Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Leviticus and Numbers

It is Tuesday, and I'm really looking forward to getting back to work today.  I read in Leviticus and a few chapters into Numbers today, and I honestly wish I had a few hours to devote to what I read this morning.  I wanted to do three or four Bible studies about certain chapters and subjects.  I counted phrases and marked down information in so much that I read.  I want to preach on several subjects I studied and don't know when I will be able to, but it was so rich.  Funny how years ago, I did not care to read these books of the Bible (though I did), but now they are so rich and full of truth to share with others and learn myself as well.  Here are a few quick thoughts:

1) CLEAN OR UNCLEAN?  Leviticus 10:10 says:  "And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean;"  and then Leviticus 11:47 says:  "To make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten."  Then in next chapters, God shows the Israelites what is clean and what is unclean. 
In Chapter 11, "unclean" is mentioned 32 times; "abomination" (unclean) is mentioned 11 times; and "clean" is mentioned 3 times.  Chapter 11 teaches about clean and unclean animals; Chapter 12 teaches about clean and unclean after childbirth (boy-unclean seven days; baby girl-unclean 14 days; boy- be purified 33 days; girl-be purified 66 days).  Chapter 13 "clean" and "unclean" mentioned 29 times concerning skin plagues.  Chapter 14 tells how to show being clean to the high priest if your leprosy is cured.  Chapter 15 has "clean" and "unclean" mentioned 38 times concerning running issues (sores) in men and women, and what to do about them, and how to gauge what is clean and what is not clean. Chapter 16 is how to make clean.  It teaches about the goat and the scape goat.  One is killed for the sacrifice, the other has the sins of the people laid on it and it is set free to wander in the wilderness.  Jesus paid our sins on the cross, and Jesus removed them forever from us!  Chapter 17 tells what is clean and unclean in the way one sacrifices to the LORD.  No blood is to be eaten, and the sacrifice must be brought tot he house of God.  Chapter 18 tells of what is unclean in sexual relationships and Chapter 20 gives the penalties for immoral sexual behavior.  Chapter 19 God gives us his rules for godly living and 16 times says:  "I am the LORD".  (Thus giving us the reason to obey these rules.)  **You see.... I'm just getting started.  These are powerful chapters worth our reading.

2) JUBILEE- Leviticus 25 gives us the rules of Jubilee.  Every seven year the land was to rest.  On the fiftieth year, the land rested and reverted back to the family that originally owned it.  So you only "bought" land for a few years and then it went back to the tribe and family that once owned it.  So also happened to slaves that were purchased.  They went back home!  So on the 49th year you did not sow and the 50th year you did not sow seed, then God made it so that on the 48th year the land brought forth enough to eat for three years!!  Where God guides... God provides!!  We can trust Him when we are called upon to obey Him!!

All I have time for today.  Wish I had so much more!!  Pastor Mike Mutchler
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