Leviticus 4:1-35 – An Offering for Sin

Read Leviticus 4:1-35

People sin all the time and don’t realize it. Whether we know our sins or not, they are still sins, and we are still guilty. The LORD spoke through Moses about what should happen when someone discovers their sin. This chapter is the “how to” manual for priests and lay people who sin and need to be cleansed.

The process as described has similarities and differences to the instructions given for burnt offerings. I’m a bit confused at which sacrifice is appropriate when? Both sacrifice procedures cover sinfulness. Would the priests make that call? Continue reading “Leviticus 4:1-35 – An Offering for Sin”

Daniel 2:46-49 – The King’s Response

Read Daniel 2:46-49

King Nebuchadnezzar got everything he wanted from Daniel. We’re not told here what the king thought of the message itself. But his response to Daniel speaks volumes. Were you surprised by what happened?

I’m sure Daniel was a little taken aback when this powerful king threw himself down in worship of Daniel. I don’t imagine kings often make themselves vulnerable like that, yet Nebuchadnezzar was so moved. The king even encouraged others to show their respect. Daniel was likely relieved to have not angered the king with the message. Continue reading “Daniel 2:46-49 – The King’s Response”

2 Chronicles 33:1-25 – Bad to Good to Bad

Read 2 Chronicles 33:1-25

Manasseh was a nasty, wicked king. Mostly. After having such a devout father, I suppose it shouldn’t surprise me that the pendulum would swing in the opposite direction. Kids often rebel against their parents, and Manasseh would be a prime example of this. Everything that Hezekiah had established to please God and have a successful life was demolished.

Did this passage shock you, too, or was it just me? Some of the things Manasseh did were unforgiveable. My spirit just hurts for people who have chosen pagan lies over the truth. It happened to Manasseh and it’s happening like an epidemic in today’s world. How do you expect God feels about it? The LORD wants devotion, to be needed, and not abandoned. Continue reading “2 Chronicles 33:1-25 – Bad to Good to Bad”

2 Chronicles 2:11-18 – A King’s Reply

Read 2 Chronicles 2:11-18

King Solomon has now received King Hiram’s response to the letter we were privy to in the last reading. We learn a few things of note in Hiram’s letter of reply. What did you notice?

First and foremost, we learn that King Hiram has great respect for the God of Israel. Generally speaking, the people of Tyre were not Israelites and they did not worship God. They had many gods distracting them from the truth. Yet, King Hiram says very affirming things about our God. He actually shows a lot more reverence than most non-believers today.

1 Corinthians 8:1-13 – What’s Your Idol Meat?

Read 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Paul deals here with another burning question on the minds of Corinthians dealing with the problem of food sacrificed to idols. I can’t say that this is something I’ve ever thought of, and I’m pretty sure it’s a new one for you, too. But taken in context, it was a very real problem in Paul’s day. The concept applied here can speak to other issues we may be facing.

While the Corinthian’s question was specific about food, Paul wants them to look deeper. Paul wants them to understand that God isn’t going to smite us if we eat such food. “It’s true that we can’t win God’s approval by what we eat. We don’t lose anything if we don’t eat it, and we don’t gain anything if we do.” It comes down to “how does our behavior affect others?”