Day 10 of 90 Devotion

Dearest e-votees-

Day ten of our cover to cover voyage through the Bible. If you care to follow along you can find links to the assigned Bible passages at:

www.christthegoodshep.org/biblein90days.html

Peace,
Karl

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Day 10 Readings: Leviticus 26:27-Numbers 8:14

Today’s texts start with some stern warnings from God about what will happen to the Israelites should they abandon the pattern of living that God is providing. Leviticus concludes with some instructions about offerings made to God.

Numbers has much to say about the quantities of people, gifts and responsibilities of those tending the tabernacle. By the time our texts for today are done the Levites have all been properly instructed and installed and are ready to lead worship.

We have a section that relates to how a woman expected of unfaithfulness is to be examined. Particularly troubling to our modern sensibilities is that there is no parallel guidelines for what to do with a male who might be unfaithful. It is also troubling that there is no consequence for an incorrect accusation or “spirit of jealousy” about the wife. The man is free to make accusation. The woman must be proven faithful through this test to be relieved from the accusation. I am grateful this burden of fidelity examination has fallen off the job description of the modern pastor.

What we can take from all these verses is that God cares deeply about the relationship between God and God’s people. How we present ourselves, what we bring to the table (or altar) and how we conduct ourselves matter greatly. God longs for relationship with all of God’s people yet there are standards to be met. God will not tolerate being trifled with when it comes to worship and covenant.

It is amazing that the Israelites were able to tend to this relationship as well as they were (which wasn’t always so well)—I’m sure we would do no better.

The good news is that Jesus came and fully tended this relationship. He taught us to love God with all our hearts and all our souls and all our minds and all our strengths—and he lived a life that showed us how that looks. He taught us to love our neighbors (and our enemies) as our selves—and he died a death and rose again to show us how that looks. Jesus has done all that was required. “Well done, thou good and faithful savior.”


God we thank you that you have set us apart--made us holy. You have standards of holiness and purity that challenge us to the core. We thank you that Jesus came to do what we could not or would not. Help us live as your holy people in loving and grateful response to the life we find in you—Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.