to slavery. It took nearly 150 years for women to be able to vote and nearly 200 years and a lot of blood, sweat and tears to make significant strides toward racial equality.
How does one take a community that has been enslaved for over 400 years and transform them into a nation that shines a beacon of light to all other nations in the world pointing them to the true God. How does an entire nation become holy, set apart for God’s service and God’s glory?
This is the challenge that was before God, Moses and the nation of Israel. They were leaving behind one type of structure, slavery, to enter into a new way of living. They needed a new structure to help them know how to live. They had to be taught how to live in community. They had to be taught how to work, and how to rest, how to care for their neighbors, and how to punish wrongdoing that threatened to destroy their community.
In today’s reading we see how God begins to organize and structure the transforming community of Israel. He teaches them how they are to live and become a holy nation and a royal priesthood. This transformation would not come quickly or easily.
They had to be taught how to show respect for personal property: “Whoever steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells it must pay back five head of cattle for the ox and four sheep for the sheep.” (22:1) Those who steal must give restitution.
They had to be taught to respect the family structure and to place their sexuality within proper boundaries: “If a man seduces a virgin who is not pledged to be married and sleeps with her, he must pay the bride-price, and she shall be his wife. If her father absolutely refuses to give her to him, he must still pay the bride-price for virgins.” (22:16-17)
They had to be taught that there were severe consequences for failing to follow appropriate sexual boundaries: “Anyone who has sexual relations with an animal is to be put to death.” (22:19).
They had to be taught to have empathy and to show kindness to strangers and people who were different: “Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.” (22:21).
They had to be taught to have compassion for people in the community who had suffered major losses: “Do not take advantage of the widow or the fatherless. (22:22).
They had to be taught to show respect both to God and to their earthly leaders: “Do not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.” (22:28)
They had to be taught how to live as a just community by not giving false testimony, and by neither showing favoritism toward the poor nor withholding justice from the poor (23:1-6).
They had to be taught to care for their bodies and minds by getting appropriate rest. (23:12).
It was also important that everyone be taught these and other guidelines for how to live in community as God’s people and that they verbally acknowledge that they understand and intend to follow “Everything the Lord has said we will do.” (24:3)
Israel’s transformation from slavery to covenant people of God living a set apart life as the community of God’s people was a slow and challenging process. It was painfully difficult, but necessary. In the end, people failed more often than they succeeded in carrying out their assignments. And yet, somehow, despite tremendous opposition from aggressive and hate filled neighbors, the Nation of Israel survived.
As Christians, we can learn much from studying how God worked with His people Israel to bring about their transformation. It is important to note that they were God’s people first, and then they were given this particular set of laws. In the same way, as Christians, we become God’s people first, through faith in Jesus Christ, and then we commit to following Jesus and obeying Jesus’ commands. We do not become God’s people by following laws, but by following Jesus Christ. However, when we follow Jesus Christ, we do not descend into lawlessness. Structure is still required. So Jesus spends three years teaching his disciples how to live as the people of God who are called to be holy, set apart to be a light to all nations. We complete the mission that the nation of Israel began, and we do so following the yoke or community guidelines as laid down by Jesus Christ. The foundational teaching of Jesus is to Love God and Love our Neighbors. That is a good place for each of us to start each day.
Jeff Fletcher
(originally posted February 6, 2020 for SeekGrowLove)
Reflection Questions
What is the purpose of rules for your country, work/school or family? What is the purpose of God’s rules for His people?
Does God still want a holy people today? What does a holy people look like?
Which characteristic of a holy people do you want to especially work on developing more this month?
Have you ever felt like or heard the expression as you are trying to navigate through life, “Oh boy! I sure wish there was a manual for life!” Or perhaps, “Couldn’t someone write a manual for life for dummies?” After reading the book of Leviticus, it’s impossible to return to this way of thinking because there it is, plain as day, rules to live by. Not just rules though, specific instructions on how to live life without sin and how to please the Most Holy, One and Only God whose name is Jehovah! Even though these valuable instructions were written long ago, there they stand, perfectly applicable to the here and now and somehow perfectly suited to our day and age. What a God to create and not leave us without instruction!
Leviticus 18:1-5:”And Jehovah spoke to Moses, saying, Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them, I am Jehovah your God. After the doings of the land of Egypt (America, Russia, China, insert your land here and it’ll apply), where in you dwell, shall you not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall you not do: neither shall you walk in their ordinances. You shall do my judgments, and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein: I am Jehovah your God. You shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man does, he shall live by them: I am Jehovah.”
Next Jehovah God gives specifics about avoiding sexual sins and how to deal with our nakedness. A very specific and thorough list, so we make no mistake and do not give ourselves permission to sin in this way. In chapter 18 verse 22, “You shall not lie (to have sexual relations) with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.” Verses 24-25: “Defile not you yourselves in any of these things (again long list in previous verses-read for yourselves): for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you: and the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomits out her inhabitants.” There are quite a few more verses that warn the children of Israel (which children you are, if you believe in Jesus Christ-because you are then Abraham’s seed and grafted into the family tree. See Galatians 3:29 and Romans 11:11-32).
Leviticus 19 continues on to describe the conduct and expectations of the people of God. Much of this section reiterates the 10 commandments. I had a Christian friend say to me last year that she was teaching the children’s fellowship that they no longer have to fulfill the 10 commandments of the law, because she believed we are no longer under the law. My insides were set on alarm and my eyes widened. Then her own son replied, “But, we should, right mom?” When Christ fulfilled the law and commandments, the law was not abolished; but rather, we were set free from sin so that we could fulfill the law! It gladdens our Father God’s heart for us to love him with our everything and to demonstrate our love for God by loving one another. How can we know what love is without instructions? God declares of himself that he is love (1 John 4:16). He ought to know what love is and how to be holy and without sin. An exhortation to live by is in Leviticus 19:2b: “You shall be holy: for I Jehovah your God am holy.” Following God’s instruction manual will liberate you to be holy and to love more.
Psalm 40:
“I waited patiently for Jehovah: and he inclined unto me and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay and set my foot upon a rock, and established my goings. And he has put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in Jehovah. Blessed is that man that makes Jehovah his trust, and respects not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. Many, O Jehovah my God, are your wonderful works which you have done and your thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be recounted in order to you: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. Sacrifice and offering you did not desire; mine ears have you opened; burnt offering and sin offering have you not required. Then said I, Lo, I come; in the volume of the book it is written of me. I delight to do your will, o my God: yes, your law is within my heart. I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Jehovah, you know. I have not hid your righteousness within my heart: I have declared your faithfulness and your salvation: I have not concealed your lovingkindness and your truth from the great congregation…”
Oh to have the heart of David and of Jesus Christ, our forerunner! Let us not conceal the word! Let us not hide what is righteous! Let us do what is right and show others what God has done by delivering us out of the miry clay of our sins! We will be happy if we trust in Jehovah and do what is right.
Acts 13:
The gift ministries of a prophets and teachers:
Acts 13:1-3: “Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.” (Right here there were 6 prophets and teachers recorded). “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”
A prophet is one who speaks for God or receives information from God for the people. They speak on God’s behalf to the people. A teacher is one who expounds and conveys what God has said and what has been written in God’s word. Both gift ministries are gifts to the church to build up the people and to keep the people of God growing and on God’s track. They are gifts to the body of Christ until we all come into the full measure of the fullness of Christ.
People may not always like a prophet or a teacher; but nevertheless, they are God’s gift to the church until Christ comes in his kingdom.
In chapter 13 we have Barnabas and Saul separated unto specific work for them to do. Each prophet/teacher prayed and fasted asking God’s direction and afterwards received word from God and sent these two men on their way to do what God would have them do.
On his way, Paul first addresses a false prophet (someone not sent from God, who is not doing God’s will) and Paul being filled (filled to overflowing in the Greek text) with the holy spirit, set his eyes on the false prophet, rebukes him and blinds him! Paul made full proof of his ministry right there! Next Paul preaches on the first Sabbath and in essence rebukes the Israelites for not seeing the Christ coming and how Jesus fulfilled just what was prophesied that he would fulfill. Then Paul preached to them the forgiveness of sins through believing Jesus Christ and that they can be justified from all things. Paul warned the Israelites not to miss the boat and then comforted the proselytes (Gentiles who believed). Paul continued to preach there until “the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.”
There are still prophets/teachers in the body of Christ today. You may see them doing these specific things as seen here. Being filled to overflowing and performing the works of God, rebuking, preaching, warning, comforting and continuing. If you are a prophet, keep doing it! If you see a prophet/teacher, thank God for them and heed them! If you feel you want to serve in this capacity, pray and ask God for the gift that can benefit the body and meet with other prophets/teachers so you can learn and grow and fulfill God’s will for your generation.
-Cindy Abbott
Reflection Questions
Is there someone in your life or at work or school who would benefit from learning the instructions in Leviticus 18 and 19?
Can you sit and appreciate all the thoughts that God is having about you this very minute? Thoughts of peace, thoughts of love, thoughts of longing for your fellowship?
Can you tell someone who is suffering and in a horrible pit how God delivered your soul and can deliver them as well?
In what ways have you seen God demonstrate his love for the body in your area through the men and women who chose to serve as prophets and teachers?
Has God called you to this gift ministry? Will you answer the call?
One of the major themes of the Bible is God making a broken people holy. Holiness is a characteristic of God; in fact, God is repeatedly called the “Holy One of Israel” throughout scripture. But, what is holiness? “The Hebrew word for “holiness” is qōdes, a word that highlights the realm of the sacred in contrast to everything common and profane.” (See here for more info.) Holiness describes what is sacred or set apart. God is the ultimate holy one, and he sets the bar for what is holy or sacred. We can determine if something is holy by comparing it to the standard that God has set for us.
Unfortunately, after the fall, we were not a holy people anymore. We would die if we were in the presence of God because of this fact. God’s ministry of reconciliation which we read about yesterday is all about God bringing us back into relationship with him. God cannot lessen his holiness, but he can redeem us and make us more holy. This is what the whole Bible is about. God making his chosen people holy. In the Old Testament, God made his people holy through sacrifices and the law. The law could not completely redeem us though. So, in the New Testament, the new covenant was establish in which God was making us holy – reconciling us to himself – through Christ. We are saved through this reconciliation (2 Cor. 6:2).
At the end of the chapter we read today, we see some important warnings that Paul gave to the Corinthians encouraging them to remain holy. In verses 16-18, it says,
“As God has said:
“I will live with them
and walk among them,
and I will be their God,
and they will be my people.”
Therefore,
“Come out from them
and be separate,
says the Lord.
Touch no unclean thing,
and I will receive you.”
And,
“I will be a Father to you,
and you will be my sons and daughters,
says the Lord Almighty.”
We are called to be set apart, called to be holy. Our lifestyles should reflect that. This requires discipline and an awareness of our habits. Are we living in a way that shows we are set apart? Or are we living just like the world? When we live a holy life, we have the promise of a deep and personal relationship with God. He will walk among us. He will be a Father to us. That promise is worth all the sacrifices that we make.
~ Cayce Fletcher
Questions for Application:
When you read the word ‘holiness’, what kind of feelings does it stir in you? Do you think that become holy is a worthwhile pursuit?
What does a holy lifestyle look like?
One characteristic of being holy described in this chapter is in verse 14: “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.” What do you think this verse means? Why is this important in our pursuit of holiness?
“Clap your hands all you peoples; shout to God with a jubilant cry. He chooses for us our inheritance – the pride of Jacob whom he loves.” Psalm 47:1,4
As Kyle mentioned yesterday, the book of Numbers is anything but boring. And today, we got acquainted with the interesting – and deadly – story of Korah’s rebellion. In chapter 16, Moses and Aaron are approached by a group of Levites led by Korah who had had enough of Moses and his leadership. He confronted them and said, “You have gone too far! Everyone in the entire community is holy, and the LORD is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the Lord’s people?” (Numb. 16:3).
Moses, raised by Pharaoh’s daughter, had led the Israelites out of Egypt. Not only was he the main leader, but he also acted as a go-between for the Israelites and God, speaking to God frequently on the Israelites’ behalf and receiving the law and the commandments from God. From the outside looking in, Moses could seem to be a pretentious guy giving meaningless commands to the Israelites people with fatal consequences for the people who broke them like the man stoned to death for breaking the Sabbath in Numbers 15:32-36. Korah, the man at the head of the rebellion, was also from the tribe of Levi and had the support of 250 leaders of the community. At this point, they had probably had enough of Moses’ rules and spoke out against what they believed were unjust commandments.
But, little did they know what that would cost them. Moses cried out to God and trusted in God to deliver him. He prayed that the people would see them who was the true messenger of God based on what God did. When they both came to present offerings in firepans to God, the ground opened up and swallowed Korah and all his household with all of their possessions and they went “down alive to Sheol” (v. 31-35). Then, fire came from the Lord and killed the 250 leaders who were presenting offerings in firepans to God. The Israelites, who still believed that the real men of God were Korah and his followers, began to complain about Moses and Aaron. God sent a plague to kill the Israelites, and that plague killed 14,700 before Moses put a stop to it by standing between God and the people.
This chapter in Numbers is a whirlwind, full of intrigue, suspense, and vengeance. What’s striking to me is the complaint of Korah that sparked this chain of events that led to the death of close to 15,000 people. Korah and his followers complained about Moses and Moses’ power. And like I said, from an outsider who didn’t understand the true purpose and meaning of the law, those complaints would seem valid. But, Korah was missing the whole point of the message Moses was communicating, because that message centered around God. Korah wanted to the power for himself. He didn’t realize that Moses wasn’t doing those things for himself, but instead, he was acting in complete humility and obedience to God. To Korah, those commandments seemed meaningless, arbitrary, and harsh, because he didn’t truly know God. Thus, he wasn’t willing to be obedient to his commands.
The world looks at the message of Christ and says similar things. It asks us, “Who do you think you are? Don’t you know we all have a little bit of God in us? How dare you try to tell us what to do?” Little do they know that the message we are following is not based on us and our likes and dislikes. It’s not something just made up by human hands. This is a message from God! And that makes all the difference.
When you find yourself feeling the force of all the world’s questions, you can stop and remind yourself of the promise found in the psalms: You are chosen by God to be his holy set apart people.
Why is it that older churches and cathedrals seem to have an aura about them that is missing from newer Christian constructions? There is a special reverence that is shown to these historical places of worship, but why? They appear to be more “holy” than modern church structures–are they really or is it just perception?
In our reading today, we get more details about the temple complex being shown to Ezekiel. As I mentioned yesterday, one intention for the prophet in giving specifications to all of Israel was so they could imagine what it would be like. Another reason, which flows from first is to draw attention to God’s holiness and, in turn, Israel’s sinfulness. But why would imagining the temple lead to recognizing sin? This question and the ones in the above paragraph are tied together.
The idea of holiness in the Bible is connected with being different, set apart, or sacred. The God of the Bible is called holy; He is without sin, He is all powerful, He is worthy of worship and adoration. Yahweh is distinct from His creation. Though humans are made in His image, they have sins which separate them from God, showing Him to be holy and people common. When humans encounter God’s holiness, it leaves them in awe of His majesty and with awareness of their own sinfulness (see Isaiah 6). When you see a dirty object–even one you think is clean–held up to something that is flawless, every little blemish is revealed. That is what happens when humans meet God.
When we see older churches or cathedrals, we are looking at something different, uncommon, a building designed to be set apart from other constructions. Older places of worship are usually taller, more distinctive, and, dare I say, were built by people more reverent than us. They have brilliant stained glass, magnificent architecture, and invoke a deep sense of beauty. Modern churches, by contrast, aren’t much taller than most middle-class housing and, in most cities, are located every few blocks. They look dull in comparison, with nothing extraordinary to offer. Older churches appear more holy because they stand out more, while modern ones seem all too common.
Older churches and cathedrals were built as the place where humans go to encounter God, much like Jews viewed the temple. Many modern Christians understand they don’t have go to a building to worship God, but for most of Christian history the church building has been the place where followers of Christ have gathered to worship their creator, which is why those older churches were so grand. They wanted the building to reflect the holiness of the God they worshiped. God’s holiness causes people to recognize their own sinfulness. It’s no wonder that the dulling down of Christian architecture has mirrored a more laissez-faire attitude towards sin.
What should we do then? Should we go back to designing and building grand places of worship?
No. When Jesus left the curtain torn, the separation between the holy God and sinful humanity was broken. This means striving after good works and the sacrificing of rams and bulls is not the way to achieve holiness. Instead, we put our faith (believe) in the one responsible for ripping the veil in half and offer ourselves as living sacrifices to God. Because of the righteousness of the Messiah, we can be holy and the spirit of God can dwell in us, as we live as the temple of God (1 Cor. 3:16).
God’s holiness still causes us to recognize our own sin, but we don’t have to go to a grand building to see it. We encounter it through scripture, reading about God Himself or His son who reveals so much about Him. We see it in nature, looking through binoculars, telescopes, or with the naked eye. We see it when the Church (the people, not the building) acts as it was intended to. Thankfully God’s holiness doesn’t just reveal our sinfulness, but His love for us and willingness to forgive those who ask for it. What a holy, loving, and awesome God we serve!
– Joel Fletcher
Today’s Bible passage can be read or listened to at BibleGateway here – Ezekiel 42-43
Tomorrow we will read Ezekiel 44-45 as we continue on our
Where are some places you have been that could be described with the word “majestic”? Maybe somewhere like Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon, Appalachian Mountains, the beach, redwood forests, etc. There are many things about these areas and more that make them majestic; however, there is one thing that links them all together. That is, their creator. God is what makes these scenes and places majestic.
This is what comes to mind when I read the imagery in Revelation chapter 4. All of the thrones and elders with crowns and different animals and faces and a rainbow, four faces and eyes everywhere. Flashes of lightning and thunder going on in the background. It is all just majestic, and for what reason? On the surface of this chapter I would say it is safe to say it is to illustrate the importance and demonstration of worship. To worship our God in a holy way because He is holy. It says in verse 11 that, “He is to receive glory…. for You created all things”. So, we ought to worship God in a holy majestic way as all of creation does as well.
As far as the in-depth meaning of all the imagery in this chapter you must research what each animal represents in that time and worldview of Judaism as well as understanding the importance of the use of certain gems in reference to objects and people.
As we open the first letter from Peter, we find that he identifies himself as an apostle. This is a word that is rarely used outside of the church today. It translates to one who is sent. Peter says of himself, “I am one who is sent of Jesus Christ, I am his ambassador, his representative to you.” The you he refers to are all of those “living as aliens” across the region. I remember when I was a child, I would think of Marvin the Martian or some other made-up extra-terrestrial when I though of the word alien. Now I understand that an alien is simply one who is living in a place that is not their own. I now know that we, as servants of Christ, are living as aliens in a world that has turned itself over to follow evil. So, Peter is actually writing to us as well.
He continues by saying that we are chosen according to God’s foreknowledge. So, God knew the future enough to chose us as His servants for this time and to guide us to believe in His Son so we can enjoy life everlasting in His amazing Kingdom at the appointed time! WOW!!! It is incredible to think of the ways that God sets so many things in motion for our good, even when we have no idea of what He is setting up. We are set aside to obey Jesus and be cleansed by his blood. As if that was not enough Peter then asks that grace and peace be ours in the fullest! This is quite the blessing … and that is just the first 2 verses!
In the next three verses he reminds us that our inheritance is stored up where moth and rust cannot destroy. He says our hope is in resurrection and salvation is to be revealed in the last time. This is a beautiful reminder that the dead sleep and we will receive the promise together. In verse six Peter reminds us that the troubles of this time will pale in comparison to the blessings of the Kingdom of God, and this is where we draw our rejoicing from.
Verse thirteen says because of the gospel that has been preached to us we must be ready for action, with our hope fixed, because the world will continue to resist us for a time. Therefore, we must be obedient. We are called to be like Him.
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, 15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 16 because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:14-16 (NASB)
In the last parts of this chapter Peter again writes of what is imperishable. This time he is telling us that we were not saved by what is perishable, such as gold and silver (these even vary in worth today), but by what is eternal, the blood of Christ. “You have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and abiding word of God.” (1 Peter 1:23)
Seek Grow Love 