Hi everyone -
Wow, do we have a lot of stuff to cover today. Now we get into the fun parts of Torah. Hang in there - we'll get through it together!
1) "When Moses entered the Tent of Meeting to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the atonement cover on the ark of the Testimony. And he spoke with him." This is on the ark of the covenant, which is like a giant, gold covered box. It had two poles, one on either side, so it could be carried. The lid had two cherubim (these six winged creatures from places like Isaiah 6 who surround the throne of God in heaven), whose wings covered the "mercy seat" in between, which signified the throne of God. It was here that blood would be sprinkled for the forgiveness of sins. God's voice then spoke from this place. It's as if at this Most Holy Place, heaven and earth touch each other - there is a portal into the supernatural, divine realm. I find this quite mysterious and awe inspiring.
Some questions for us to ponder are this: do we have places that symbolize such a connection for us? Why or why not? If so, where and what types of places? I believe that Christians have often shunned having places like these for connecting with the Lord. In part, this is because we see these laws and regulations as fulfilled in Christ, and we see them as
2) Setting apart the Levites... doesn't seem all that relevant, but notice how people are set aside (consecrated, made holy) for the service of God's people. The New Testament tells us that we are a royal priesthood, a holy nation... do we think of ourselves as consecrated to God's service? What would it mean for us to think of ourselves not just as "forgiven sinners" but also as "Holy people?"
3) People are unclean and cannot celebrate the Passover... yet Moses inquires of the Lord and they get special permission. This reminds me of situations I've faced in my pastoral career regarding the sacraments... something we call "Special Dispensation." haha.
4) The various offerings - I have nothing devotional to gain from these. But it is interesting to note the particular offerings made to God and what they signified.
Well, I know that's not much for as much Scripture as we've read... but that's all I have for today.
Take care and God bless.
In Christ,
Pastor Nathan
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