I noticed something the other day during the eclipse. It was also something else that I experienced during a funeral recently. Iām starting to feel more spiritual. I canāt really explain it, but Iāll try. I have always been good at distinguishing science and religion and thatās not changing. The thing that is changing is that Iām feel that Iām able to appreciate things in a different way than I could before. Iām having a hard time putting into words that make sense, so Iāll have to come back to this throughout the process. Let me share a picture from the eclipse, that should help:
8/22 Reading (Numbers 6-8; Acts 13)
Numbers 6: Chapter is all about instructions for people who want to be nazirites. The rules for them are interesting. They are supposed to stay pure while in this position. According to the notes in the CEB study bible (p. 213 OT), āa nazirite is not an ethnic description but a special category for a person who has vowed to perform a sacred duty.ā Does this still exist?
8/21 Reading (Numbers 4-5; Acts 12)
I saw a total solar eclipse for the first time ever today. It was cloudy, but wow was it an amazing experience. I loved it. I will have to do another one in the future.
8/19 Reading (Numbers 1-3; Psalms 22-24)
Reading this introduction made me think about how much Iām writing during this process. Iām noticing that during times when Iām busy with other things I start to feel bad or guilty when I donāt write much. It becomes a burden, and it shouldnāt be that way. I will continue to write about what I read and sometimes it will be just a summary of what I read that day. But I think it will help me continue through this journey. Because this is tough stuff.
8/18 Reading (Leviticus 27; Acts 11)
Leviticus 27: The sole title in the CEB version is dedications. The notes actually say that this chapter ālooks like an appendix containing rules and instructions about paymentsā (p. 198 OT).
8/17 Reading (Leviticus 25-26; Acts 10)
Leviticus 25: Chapter is about the sabbatical year (every 7th year) and Jubilee year (every 50th year) and the rules associated with each one. The sabbath year is a special year of rest for the land. In the Jubilee year, people must return to their original homes, slaves must be freed, land must be restored to their original owners, and farmland must not be planted or harvested. Whatās interesting here is that God specifically outlines how people must help the poorer people of society. They are supposed to help them so they can survive. AND, the people are not allowed to cheat the poor or charge interest. God specifically tells them they have to be treated as well as they would treat an immigrant or a foreign guest. As Iāve said many times already, I wonder if our elected leaders are aware of this passage?
8/16 Reading (Leviticus 22-24; Acts 9)
I have to be honest here, Iām relying heavily on the notes and section headings for the rest of Leviticus, primarily from the CEB version. I just keep struggling with Leviticus and I think the problem is the feeling that I need to write a lot. After talking with my father about all of this I realized that I canāt let myself get frustrated about this. If I donāt write much, so be it. Thatās how I felt on that particular day or during those readings.
8/15 Reading (Leviticus 19-21; Acts 8)
NOTE: I had a lot to say on these readings. Just an FYI.
Leviticus 19: This chapter focuses on laws that all people are to follow. There are many of them and I kinda want to list some of them. It seems like most rules are followed with the statement āI am the Lord your Godā or some variation. Iāll come back to my thoughts in a minute:
8/14 Reading (Leviticus 16-18; Acts 7)
I have to admit, reading Leviticus is really tough. Just so many rules. Now I see why so many people have chuckled when I mentioned that I am currently reading Leviticus. I recognize the importance of the chapter, but wow!
Leviticus 16: The chapter is about the day of Atonement. Aaron was charged with doing a lot. He had to offer and slaughter a bull as a āsin offering for himself, and shall make atonement for himself and his houseā (Lev. 16.11). He had to slaughter a goat as a sin offering for the people. This allowed him to make atonement for the sanctuary and the full tabernacle because of the uncleanliness of the people as well as their sins. We learn that this is supposed to happen every year forever:
8/12 Reading (Leviticus 13-15; Psalms 19-21)
NOTE:Ā I still struggle with the psalms. Iām really having a hard time reading these. First, Iāve always had trouble reading poetry and these are written in that format. Second, I need some help reading these. Iām not sure if Iām overthinking this or what, but these are really challenging to me.
Leviticus 13: A full chapter on how to treat people who may or may not have leprosy. No wonder why people were so fearful of people with leprosy. Based of the notes what was referred to as leprosy is not the same as modern day leprosy. I do wonder if this type of affliction was common during this time frame?
Continue reading “8/12 Reading (Leviticus 13-15; Psalms 19-21)”