Jesus taught that all scripture testifies about him so that in him we might have life (John 5v39-40). King David taught that it is only by living according to God's word that we're kept on the right path (Psalm 119v9). What then could be better than reading the entire Bible? Click the menu to read about the program, choose a month or Bible book - or just work through the blog posts day by day.
BEGIN WITH PRAYER
"Lord open my eyes and my heart."
Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, yor family, your church and the world.
Wisdom to chew on
Understanding to grow in
The majority of our reading deals with "unintentional" sins. Distinguishing them shows they are less serious, yet still warrant punishment and so sacrifice. They still reflect our corrupt instincts. The offerings differ according to staus, reflecting a greater seriousness in those with greater responsibilty (James 3v1). The laying on of hands pictures the transferring of sin to the animal which is then to die as a substitute in the sinner's place. Blood is sprinkled seven times "before the LORD" infront of the sanctuary curtain - where seven is the number of completion. It is pacifying his anger. Blood is also put on horns (jutting corners) of the incense altar and at the base of the altar for offerings. This purifies them from contanimation by the sin of the people (8v14-15) because God in his perfection cannot dwell even amidst a hint of sin. The fat alone is burnt because it was regarded as the best bit (Gen 4v4). In context 6v1-7 must be detailing examples of unintentional sins the guilt offerings were made for. With them restitution must be made to the aggrieved. Christ has of course born our sins in his death, and purified us so that God can dwell within us. Like using a credit card, the OT sacrifices in a sense purchased forgiveness until the penalty for sin could be properly paid for in Jesus (Rom 3v25). Neverthless, the generous heart will still want to make restitution where appropriate - as Zacchaeus did (Lk 19v1-10). As you read consider the different groupings and what this says of the responsibility of their equivalents today.
Leviticus 4:1-6:7
Leviticus 4:1-6:7
Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.
2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.
Devotion to offer up
You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.