One can read through Leviticus and finish feeling discouraged, frustrated, and possibly even confused by all the implications within the book. However, if we keep in mind the element of context we can cultivate more clarity and appreciation for what Leviticus has to provide. To do this, 26:13 spoke strongly to me in relation to God's ultimate covenant love.
"I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt so you would no longer be their slaves. I broke the yoke of slavery from your neck so you can walk with your heads held high." Much of Leviticus is a response to something. If we just dove into reading the book, then as the reader we wouldn't fully understand the context or what this is in response to. So understandably, we read all these laws and the protocol laid out for the consequences one would endure in the event that God's commands where not upheld.
But if we read 26 closely, we hear God intermittently weaving in his promises and reminding us of what He had done for the people in the past and also what faithfulness one would expect to witness in the future. Only a God with covenant love for His children would save them from an eternity of slavery and despair. A God of love would reassure His children of who He is. This is encouragement and uplifting. However, a good father is one who will also share what the consequences will be if His child disobeys.
If Leviticus 26 is read closely, yes I believe it could influence and put into context a framework for how to interpret the previous books.
When someone attempts to use this book as a support of their argument, there are many concerns found within this process. On the one hand, if you are clear and objective on the book as a whole and have a decent grasp on what God is intending with loving His children, then the present-day argument may be valid (context-specific). However, too often the old testament in general is highly skewed when attempting to use it in a present-day discussion (i.e., mostly occurs when the individual is picking and choosing passages and putting them together out of context).
I will conclude my thoughts by returning to 26:13 and quoting a commentary on it:
" Imagine the joy of a slave set free. God took the children of Israel out of bitter slavery and gave them freedom and dignity. We, too, are set free when we accept Christ's payment that redeems us from sin's slavery. We no longer need to be bogged down in shame over our past sins: we can walk with dignity because God has forgiven us and forgotten them [sins]. But just as the Israelites were still in danger of returning to a slave mentality, we need to beware of the temptation to return to our former selves."
I can honestly say, I now read Leviticus in a new light.
Sunday, November 19, 2017
Genesis: Where It All Began..
Whether one identifies as Christian or not, everyone at some point in their life is posed (or self-reflects) on the idea of "existence" at some level. Whether we grew up in a school that 'taught' or introduced the idea of evolution in a grade-school science class or if we just simply were inquisitive. Creation is something we all have to interact with daily regardless of our belief system. Based on this premise, that is why I arrived at a couple varying outcomes.
When reflecting on this question, I wanted to approach it from a dual-perspective. For me, one may come to two radically different outcomes when comparing "use for ministry" and "personal guidance". The dynamics shift when adding to something and in this case if we think of ministry we have an external (outward self) focus. However, for personal growth we have an intrinsic, internal (inward) focus. This journey can, and most often will, have different outcomes and different influences along the way.
As this integrates into Genesis, there are many implications. From the personal guidance perspective, I believe the imagery illustrated in Genesis provides a framework for understanding who God is and how His creation came to be. However, I didn't always feel this way. As my faith grew however, things seemed to become more organized in my mind and my heart. But to understand the origins of the human race, the planet, the universe, all of it is beneficial in the ultimate understanding which is to know God's grace.
From a ministry perspective however, it can be profoundly challenging. As I touched on the major dynamic is that you begin to add more vertical relationships. We may have heard the analogy (one must be good vertically in order to do God's work horizontally-in rows). The idea that when in ministry, we as individuals, are outwardly attempting to reach people, but we may have no idea how their own vertical relationship with God is. We can speak to Genesis 1-11 all day, but it could cause more intimidation or confusion than good. This could be for many reasons, but one main challenge can be the enormity of discussion.
Someone new to Christ or even contemplating becoming saved, may be struggling just to afford food, let alone wanting to tackle understanding the creation story. I believe that understanding ministry from a holistic perspective can help us to acquire valuable insight into how one may possibly receive God's word, and at what pace God is working through them.
We all can get overwhelmed and burdened with every single detail, in any book in the Bible. But perhaps the greatest takeaway from Genesis 1-11 can simply be: humbling ourselves to an almighty God, that has been in control of our existence, from the very beginning.
When reflecting on this question, I wanted to approach it from a dual-perspective. For me, one may come to two radically different outcomes when comparing "use for ministry" and "personal guidance". The dynamics shift when adding to something and in this case if we think of ministry we have an external (outward self) focus. However, for personal growth we have an intrinsic, internal (inward) focus. This journey can, and most often will, have different outcomes and different influences along the way.
As this integrates into Genesis, there are many implications. From the personal guidance perspective, I believe the imagery illustrated in Genesis provides a framework for understanding who God is and how His creation came to be. However, I didn't always feel this way. As my faith grew however, things seemed to become more organized in my mind and my heart. But to understand the origins of the human race, the planet, the universe, all of it is beneficial in the ultimate understanding which is to know God's grace.
From a ministry perspective however, it can be profoundly challenging. As I touched on the major dynamic is that you begin to add more vertical relationships. We may have heard the analogy (one must be good vertically in order to do God's work horizontally-in rows). The idea that when in ministry, we as individuals, are outwardly attempting to reach people, but we may have no idea how their own vertical relationship with God is. We can speak to Genesis 1-11 all day, but it could cause more intimidation or confusion than good. This could be for many reasons, but one main challenge can be the enormity of discussion.
Someone new to Christ or even contemplating becoming saved, may be struggling just to afford food, let alone wanting to tackle understanding the creation story. I believe that understanding ministry from a holistic perspective can help us to acquire valuable insight into how one may possibly receive God's word, and at what pace God is working through them.
We all can get overwhelmed and burdened with every single detail, in any book in the Bible. But perhaps the greatest takeaway from Genesis 1-11 can simply be: humbling ourselves to an almighty God, that has been in control of our existence, from the very beginning.
Understanding the Old Testament: Is is relevant to us today?
Genesis-1 Kings
Sin. Brokenness. Throughout the books of Genesis to 1st Kings it is undeniably apparent that humanity drifts from God's commands and guidance. Often times, it is intentional, because God has shared the direction in which He desires. Yet, humanity fails. Other times, the awareness is skewed by cultural beliefs and standards. Some people haven't heard the word of God. Throughout the time span of Genesis to 1 Kings, we see repetition of brokenness and sin. This is the major theme of being the fallen. While this is a large and overarching major theme, it is so prominent to not mention. There is way too much to mention in one discussion thread that we see falling under the umbrella of sin and brokenness: (e.g., sexual immorality, murder, deceit, greed, discrimination, etc.).
A minor theme that I see throughout the Old Testament is the presence of God being a good father with his consequences. These laws and consequences provided structure and the learning that God's children needed. Just like present day parents provide rules, guidance, and structure needed for children to grow up knowing right from wrong, God was providing both his promises to the people as well as what would happen as a result of not following his commands.
This shaped and molding the biblical picture by introducing God's promises to all of humanity. His covenant love and grace for His children. This introduced God as not only a just God, but loving and merciful. I used to read the Old Testament and feel drawn away by what I thought to be harsh and irrelevant. But I know now that was missing the true meaning.
If God did not love his creation, he would not of kept coming back time and time again, with commands and treaties of his promises. That is what a good father does.
The "so what?" moment is this: once we can understand the overarching meanings of the Old Testament, we can understand the lifeblood they have in us as humanity and individually in our own ministry. For me, with my ministry path in relationship to ecology, nature, creation, and our justice system (on a macro level), I can see how I may offer encouragement and grace to humans that are sinful and broken. It's relevant and I can empathize since we are all in that boat. I can also provide direction and structure to help guide people to a place of empowerment, safety, and whatever else they may be in need of. Bottom line, I want to show God in the way I live my life: and for me that means, not abandoning people.
Sin. Brokenness. Throughout the books of Genesis to 1st Kings it is undeniably apparent that humanity drifts from God's commands and guidance. Often times, it is intentional, because God has shared the direction in which He desires. Yet, humanity fails. Other times, the awareness is skewed by cultural beliefs and standards. Some people haven't heard the word of God. Throughout the time span of Genesis to 1 Kings, we see repetition of brokenness and sin. This is the major theme of being the fallen. While this is a large and overarching major theme, it is so prominent to not mention. There is way too much to mention in one discussion thread that we see falling under the umbrella of sin and brokenness: (e.g., sexual immorality, murder, deceit, greed, discrimination, etc.).
A minor theme that I see throughout the Old Testament is the presence of God being a good father with his consequences. These laws and consequences provided structure and the learning that God's children needed. Just like present day parents provide rules, guidance, and structure needed for children to grow up knowing right from wrong, God was providing both his promises to the people as well as what would happen as a result of not following his commands.
This shaped and molding the biblical picture by introducing God's promises to all of humanity. His covenant love and grace for His children. This introduced God as not only a just God, but loving and merciful. I used to read the Old Testament and feel drawn away by what I thought to be harsh and irrelevant. But I know now that was missing the true meaning.
If God did not love his creation, he would not of kept coming back time and time again, with commands and treaties of his promises. That is what a good father does.
The "so what?" moment is this: once we can understand the overarching meanings of the Old Testament, we can understand the lifeblood they have in us as humanity and individually in our own ministry. For me, with my ministry path in relationship to ecology, nature, creation, and our justice system (on a macro level), I can see how I may offer encouragement and grace to humans that are sinful and broken. It's relevant and I can empathize since we are all in that boat. I can also provide direction and structure to help guide people to a place of empowerment, safety, and whatever else they may be in need of. Bottom line, I want to show God in the way I live my life: and for me that means, not abandoning people.
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