Leviticus 5:1-13 – Sin

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Why is it some preachers today don’t want to talk about sin? In our current culture, there is fear of offending or being “judgmental,” or simply wanting to be “welcoming.” To talk about sin is to point out behaviors people want to cling to rather than avoid. I’m sure Moses was experiencing similar struggles with his wayward crowd. The loving thing is to try to help people find their way out of sin.

Just as I was wondering what sins would necessitate the sin offering from our last reading, God reveals some of them in this passage. One common thread to these sins is recognition. “When you realize what you have done,” it says. Do you agree that sometimes we sin but don’t know we’re sinning? It’s because we don’t recognize that our actions or behaviors are driving a wedge between us and God. We aren’t familiar enough with what pleases and displeases God, only focused on pleasing our own selfish desires. Continue reading “Leviticus 5:1-13 – Sin”

Ecclesiastes 12:8-14 – Final Thoughts

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What an image describing how wise words inspire us! Neither a cattle prod nor a nail-studded stick sound like a pleasant way to direct our path. Yet sometimes that’s just what we need – like a “kick in the pants!” Understanding right from wrong can often be an eye-opening experience.

Encountering the Teacher’s reflections throughout the book of Ecclesiastes has been helpful. I appreciate his conclusions and parting thoughts in this final passage. “Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty.” If more people in this world knew what their “duty” was, families, neighborhoods, and even churches would be much happier. Don’t you agree?

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Nehemiah 2:1-10 – Ask Boldly

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Just picture this scene happening. Nehemiah has clearly been lamenting over what is happening in his homeland. Now it’s starting to affect his work. His boss, the king, can see his sadness and inquires with compassion. It sounds like Nehemiah was shocked by the inquiry, not sure how much he should share.

With boldness after his initial fear, Nehemiah shares his desire to return to his homeland and make a difference there. Without hesitation it seems, the king granted Nehemiah’s request. God’s hand was working it all out. That had to be a great relief as well as inspiration to Nehemiah. Being used by God is exhilarating!

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Zechariah 3:1-10 – A Burning Stick

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Our focus now shifts to the high priest’s leadership of the new people of God in this “new age” or time after captivity. Jeshua or Joshua, depending on your translation, is the high priest in this vision, having come from the Zadokite tradition. Zechariah has a front row seat to observe Joshua’s questioning and accusations by Satan himself. What a vision!

Satan’s attempts to distract Joshua are rebuked by God. The LORD says to Satan, “This man is like a burning stick that has been snatched from the fire.” Joshua would have been lost forever, consumed by the fire of sin, if he had not been plucked out of Satan’s grip. God had bigger purposes for Joshua, and this prophecy gives him great spiritual authority among the people.

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Zephaniah 1:7-13 – A Moment of Silence

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Zephaniah asserts that judgment day is coming soon, and he is not referring to the end times here but to a specific time in history yet to come for those first hearing his words. Zephaniah is not the only prophet talking about it either. God is using many “mouthpieces” to get the message out that he is not happy with his people.

It’s good to take a moment of silence in our own day to take an account of what’s going on in our lives. Do our actions glorify God or disappoint him? Do we see chaos, worry, doubt, thrill, busyness, fear, loneliness, great success, embarrassing failures? What is happening in your life right now? Is God part of the picture? If not, invite him in!

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