Old Testament
1. Moses now passes the "rules" on to Aaron and his sons. Thier family will be the proests for the people, and make the sacrifices on the people's behalf. Aaron and His sons are anointed and purified.
2. Again, the purpose of the sacrifice is to PAY FOR SIN.
3. All is well, Moses and Aaron bless the people, and the glory of the Lord comes in the form of Fire.
- Sounds like Moses has come full circle, isn't that how he met the Lord... a burning bush?
4. The sacrifices are to be made the way the Lord commanded. Not with our own special flair or twist. This leads us to one of those "sticky" situations that people don't like in the Old Testament.
- God destroys people for doing wrong...on the spot. What a concept?
- Aren't we blessed that He doesn't do that now? Remember why?
5. The sins of Nadab and Abihu. Two of Aaron's sons decide to do something special and different for the Lord. In my opinion, in their zeal perhaps to show off, they used the "wrong kind of fire, different than he had commanded." God destroys them by fire for their disobedience. Come on guys, God just gave you the rules.
6. Aaron and his other priestly sons are not allowed to grieve ("leaving your hair uncombed or by tearing your clothes"), but the rest of the Israelites are. The bodies are removed from the camp.
- They are separated, because of their sin. Separated by sin...seems to be a theme.
7. Instructions regarding the priests portion of the sacrifice. Well, the other two sons burn their portion instead of eating it. This I think is about 2 things. Obviously they broke the commands given to them. They didn't learn anything from their brothers error or death. But i think it is also about being wasteful. They have wasted something that Gid has set aside especially for them.
- Do we waste God's gifts and blessings? Are we paralyzed by our earthly fears?
8. Aaron pleads for the life of his sons, and Moses (and presumable the Lord) is satisfied.
New Testament
9. Parable of the growing seed (mustard seed).
- This parable follows the longer parable about the farmer, scattered seeds and "good soil."
- To recap: The word Jesus spoke was like seed scattered by a farmer. When the word took root in "good soil" it produces much fruit. Those who hear Jesus are likened to various soils. Some are like stony ground, on which the seed initially sprouts but cannot grow because there is no place for it to take root. Any trouble or persecution brings rejection of the Word. Others allow concern for the affairs of this lfe to choke out the spiritual. But on those who are "good soil" (responsive to the Word) it produces a rich crop.
- This new parable, I think, means that the kingdom of God grows gradually, like a planted seed. The tiniest seeds, like a mustard seed, can grow into a large garden plant.
10. Jesus doesn't explain the parables to the crowd, but gives further instruction to the disciple when they are alone.
11. Jesus calms the storm.
- This section of Mark demonstrates Jesus' personal authority...
- Asleep at sea, Jesus is awakened by His disciples when the fishing boat is struck by the storm. He rebuked the storm...and suddenly the waters were completely calm! We can also see in our reading that the disciples don't know who He is? Makes you wonder, why are they following Him?
- Jesus has power over nature.
12. In the next stiry in this sequence Jesus casts many demons (Legion)out of a man, sending them into a herd of pigs. Once again, the demons recognize Him for who He is, "Jesus, Son of the Most High God." Jesus tells the man to go home and tell his family. Of course, he goes to tell everyone else. The people are amazed, but ask Jesus to go away and leave them alone. Wow. What blessing might they have received if their eyes had been open?
- Jesus has power over evil spiritual beings and forces.
Psalm
13. "Put your hope in the Lord."
14. "Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace."
- It says a wonderful future, not necessarily here. But here is not what we are working on. We are working towards our bright and wonderful future...our eternal life and peace.
Proverbs
15. "We have happy memories of the godly" Don't we?
See you next post...
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