(Sunday)
We begin our reading today looking at two very powerful and significant symbols of Christianity. The lamp (light) and the bread. These are both part of the “I Am” statements of Jesus. He said, I am the Light of the World (John 8:12) and I am the Bread of Life (John 6).
Leviticus 24 ends with a discussion on swearing and cursing in the name of the Lord. In our day, it has become so common, that people seldom blink an eye when God’s Name is used as a curse word. I wonder how shocking it would be to realize that God’s punishment for using His name incorrectly could result in death. This may seem a bit harsh in our society, but for me it shows that God does not take lightly using His name in vain.
In chapter 25, we read a lot about the year of Jubilee. It occurred every 50 years (7 times 7 – because 7 is a perfect number and this equals 49 and the year of jubilee would follow, starting on the day of atonement). The emphasis on Jubilee is to show love and mercy toward your neighbor. It may seem hard for us to understand relinquishing debts and giving back land that you had purchased, but when you look at all things as belonging to God, and we are just here on earth temporarily, then the idea of having possessions would have to take a step back in our priorities. If you put seeking God’s kingdom and his righteousness first in your life, then the other cares and concerns that you stress over, will be taken care of by the Lord. (Matthew 6:33).
Blessings on the day!
Pastor Kathy