For a full description of the (Y4) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Lev. 2-3
I am curious as to some of the specifics for the various offerings. For example, in chapter 2 we learn that leaven and honey did not belong in any offering offered by fire. They could, however, be brought with a first fruits offering. We also learn that the grain offerings included salt. In chapter 3 God gave the perpetual statute of, “you shall not eat any fat or any blood.” (Lev. 3:17b). I am sure there are representative reasons for these specifications, I am simply not sure as to what they are.
I do get the general sense, though, that we are not to take or claim that which belongs to God. Nor are we to add to His work with our own. The work of healing, restoration, and preservation of life is His. We have nothing to do with that, but do offer back in faith the best of what He gives to us – whether time, talent, possessions or service.
John 21
What a blessing and an honor it would have been to have lived and walked with Jesus during His time on earth. I would love to read that would-be world full of books as to His words and actions while in human form. At the same time, however, what a blessing and an honor it is to have the benefit of hindsight in our lives. We know Jesus and can understand His story – the whole story of the Bible – in a way that people in His day simply could not, at least not until after He left and sent His Spirit. So, like Peter, I don’t need to compare my walk with Jesus with anybody else. I only need to faithfully follow Him.
Prov. 18
“He who separates himself seeks his own desire, he quarrels against all sound wisdom.” (Pr. 18:1). This proverb does not state what such a person separates himself from. However, I thought that God fit nicely in that spot. To separate one’s self from God is indeed foolishness. Then I thought that, since fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, the statement works in the opposite way as well. To quarrel against sound wisdom separates one from God. My final thought on this same verse is that the “from what” really doesn’t need calling out anyway. Since God’s desire is for us to love Him by loving others, separating ourselves from others in general goes against that desire and thus also quarrels against sound wisdom.