For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Luke 6
How does Jesus describe his relationship to the Sabbath (and by extension, the Law)? I think the Mosaic Law was not about being holy. It was about recognizing God’s holiness and our lack of it. God gave it to humble us so that we could set self aside to love Him and let His love flow through us to others. The Jewish religious leaders missed that point, however, and thus got everything backwards. They focused so hard on trying to be holy by the law that they completely missed God. They could not even see that what was meant for life-giving good they were using for evil and destruction.
Jesus was Lord of not just the Sabbath but also the entire law because He did not need it. As God, He was holy from the start; the standard by which the law was set. Therefore, as man He was the perfect demonstration of the law. And not just the demonstration. He fulfilled the law’s purpose. It is He who makes us holy, restoring us to God and allowing His life-giving love to flow through us for the good of others.
Ezek. 41-43
Compare and contrast the vision of this temple with Solomon’s temple in 2 Kings 6. There is so much I do not understand about all this temple stuff! It sure seems like there is an important message in it all, but I’m afraid I am missing it. One thing did catch my attention this morning, though. “Then the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple.” (Ez. 43:5). What a beautiful statement! It is the ever repeating image of God’s loving redemption for us. We were low and cast out, but He lifted us up and brought us into His glorious presence. Amen!