Leviticus 9:1-24 – On the Job Training

Read Leviticus 9:1-24

We see now how Aaron and his sons enter the ministry for which they have been called and ordained. I love when God showed up in a powerful way just as Moses had said he would. “Present all these offerings to the Lord because the Lord will appear to you today.” It was as if the LORD gave his seal of approval for what Aaron had done on behalf of himself and others.

Did you notice that one of each of the offerings (except guilt) was used in this opening service. The sin offering was first as a cleansing of sin so all would be ready to be in the presence of God. In the offerings that followed, the people confessed, showed their devotion. These behaviors worked to draw the people closer to God. That has always been God’s intention. Continue reading “Leviticus 9:1-24 – On the Job Training”

Job 36:22-37:13 – God’s Power

Read Job 36:22-37:13

Focusing on God’s powers and his attributes is something I never get tired of. Elihu gives us real world applications for witnessing God’s power. With all the crazy things happening around us, focusing on the supremacy of God can help us stay positive, help us stay hopeful. When we meet others who feel the same about God’s majesty, it’s a delight. But Elihu’s focus on this power takes a frightening turn.

Elihu uses word pictures of storms, thunderbolts and lightning. Certainly God’s power is evident in nature in all the ways Elihu describes. When we think of the power of nature, we can’t help but look at the beauty, too. For instance, as trees bloom every spring and change their leaf color to brilliant hues in the fall; it’s all in God’s timing. Continue reading “Job 36:22-37:13 – God’s Power”

Job 4:1-21 – Was it Helpful?

Read Job 4:1-21

Eliphaz has heard Job’s cry and wants now to bring his own perspective into play. After seven days of silence, Job’s friend has much to say to Job, whether he has permission to speak or not. He gets Job’s attention saying, “Will you be patient and let me say a word? For who could keep from speaking out?”

I suppose Eliphaz was trying to bring Job out of his “funk,” when he first reminded Job about his past and how helpful and respected Job had been. Apparently, Job had always been the rock everyone else relied on when they had their own problems. Eliphaz seemed surprised that Job had failed to take some of his own “medicine” when it came to dealing with his tragedy. It’s not always that easy. Continue reading “Job 4:1-21 – Was it Helpful?”

Daniel 11:2-20 – North vs. South

Read Daniel 11:2-20

The messenger from our last reading continues to share with Daniel in this passage. And there will be still another reading to finish up this one vision. Can you believe the detail Daniel is receiving from this angel from God?

I’m not really a history buff, but when I read this vision, I very much wanted to figure out who these people were from the north and south. I tried drawing a diagram of what we know from Daniel’s vision but felt even more lost. Continue reading “Daniel 11:2-20 – North vs. South”

2 Chronicles 32:1-8 – All Hands on Deck

Read 2 Chronicles 32:1-8

If you were wondering whether King Hezekiah could do no wrong, what’s the answer now? Even under the pressure of attack or threat of one, the King was encouraging the rest of his followers to have faith in God. That’s a rather bold move from a faith standpoint. For Hezekiah, he seemed fearless because of his unfailing confidence in God’s provision. I’m not necessarily feeling fearless these days. Hezekiah gets it right!

In Hezekiah’s own words to encourage his people, he said this about the opposition. “He may have a great army, but they are merely men. We have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!” Can you imagine what it was like to have such words of faith coming from your ruling king? Imagine! And the uplifting message giving hope. We all face battles in our lives every day. How much different they look when we let Jesus lead us. Continue reading “2 Chronicles 32:1-8 – All Hands on Deck”