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!