Scripture Reading and Thoughts - July 11, 2008

Posted by David Jesse

TODAY'S READING: Leviticus 6:1-8:36; Jeremiah 7:21-8:3; 9:22(23) - 23(24); Mark 12:28-34; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 10:14-23Leviticus 6:9;13There were special measures taken by YHWH to make sure that the fire on the altar never went out.Leviticus 7:18YHWH is giving instructions on the proper way to offer sacrifices. In this instance, a voluntary peace offering is made, and YHWH is saying that the meat should be eaten the day of the sacrifice, but if it isn't finished, they may eat of it the second day as well. He then goes on to say that if it isn't eaten by the end of the second day it should be completely burned up on the altar. What is interesting is verse 18. It says, "If any of the meat of the sacrifice of his peace offerings is eaten on the third day, the sacrifice will neither be accepted nor credited to the person offering it; rather it will have become a disgusting thing, and whoever eats it will bear the consequences of his wrongdoing." There is very likely a physical reason for this, but I believe that motivation is integral as well. YHWH wants things done a certain way. When His instructions aren't followed, it renders the work or sacrifice pointless and in many cases, disobedient. What is our motivation? Are we willing to follow His instructions?Jeremiah 7:23YHWH is rebuking the people of Judah for their behavior. They had setup high places to false gods and were even sacrificing their children to these idols. YHWH says that their sacrifices to Him mean absolutely nothing. Verse 23 says, "Rather, what I did order them was this, 'Pay attention to what I say. Then I will be your God, and you will be my people. In everything, live according to the way that I order you, so that things will go well for you.'" What YHWH truly desires from those who say they follow Him is that we pay attention to what He says.Jeremiah 9:23-24YHWH is showing what He truly desires from His followers. "Here is what ADONAI (YHWH) says: 'The wise man should not boast of his wisdom, the powerful man should not boast of his power, the wealthy should not boast of his wealth; instead, let the boaster boast about this: that he understands and knows me - that I am ADONAI (YHWH), practicing grace, justice and righteousness in the land; for in these things I take pleasure,' says ADONAI (YHWH)."Mark 12:28-34This is the familiar passage when the Torah-teacher asks Yeshua what the greatest commandment is. He answers with the Sh'ma, the most holy blessing in Judaism, followed with loving YHWH with our everything, and others as we love ourselves. One thing we often overlook from this passage is the Torah-teachers response and Yeshua's follow up. The Torah-teacher agrees with Yeshua, and Yeshua indicates that this Torah-teacher is not far from the Kingdom. I imagine a proud scribe seeking to trick Yeshua, instead realizing that his motives were false and agreeing with Him. As a result, the repentant attitude indicates that this scribe might be open to redemption later.Romans 12:1-2This passage continues with the theme of sacrifice. Sha'ul is writing that our sacrifice should now be about offering ourselves up to live for YHWH. We are to act in conjunction with His commands and standards, learning what He wants for us to do and then doing it.1 Corinthians 10:14-23Sha'ul is writing about mixing our worship practices with those of the world. He is indicating that the items aren't the focus - the motivation behind them is. Why do we do what we do in worship? Do we even understand it?

http://www.livinginblackandwhite.com/profiles/blogs/2133465:BlogPost:3902