AH! life goes by so fast and you never know what one day will bring. I apologize for the email I sent to many promising a blog update on Leviticus a few weeks ago...but some events in life put blogging by the wayside. However, I wanted to take some time to sit down and update you on some continuing thoughts from the Pentatuech (the books of Moses: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) and Joshua.
Leviticus
I had no idea how deeply this book was going to shake me. When talking about Leviticus it is usually that boring book of sacrifices and laws; what can be so interesting about that? As we began this book, I realized I had to wrestle with some very foundational questions....Why is blood necessary for forgiveness of sins? (Heb. 9:22) Why did God put a sacrificial system in place that man has never been able to live up to? Why do the people need to put so much energy and focus into the tabernacle, why do the priests need to give their whole lives to burning animals and going through all these rituals? How does Jesus really fit with all of this? I have a bazillion and one sanitary Sunday school answers and things that I know Christians should say. But Leviticus halted me in my tracks and made me think, "hey wait a minute, why exactly was Jesus the only way to God and the only thing that brings forgiveness of sins?" Now, before you think I've lost my salvation or turned my back on God, let me reassure you that I haven't....
And let me turn aside on a bit of a rabbit trail to encourage you if you are a Christian, to really think about why you believe what you believe. I really needed the foundations of my faith to be questioned to realize that they were secure. And people can smell a fake from a mile away. I can tell when people are just spitting out what someone else told them. This week in Leviticus, was surprisingly deep for my walk with the Lord.
Now, at risk of sounding too "Sunday school-ish" I realized this week that this whole system was put into place to show humanity that there is absolutely no way that we ourselves can attain holiness. When man sinned, the only remedy became the redemption through perfection, through Jesus. I don't understand fully why God put things into place that only he could fulfill in Christ. Why the cross? But, what I do know, is there is nothing righteous in me. There is no way I can attain any goodness or keep myself living a perfect life, free from sin. The sacrificial system exposes that...there are two sins that are to be offered for unintentional sins. We sin without intending it because that's what people do...our heart tends toward selfishness.
All of this is still stuff I'm processing and filling in my own theological gaps with truth as I continue to study. But here's what I do know after Leviticus: "I am a great sinner. Christ is a great savior." (John Newton)
Numbers
Numbers is often referred to as the "armpit of the Old Testament." I can definitely see how this is possible as the whole book deals with the constant rebellion of the people of Israel. They complain, they doubt God, they fight their leadership, they get themselves sentenced to forty years in the wilderness. But what makes this book like an armpit is the people; God is still the hero.
One thing that spoke to me out of Numbers was something that I saw in the character of God when I was in A-stan. In chapter 12 of Numbers, Miriam and Aaron grumble against Moses saying that God is playing favorites with him but they also are just as special as he is. They are jealous of him and want some credit for themselves. The great thing about this event is that Moses is silent through the entire chapter. God is the one who responds to the accusations and crappy attitude of Miriam and Aaron. He calls them to his presence in what I can picture a parent would do with a bunch of children bickering in front of them. And God speaks to Miriam and Aaron saying that Moses is faithful. God defends his reputation and shames them for questioning Moses' character.
---the reason this speaks to me is this was a lesson God so clearly challenged me on in Af. There were times when my character and integrity were in question as a leader and as an individual, some times by other teammates, and many times by locals around me that saw me through their worldview lenses. I am a single female away from my family. Through their eyes, my character is immediately in question. One day I came home to graffiti on my front door of a very inappropriate accusation. It had been there all day while people walked by reading it, knowing who lived inside. A dear man who is like a grandfather to me helped sand the word off my metal door. And I knew it hurt him as it hurt me that people would do something like this. But that day God spoke so clearly...my reputation was in his hands. He defends me and I don't have to defend myself. My job is to live for the Lord and if I am misunderstood, then I am misunderstood. If we spend our lives consumed with proving to other people our intentions, we are living in the fear of man and can become slaves to others' opinions. I hope I, like Moses, can live a life allowing God to be the defender of my character.
Deuteronomy
I won't say too much on this book. The week we worked on this book was a very intense week for me personally so I have to admit I wasn't able to focus too much. What I do love though is that you really get Moses' heart for the people he leads. He talks of interceding for the people time and time again after they rebelled in the wilderness, laying on his face for forty days and nights without food and water (Chapter 9). That was a great challenge to me to be interceding for others I lead. Moses' life has for a long time been a challenge and example to me. We did a character study of his life during this book that I hope to continue to grow and learn from.
Joshua
We just turned in the book of Joshua yesterday. What an amazing testimony of obedience to the word of God! Throughout the book God speaks something to Joshua and in the next sentence it says, "So Joshua told the people" or "So Joshua did as the Lord commanded." He feared the Lord even when God asked him to do things that seemed opposite to human logic....like circumcising all the men right after they entered into the land they were supposed to make war on (chapter 5). Or marching around a city just blowing trumpets (Jericho--6). Or turning back to fight against a city that they had just lost a battle to (Ai--chapter 8). God's faithfulness is so clear in this book: "not one word has failed of all the good things that the Lord your God promised concerning you." (23:14) And this same God is the same faithful God today. I was challenged as to how I fear the Lord and if I see him as a God who fulfills his promises and a God who is trustworthy. Do I live that way?
So....if you are still here with me to the end of this novel, bless you. I have great intentions to continue to blog but life sometimes takes over. This week I am apartment sitting for some friends so have been able to get by myself and take some more concentrated time to pray and process through things. This opportunity could not have come at a better time. Thanks to all of you who pray, support and love me. I need your friendship so dearly. It means so much to me!
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Sunday, August 01, 2010
The Old Testament begins!
We are into the Old Testament right now. I'm absolutely loving it and have had many moments already of exclaiming "Have I ever really read my Bible?"
So, let's get into it...
One thing I haven't really considered is that the Old Testament was also written for an original reader. With the New Testament, it's easier to keep in mind because you're reading actual letters from a person and for a person or people. We are diving into the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible, books that Moses wrote. He wrote these for the second generation of Israelites after they had left Egypt and before they entered the promised land. Moses documented their journeys and all that God had done as a reminder and an encouragement as they continue into the promised land without him.
But he is writing to a society that has come out of pagan religion in Egypt. He is showing over and over again how their God, their Yahweh is higher than any other god they have ever met.
Genesis
This book is full of stories that those of who grew up going to church have heard time and time again. But if you read through Genesis, it is also full of "adult" moments, sexuality gone wrong, rebellion, selfish-ambition and manipulation. I was struck again and again at how dysfunctional the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) were and how full of grace and mercy God is. One thing that struck me was the vow Jacob made to God after he had his awe-inspiring dream of the ladder going to heaven and the angels ascending and descending upon it. God had just spoken his promise of redemption to him that had originally been promised to Abraham, that he would make him a great nation and give him land. But Jacob has the audacity to tell God "If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father's house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God." (Genesis 28:20-21) This shows me the prosperity gospel is not something we invented in my generation. Jacob is saying "if you'll bless me and keep me comfortable, then I'll serve you." Well, we can look at Jacob and say "shame on you" but how often is this the way we approach God? God, if you take care of my family and give me a good job and a good church and keep my life pretty stable and comfortable, then I'll worship you with all I've got. One thing our teacher this week challenged us on was what would you do if God never blessed you again? Would you still serve him? Would he still be good? Would he still be your God? What a challenge! Do I serve God for what I get from him? Do I love God more than I love his promises?
Exodus
I have an affinity for Moses. From the first read-through we did of this book (we go through the book five times) I wanted to teach it next year! I love seeing Moses go from a blithering coward to being the leader of a nation of 2 million people, walking in the fear of the Lord. The biggest thing Moses' life speaks is that it doesn't matter what you think you can't do, God can use you. And, God refines those he calls.
One thing I was struck by was in the section on building the tabernacle. God asked everyone to bring a contribution towards the tabernacle from "whoever is of a generous heart" (Ex. 35:5) This section repeats the phrase "all who were of a willing heart" who gave towards the building. So, we see a great example of abundant generosity on the part of the Israelites. But additionally, these are people who are coming out of slavery. They had been made to build entire cities to store Pharaoh's wealth in egypt (Ex. 1:11). However, they are giving out of a willing heart and offering their own services willingly to build the tabernacle of God, the dwelling place of God. God doesn't make slaves of his followers but invites people with a willing heart to be a part of his purposes. So, this also is a hugely applicable point: Do I view God more as a slave-driver or do I give to him with a willing heart and participate in what he's doing with joy? Is God your task master or is his presence and dwelling place with you your delight?
And this week we are diving into Leviticus. Believe it or not, there's already so much I'm getting out of that book. Seeing how God desires that his people are set apart in a way that shows their God is different from all other gods is so important. I've been thinking a lot about atonement throughout the New Testament and why exactly it is that God requires blood in order for forgiveness (Heb. 9:22). As a Christian, I take this for granted, but I'm stepping back and asking okay, why is blood required for forgiveness of sins? Why couldn't there be any other way? What does true forgiveness mean? What does it mean to be atoned?
Gah...Isn't Bible study amazing?! For years, I deep down found the Bible a bit dry and too full of rules and strange things that seemed a bit irrelevant. I've grown in my hunger and understanding of the word over the years, but this season is like a Bible dessert buffet. I just can't stop....it's all so good. I just want to eat and eat until I explode! The word of God is a treasure truly to be delighted in and savored!
So, I'll leave you with a few pictures from my every-day life:
This first one is a breakfast place a block from my apartment. This lady makes amazing dam bing which is a homemade dough she rolls out and cooks on the grill pictured along with an egg and green onion. Then you drizzle this brown thick soy-sauce like substance on top and you have a FANTASTIC breakfast for a mere $0.60. I spoke my first full sentence in Chinese to this woman: I want one dam bing. :)
And this photo is of my small group on a study day we recently had during the book of Genesis at Starbucks. In a school of 50 students, it's nice to be able to have a small group to meet with, pray for one another, share a bit of our lives and what God is teaching us in this season. I've grown to love and appreciate each of these ladies so much!
So, let's get into it...
One thing I haven't really considered is that the Old Testament was also written for an original reader. With the New Testament, it's easier to keep in mind because you're reading actual letters from a person and for a person or people. We are diving into the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible, books that Moses wrote. He wrote these for the second generation of Israelites after they had left Egypt and before they entered the promised land. Moses documented their journeys and all that God had done as a reminder and an encouragement as they continue into the promised land without him.
But he is writing to a society that has come out of pagan religion in Egypt. He is showing over and over again how their God, their Yahweh is higher than any other god they have ever met.
Genesis
This book is full of stories that those of who grew up going to church have heard time and time again. But if you read through Genesis, it is also full of "adult" moments, sexuality gone wrong, rebellion, selfish-ambition and manipulation. I was struck again and again at how dysfunctional the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) were and how full of grace and mercy God is. One thing that struck me was the vow Jacob made to God after he had his awe-inspiring dream of the ladder going to heaven and the angels ascending and descending upon it. God had just spoken his promise of redemption to him that had originally been promised to Abraham, that he would make him a great nation and give him land. But Jacob has the audacity to tell God "If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father's house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God." (Genesis 28:20-21) This shows me the prosperity gospel is not something we invented in my generation. Jacob is saying "if you'll bless me and keep me comfortable, then I'll serve you." Well, we can look at Jacob and say "shame on you" but how often is this the way we approach God? God, if you take care of my family and give me a good job and a good church and keep my life pretty stable and comfortable, then I'll worship you with all I've got. One thing our teacher this week challenged us on was what would you do if God never blessed you again? Would you still serve him? Would he still be good? Would he still be your God? What a challenge! Do I serve God for what I get from him? Do I love God more than I love his promises?
Exodus
I have an affinity for Moses. From the first read-through we did of this book (we go through the book five times) I wanted to teach it next year! I love seeing Moses go from a blithering coward to being the leader of a nation of 2 million people, walking in the fear of the Lord. The biggest thing Moses' life speaks is that it doesn't matter what you think you can't do, God can use you. And, God refines those he calls.
One thing I was struck by was in the section on building the tabernacle. God asked everyone to bring a contribution towards the tabernacle from "whoever is of a generous heart" (Ex. 35:5) This section repeats the phrase "all who were of a willing heart" who gave towards the building. So, we see a great example of abundant generosity on the part of the Israelites. But additionally, these are people who are coming out of slavery. They had been made to build entire cities to store Pharaoh's wealth in egypt (Ex. 1:11). However, they are giving out of a willing heart and offering their own services willingly to build the tabernacle of God, the dwelling place of God. God doesn't make slaves of his followers but invites people with a willing heart to be a part of his purposes. So, this also is a hugely applicable point: Do I view God more as a slave-driver or do I give to him with a willing heart and participate in what he's doing with joy? Is God your task master or is his presence and dwelling place with you your delight?
And this week we are diving into Leviticus. Believe it or not, there's already so much I'm getting out of that book. Seeing how God desires that his people are set apart in a way that shows their God is different from all other gods is so important. I've been thinking a lot about atonement throughout the New Testament and why exactly it is that God requires blood in order for forgiveness (Heb. 9:22). As a Christian, I take this for granted, but I'm stepping back and asking okay, why is blood required for forgiveness of sins? Why couldn't there be any other way? What does true forgiveness mean? What does it mean to be atoned?
Gah...Isn't Bible study amazing?! For years, I deep down found the Bible a bit dry and too full of rules and strange things that seemed a bit irrelevant. I've grown in my hunger and understanding of the word over the years, but this season is like a Bible dessert buffet. I just can't stop....it's all so good. I just want to eat and eat until I explode! The word of God is a treasure truly to be delighted in and savored!
So, I'll leave you with a few pictures from my every-day life:
This first one is a breakfast place a block from my apartment. This lady makes amazing dam bing which is a homemade dough she rolls out and cooks on the grill pictured along with an egg and green onion. Then you drizzle this brown thick soy-sauce like substance on top and you have a FANTASTIC breakfast for a mere $0.60. I spoke my first full sentence in Chinese to this woman: I want one dam bing. :)
And this photo is of my small group on a study day we recently had during the book of Genesis at Starbucks. In a school of 50 students, it's nice to be able to have a small group to meet with, pray for one another, share a bit of our lives and what God is teaching us in this season. I've grown to love and appreciate each of these ladies so much!
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