Day 59 - Leviticus 4 - 5:13 & Psalm 59

 Julie

I am going to focus more on the explanation that the Bible gave for today's reading because I feel it gave a good synopsis of what was happening. This reading was really focusing specifically on unintentional or accident sin that is committed and what they had to do to atone once they realized that they had sinned. The offerings that were required for this were considered purifying/purification offerings. 

Psalm 59 is David praying to God for protection from his enemies and praising God's steadfast love. I think one of the things that we can glean from David's Psalms is that no matter what he is going through he always turns to and trusts in God's protection and guidance. He does show true faith from what I can see.

 

Michelle

So for some reason when I started reading this I was confused about unintentional sin.  It took me a while to relate it to accidental things that could happen, as I just kept thinking how do you sin unintentionally,  how do you not know that you are sinning.  The devotional tied to the next section had something that kind of brought it together for me as I have been very lost on the whole sacrificing animals and such for atonement.  But it described it as a blood sacrifice and when you read it it is asking for your very best animal for the sacrifice.  Not sure why this is what it took to finally put the pieces together.  As Julie said before, it relates later on to the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and that he gave his life and blood to atone for all sin that had been committed and is yet to come.  

 The psalm is David turning to God in his time of need, singing his praises and asking for protection.  I found it interesting in verse 11 that he asks God not to kill them.  This really stood out to me for some reason.  He does appear to have the true faith as you stated.  I am not sure I can say the same at this point in my life.  I try to remember this but find that at times I rely on myself first instead of turning to God in my time of need.  This is a good reminder. 

Day 58 - Leviticus 3 & Psalm 58

 Julie

Today was learning more rules about sacrifices, focusing specifically on peace. I think it can be a bit confusing because there are things that say not to necessary try to take this literally as something we should as specifically as it is mentioned here, and then you see some denominations follow some of these rules implicitly...not necessarily the sacrifice part but the rules on which parts can be consumed.

Psalm 58 is one that we could be praying now as it is a hymn that is sung because they are confronted with unjust rulers. I think that in our current situation we are experiencing that with some of our "rulers".

Michelle

So a lot must change once we hit the New Testament cuz all these offerings are not followed by most religions anymore. 

The psalm does seem to be asking if our rulers are being fair and just.  I can see the correlation to times now.  It seems the writer is asking God to bring his wrath on the wicked so as to show people the righteous are rewarded and the unrighteous are judged.

Day 57 - Leviticus 1-2 & Psalm 57

 Julie

Today we begin a new book and it starts with explanation of the the sacrifices that need to be made and the rules of those sacrifices. I know that there is a purpose to them, but at this point there is really no explanation. I know that at one point I did question the way sacrifices were done in the OT, but I if you listen to the wording of the way sacrifices are handled you notice that they are similar to the words used in the sacrifice of Jesus. So Jesus' sacrifice took the place of all of the different types of sacrifices that will be mentioned throughout Leviticus.

Psalm 57 reiterates God's steadfast love and faithfulness during times of struggle for David. He continues to praise God for those things knowing that he will protect him and get him through whatever difficult situation that he is going through. This is something that we should continue to remember as it should calm our spirits and help us to get through rough times.

Michelle 

I guess I am not very familiar with the wording from Jesus’ sacrifice as I don’t understand the correlation. The reading seems just very instructional but I don’t see the significance. Maybe once we get to they part it will make more sense. 

The psalm is prefaced with “when David had fled from Saul into the cave”.  I continue feeling the need to know the story so I can put this in the proper context. I’m sure we will read about David and Saul later.  It does read as praise and remembrance of what god has done for him and continued to do. 

Day 56 - Psalm 56

 Julie

Preparing to start Leviticus tomorrow and read some insights into this book. It is about the laws the God puts forth to the Israelites. We are asked to understand that not all of these pertain to the world today, but should be used as a basis of our understanding of what our moral compass is...I believe that is what it was saying.

Psalm 56 was called a lament, but was again praying for God's protection and guidance in trying circumstances, but knowing that God was there to protect and being thankful that he is.

Michelle

Agreed. It seems that the writer is turning to God in every situation. This is a good reminder that we should do the same. 

Day 55 - Psalm 55

 Julie

Not much that I feel I can say today. This seems to be a hymn praying for those that might hurt us. 

Michelle

So I am feeling this one. It spoke to me on so many levels. Maybe because I am going thru something and feel kind of like this or have at times in my life. At the beginning it says “My thoughts trouble me...because of what my enemy is saying...for they bring down suffering on me and assail me in anger.”  I have had experiences lately that mimic these words. Then vs 6-8, I have felt this way at times where I just wish I could fly away from the chaos and troubles to a place of rest. I can’t tell you how many times I think about this. Running away from it all. And then when I pray that God will strike down those against me. Which I know isn’t right. I don’t want to wish bad things on people but at the same time wish they would suffer as I am made to suffer. But then verse 21 hit me today. I feel this one today immensely. “His talk is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart;  his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords.” I have been writing this email to HR sharing some experiences I have had recently that I think need to be addressed. I have redone it multiple times and yesterday I finally felt like it was the best version without me sounding like a total victim but getting my points across. Then I read this and realized this is exactly how I feel. I have written to explain things all the while hoping that this person is dealt with more harshly than is necessary. War has definitely been in my heart and I know it. The swords are drawn in my words. And all I keep thinking is this is what you get for crossing me. So now I wait. Do I send it or not?  I am lost and don’t know which direction is right. And then I just reread vs 22. Cast your cares on the lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. I am trying to do this. I have prayed for direction and still can’t see which way to go. So what is this telling me?

Day 54 - Exodus 40 & Psalm 54

Julie

Today was further explanation of setting up the temple, and was extremely detailed. I am still not sure I understand why all of the detail of the dress and the tabernacle were necessary, but an explanation of this was to show the people that this was a place of God's presence. I understand that part, just not the necessity of the detail. I also wonder where the change happened for a lot of denominations in that they do not have elaborate churches or wear colorful robes as the Catholic church still does. 

Psalm 54 is asking for God's help with those who threaten the lives of those that are faithful to God. It seems to be somewhat of a pattern through most of the Psalms that we have read. 

Michelle 

I have wondered the same about the different churches. The other that seems to still follow a bit is the Methodist. I wonder if it’s something in new vs Old Testament. And again this first part could have been less wordy. I feel like I have skimmed these past few chapters as they are very detailed and are basically saying the same thing over and over. I’m not sure that is a good thing. 

The psalm does seem to be asking for Gods help against their foes. It is prefaced with “when the Ziphites had gone to Saul and said ‘is not David hiding among us?’”. Sometimes when I am reading this I want to more of the history that goes along with the Bible. What is going on with these people and what their stories are. Sometimes the pastor at church gives some more info about the time or the people that is not found in the Bible but is more about the environment and the times and situations they lived in during that time. It is actually quite helpful to me as I need more context I guess. I don’t know if that’s right or not as we are to believe and follow blindly it seems. But when I get more info it makes it easier for me to understand and acknowledge what I believe. 

Day 53 - Exodus 39 and Psalm 53

 Julie

Again, a reading of how they made the robes of those that would be in the tabernacle. The only thing that really stands out in the whole reading is that they did as God commanded. Is it really about seeing if they will do as they are told?

This Psalm was confusing, in that it is really about people not following God, but it talks as if all people are this way. I am unsure of the significance here...

Michelle 

It does seem as you say to be just about seeing if they will follow instructions. Because what is the need for all these ornate things. Is this where the word gaudy comes from?  Not sure why I thought that. It could also be because when they were waiting for Moses the first time they grumbled and needed something to “worship”, and while this isn’t meant to be worshipped it is giving people a place to worship. If that makes sense. And the people are now being blessed for complying.

The psalm does seem as you say. That basically everyone has turned away from God and don’t seek him. They are overwhelmed with dread when there is nothing to dread. They no one does good. But I just reread this and the first line says “The fool says in his heart there is no God”. So maybe these are the words of a fool who doesn’t know god or doesn’t try to know.