Tough reading - Ex. 39-40 & Matt. 23:23-39

I don't have much to say about today's Scripture readings, but I do want to talk briefly about where we've been and where we're going in the OT. Yesterday I pretty much summed up Matt. 23 so I don't have anything to add to that and Ex. 39-40 just describe the final touches for the tabernacle. So all I have to say about that is congratulations! we made it through the second OT book.

I admit, this point in the yearly Bible reading plan is a time of testing. The end of Exodus is pretty boring reading and then you go into Leviticus and Numbers which are tough as well, only to head into Deuteronomy - which is a recap of Exodus, Leviticus, and Number! It's a tough stretch of reading to be sure. But be assured that there is a point to it and we need to learn from it. (And meanwhile, enjoy the NT readings!!! Stay strong and eventually we'll reach the book of Joshua, which is a little more exciting. But since we're heading into Leviticus let me prepare you for it...

I'm reading through the New Living Translation of the Bible and I really enjoy its readability. It's written on a 6th grade level, so that suits me well! But my NLT Bible is also a Life Application Bible and I really enjoy some of the notes. One thing that I really like are the book introductions, especially for a book like Leviticus that makes you wonder what in the world this has to do with your present life. Some of the points in my Bible's intro to Leviticus are:

1. The overwhelming message of Leviticus is the holiness of God. So it talks a lot about our need to be holy and how to deal with sin so we can continue to approach our holy God.
2. It also talks about standards and guidelines for our lives, because we are to worship God with how we live our lives. This is obviously applicable to our lives and thoughts today.
   
3. The final aspect of the book deals with celebration. The book gives a lot of instructions for festivals. These were specific times for the people to remember and focus on God. We have special celebrations throughout the year too. Perhaps this book can help us to think about how to be even more intentional with our celebrations to keep God as the focus.

Remember these themes as you struggle through this book. Stay strong, you'll be surprised how God will speak to you as you remain in His word.