February 23, 2010, Leviticus 14:1-57, Mark 6:30-56, Psalm 40:1-10, Proverbs 10:11-12

Our Healer, Redeemer, Provider, Father; We humble ourselves as your Children and request your blessing as we consider your word today.  We must admit we do not always understand.  Use us we pray.  Speak to us, speak through us. Open our ears. Open our eyes. Open our mouths.  May our thoughts and the words we speak be uplifting to the body and bring Glory to your name.

Response to Leviticus 14:1-57

Wow, can't say I saw that one coming!  That's the joy of reading the Bible over and over.  It never ceases to amaze me and I am always able to glean something new and make new applications to my life.  Today, again, I found I received as much inspiration from God through personal meditation in His word as I did from reading various commentaries.  If you are like me, you are finding that the attitude of the heart and the symbolism of the crucifiction carry as much importance in these readings as the Levitical sacrifices and ceremonies themselves.  Many remain a common part of our lives today.  For instance; why 7 days in the week?,Why is it so important to take a break on the weekends? Feel free to add your insights. I certainly am not the only one with insights to share! You too have a spiritual identity and that prepares us for my thoughts on this passage.

As I believe symbolism is key and creates a modern reading, I will not get bogged down in leprosy.  Therefore, when the man of God visits with the sinful man outside the church, (whether this is only a church leader or a layman who feels the call - you decide) and the sinful man wishes to be cleansed and made whole, we are given a ritual - or ceremony to welcome such an individual into the Kingdom.  Call it an initiation  - or baptism - if you will symbolizing God's acceptance.

Personally, I am glad we don't use; "two live clean birds and some cedar wood, scarlet yarn and hyssop with fresh water in a clay pot (vs. 4-5 NIV). (note that vs. 5 in RSV reads "earthen vessel over running water)  Now, some may find this offensive, but I found this ritual to resemble what I have seen "witch doctor's" doing in the movies from various parts of the world.  Again, I am not embarrassed to claim that much of religious ritual outside of Judaism and Christianity is found within the Bible. Egyptian mythology in Genesis 6:4, tribal ritual in today's passage.  Even some Christian leaders speak of a kind of reincarnation through their interpretations of Genesis 14:18-20 mixed with Hebrews 6:20-7:1.  Yes, we must be very careful with respect to indoctrinations.  With that, let me return to blogging on the ceremonial symbolism I glean from Leviticus 14.

As we kill a bird over the clean water in the clay pot, I can't help but see the soul of man as it is cleansed by the blood of the lamb of God. (ie. death of Christ) On passover, the blood of the lamb was spread on the wooden doorposts of the homes of the Israelites as a sign of protection from the evil one (Exodus 12:22).  Again, chosen and cleansed.  Hyssop symbolized cleansing in Psalm 51:7 and was used as part of the crucifiction (John 19:29.  Cedar wood is known for it's pleasing odor - just as the pleasing odor of a sacrifice.  One may also sense the cross through this use of wood.  In I Chronicles 17:1-6, David and Nathan refer to the house of God, the earthly church, as a house of cedar - these earthly vessels.  The scarlet thread certainly displays the blood of sacrifice again (Isaiah 1:18,  and   Revelation 7:14).  Hebrews 9:14 states "how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.  The symbolism of all these signs being dipped into the blood of the lamb who died  - sprinkled seven times (complete cleansing - completeness of God) on the person (vs 7) and the house (vs 51) is followed by realeasing the living spirit  out of the camp and into the open field. Freedom, joy, and release of the burden of sin that the plague of leprosy (sin) had produced.

Ephesians 2:5-6 says it this way; "made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions -it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms"

  When John baptised Jesus, he testified that He saw the Spirit of God descend and remain on Jesus (John 1:33).  Matthew 3;16 claims the Spirit was represented by a dove.  All this was forcast in Isaiah 11:2.

After this ceremony, the individual lived in full sight of the community outside his tent for seven days.  On the first and seventh day, he was physically cleansed, both clothes and body and fully shaved.  On the eighth day, there was a full ceremony of sacrifices and anointing.  The individual who has been cleansed and welcomed back into the community of believers after his separation is annointed, both in the blood of the lamb, and with oil on the tip of the right ear, on the right thumb, and the big toe of the right foot.  I am wondering if this might represent "He who has ears, let him hear" and Lord, let me be your hands and feet. I am cleansed and ready for service.  There is also the sprinkling with oil, seven times.  With the oil that is left, the priest annoints the sinner's head with oil - a sign of consecration.  Few religious ceremonies observed today expect this amount of patience and personal awareness.  It is much easier for us to neglect the honor and worship of God.  An hour a week seems like nothing, right!  What other symbolism or understanding do you have to offer? I'd love to hear your ideas.

Response to Mark 6:30-56

Following their missionary journey, Jesus recommended the disciples get away to rest for awhile.  But the People followed them into the countryside.  Notice that even Jesus grew tired of the constant crowds.  Yet, he spent the day teaching the people.  Word had spread and there were about 5000 men.  Matthew adds that this was 5000 men besides women and children.  With only 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish, all the people were fed and there were 12 baskets afterward.  This was such an amazing miracle, the story (Mark 6:30-44)is shared in each gospel. (see Matthew 14:13-21, Luke 9:10-17, and John 6:1-13).  John writes that Jesus had to withdraw afterwards because the people were ready to make Him king by force.

To avoid the tumult, Jesus had sent the disciples away and withdew from the crowd.  As night came, Jesus walked across the water to reunite with the disciples (Mark 6:45-52).  Matthew 14:22-32 and John 6:15-21) Although it is believed that Mark wrote much from Peter's account of Jesus life, it is Matthew that shared the story of Peter getting out of the boat and walking on the water with Jesus.  Again, this story shares the power Jesus had over creation.  Creation of matter, walking on water, and calming the wind and sea.  Perhaps the disciples looked back at this day and wondered why they never ceased to be amazed as is reflected in Mark 6:51-52.  But, how difficult is it for us to believe in the Creator despite the fact we see His glory throughout His creation surrounding us everyday?  How hard do we work to explain these things away?

Mark 6:53-56 coincides with Matthew 14:34-36.  Again, wherever Jesus went, the knowledge of His power brought the crowds.  He did not even need to acknowledge the individual.  If they but touched his clothing, they were healed.  They believed because of the testimony of others, and they were healed.  The only place the scripture claims that His power was not displayed was His hometown, amongst those who knew He had grown up just like any man.

What will it take to soften your heart to the Love and Acceptance your Almighty Creator has for you? What anger or resentments do you need to release? Does it seem right to consider Him to be a Prince of Peace, Power, and Healing - and not the God of war so many imagine? Do you believe He is at war for your protection as He is not willing that any should perish? Do you believe He cares about you? Do you believe He wants you? Do you believe He can save you? Do you believe He can give you joy? 

Response to Psalm 40:1-10

It's been a while since I suggested you consider Jesus Christ personalizing the Psalm, but this is a good one.  I also thought of Jeremiah after he was thrown into the cistern in Jeremiah 38:6-13.  Psalm 40:1-2 are the focus verses in our reading today.  "I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my fet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand."  How many others we have discussed today could have claimed these words? The unclean lepor from Leviticus who has been made clean and pronounced whole and worthy of the Kingdom; The people who's ears were opened by the teachings of Jesus; those who were healed through his healing touch!

We all have a story to tell to the nations.  A Psalm, a hymn, a spiritual song.  Our song is to the Lord, not to our pride or to doctrines which would separate us from the Love of our Creator!

Verse 6 carries a footnote.  Instead of the words "my ears you have pierced" which may represent "opened", the interpretation from the ancient Septuagint document is rendered "a body you have prepared for me".  Then it is easy to hear the sacrificial lamb of God continuing to speak in Psalm 40:7; "Then I said, "Here I am, I have come - it is written about me in the scroll. 

For all of us who have accepted adoption into the Kingdom of God, we can recite verses 8-10.  "I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart." I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, as you know, O Lord.  I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation.  I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly."

Response to Proverbs 10:11-12

War serves a purpose only when evil reigns, yet God does not need our armies.  I have seen the hardest hearts softened - talk of Peace must never cease to be an option among men. 

Our Proverb today: "The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.  Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.

If the Bible claims "For God so Loved the World... - and Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace.... - Then why do end times philosophies of the religious spell doom and destruction?  Even when doom was declared upon Nineva, the people repented and their lives were spared. 

The 6th sign...plague...angel of Revelation continues to spell doom and destruction.  Yet, this was not the message of Jesus and it defies the fact that men worldwide are seeking after God - and He promises that if ye seek me ye will know me.  Jesus fortells in Matthew 24-25 that war does not represent the last day.  

The prophecies of Zechariah can easily see fulfillment throught the historical documents of I and II Maccabees, a time when war ruled the world.

Only through our ideologies of war, do we continue to justify it's use to carry out the will of God.  At what point, will we lay down our weopons and acknowledge our Creator's Love through the reign of the Prince of Peace?  That's what our Children yearn for! Read Isaiah 44-45.  God will bring Peace and destroy the  ideologies which have separated and governed man for millenia.  It finishes with "every knee shall bow and every tongue confess" Only in the Lord, it shall be said of me, are righteousness and strength...In the Lord all the offspring of Israel shall triumph and glory." There are a multitude of verses to back this up and only one mention of Armageddon. If we would join in the valley outside the walls of Jerusalem and everyone would join hands, bow the knee and worship, it would indeed be the final battle. Religion provides forms of worship. Our reverence takes many forms. Check out this video and let your imagination wander! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WW8VvXUv_8Q

The grapes of wrath certainly will be processed into new wine to be drunk by all men as we celebrate the wedding feast of our Lord and Savior and d'evil is vanquished once and for all and the eighth day, the first day of the new week, shall have arrived at last.

Of course, you might apply today's Proverb in a much more individual and personal way.

Until Tomorrow;

Rick.