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 best suggestion about what distinguishes clean animals is that they were those which did not eat dead meat and that were more distinctive to their sphere of creation. This stresses the idea of cleanliness as that of being acceptable and distinctive - a reminder that in worshipping God Israel were to be set-apart from the nations (11v44-45). Indeed, if an Israelite were made unclean from contact with what was unclean, they were considered unfit to worship God. And the fact that the carcass of an unclean animal would make even utensils it touched unclean highlights that Israel's seperation was to be absolute. Now the nations can be included amongst God’s people through Christ, this reminder in the food laws has passed (Acts 10v9-15). Nevertheless, Christians are to be wholly set-apart from the sinful practices of others. The uncleaness associated with child-birth may be because it was impacted by the fall (Gen 2v16) or just considered unseemly for God's presence. The different periods of purification do not imply the genders are unequal. Both bear the image of God. It does however stress their difference, and the particular responsibility men have in God's purposes (1 Cor 11v3-12). As you read note the different ways separation is stressed.
Leviticus 11-12
Leviticus 11-12
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.