Leviticus 15:1-16:28
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Today in Leviticus chapter 15 we read about bodily discharges... Anyone want to be the guest blogger on this chapter today? :) I am thinking today is a good day to share with you some of Bible.org's essays on the topic of sex. (though sex is only mentioned briefly in this chapter, still seems appropriate) Check out Bob Deffinbaugh's "Sex and the Spiritual Christian" at this link. (it's not based on this chapter but 1 Corinthians 7) Daniel Wallace with bible.org has comments on Biblical views of sex at this link. And then Bob Deffinbaugh again at bible.org has commentary on the relationship between spirituality and sexuality at this link.
In Leviticus chapter 16 we read about the Day of Atonement. Ever wonder where the term "scapegoat" came from? Now you know! This chapter. Check out verses 20-23 about the scapegoat - "When Aaron has finished making atonement for the Most Holy Place, the Tabernacle, and the altar, he must bring the living goat forward. He is to lay both of his hands on the goat's head and confess over it all the sins and rebellion of the Israelites. In this way, he will lay the people's sins on the head of the goat; then he will send it out into the wilderness, led by a man chosen for this task. After the man sets it free in the wilderness, the goat will carry all the people's sins upon itself into a desolate land." There was also the other goat which was sacrificed. I read a commentary that said that both of these 2 goats foreshadowed Jesus' death - that Jesus was both sacrificed for atonement for our sins and Jesus is our permanent scapegoat.
In verse 34 we read – “This is a permanent law for you, to make atonement for the Israelites once each year." You’ll notice the “once a year” wording in this verse. Contrast this with Jesus’ “once for all” sacrifice discussed in Hebrews chapter 10 verses 12 – 14 – “But when this priest (Jesus) had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” For further study on Jesus’ “once for all” sacrifice, please read Hebrews chapters 10 and 9. Bible.org's commentary on Leviticus chapter 16 & "The Day of Atonement" is at this link.
Worship Video: Today's readings reminded me of the song "Be Thou My Vision." Here's a great live version by Shane & Shane:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgLHar8VWJI
Who or what is your vision? Click here for your eternal vision!
Comments from You & Questions of the Day - Back to my reflections above on Jesus' "once for all" sacrifice in the OT section above. Do you believe that Jesus’ sacrifice was “once for all”? Do you believe that Jesus is your High Priest who has made Atonement for your sins? Do you believe that Jesus as your High Priest sits at the right hand of God? If so, how might fully realizing this change how you live? How you pray? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
Love, Trust, and Obey Jesus,
Mike
p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
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