Catching Up - Lev. 17-25 & Matt. 27b - Mark 1

Wow, sorry about that friends - I slacked off this weekend. I haven't blogged since last Thursday, so we have some catching up to do. I'll try to be brief... :) (yeah right)

Leviticus has talked about all kinds of things that last few days hasn't it? Forbidden sexual practices, holiness in personal conduct, punishments for specific sins, rules for priests, seasons & festivals, just punishment, sabbath years and years of jubilee, and redemption of property and people. Let me just hit a few highlights...

• Forbidden sexual practices - God has a plan for sex. It is NOT a plan to rob us of pleasure. Rather, it is a plan to fulfill us sexually. Our world has tried to teach us that anything goes and that we should live it up. TV shows and movies and music make just about anything look or sound glamorous. But we aren't fooled when we watch the news and hear all of the sickening statistics that come from our screwed up world. By the way, read through these forbidden things. They are probably not things you want to do anyway!!!
  
  
• Holiness in personal conduct - God says, "Be holy because I am holy." This is not something followers of Jesus can leave in the Old Testament. We are only made truly holy by God's grace and forgiveness. But we need to remember that we represent God to this world and the only way they are going to be aware of His holiness is if we are different.
  

• Punishments for disobedience - these are so harsh. Two huge things we can learn from this list is 1) God hates sin and 2) How wonderful it is that God provided grace through His own sacrifice in Jesus.

• Seasons and festivals - How cool that God provides parties and celebrations and special days throughout the year for the people to remember Him and how He has rescued them. Too bad God doesn't still rule on holidays instead of Hallmark...

• Sabbath year, Year of Jubilee, Redemption of people and property - Notice, even back in these days, God's concern for people and His creation. Rest, renewal, and grace are much needed things for everyone. May we practice them more so in our world.

The end of the gospel of Matthew and the beginning of Mark are more than can be covered in one blog. How could I possibly sum up Jesus' death, resurrection, and Great Commission in a timely manner?! Or the importance of John the Baptist, Jesus' baptism, His wilderness temptation, His calling of the disciples, and His healings?!?! Wow. What an awesome God we serve. How is it so easy for us to keep from telling people this Good News?

If you haven't been able to keep up with any kind of Scripture reading this far into the year, here is a good place to start (or start over). We are about to begin Numbers in the Old Testament and we are just starting Mark in the New Testament. Join us!!!