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A Day of Highly Debated Scriptures by Many Biblical Scholars
My Contemplations, Lessons and Applications
Leviticus 23 - Keeping the Sabbath and the Feasts - This is something that has perplexed me for some time and is a matter of quite a bit of scholarly debate. Does the New Covenant really abolish these? Colossians 2:16 speaks of Christ - not legalism -"So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or Sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ." "A shadow of things to come...when Christ returns? However, we are under the New Covenant. The Old Covenant - the Mosaic and Levitical laws were for Israel: Exodus 31:16-17 “Therefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.” Still, I continue to wonder regarding "the shadow of things to come"...
Leviticus 24 - Blaspheming God, Murder of a Man, Disfigurement of One man by Another...penalty for the first two - death; penalty for the last "an eye for an eye". - These last two Levitical Laws are dealt with in our national laws with similar penalties as well...perhaps not the "eye for an eye" philosophy but with restitution mandated - usually monetary. The one that has not made it into our national law is the blaspheming of God. Most movies, books, and pedestrian conversations are filled with contempt and irreverence for Holy God. Matt. 12:31-32, Mark 3:28-29, and Luke 12:10 speak regarding the unpardonable sin - the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit (See Post 53). There is still much debate about the meaning of these verses. What I do know is that the Spirit within me quakes each time I hear someone taking the Lord's name in vain, bringing my physical body almost to the point of nausea. It is not something I am able to forget or easily shake off. I know when God is speaking strongly to me.
Psalm 28: 1-5 Imprecatory Psalms - again, there is debate within the Christian community about praying the so-called "imprecatory Psalms" - those that pray for the destruction of one's enemies. Jesus says in Matt. 5:43-45 "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." In all honesty, it is very comforting to pray these Psalms at times! The New Covenant is lived through the power of the Holy Spirit within us. We know these commands are impossible otherwise. (John 15:5 and others) (John Piper video on Imprecatory Psalms)
Mark 6 - The Impact of Unbelief on Mighty Works - Unbelief hampers mighty works being accomplished but does not preclude the necessity of teaching and sharing the gospel. "Now He could do no mighty work there...He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching...Sending Out the 12 Disciples...they were not sent out alone ("two by two")...Jesus gave them power to accomplish their work "He gave them the power over unclean spirits"...He gave them strict commands regarding material possessions and dealing with unbelief...to take nothing but their staff, wear sandals, don't wear two tunics - no food, no money...depart from...shake the dust from your feet...a testimony against those who will not receive or hear you. Beheading of John the Baptist - My Lessons: Preparing the way for Christ and speaking the truth to evil people cost John his life. Following Christ and speaking the truth to evil people today can still have dire consequences. Jesus warns us to carefully consider the cost of discipleship (Luke 14:25-33). We know that God is Sovereign and Providential, that our lives are His to use for His purposes. Matt. 10:28 "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."
Father, enable me by Your Holy Spirit to comprehend Your truth in all things and to live out Your truth in my life - to understand and obey all Scripture according to Your revealed will- that I will follow You only and not the traditions of man. Amen
What a great post. I have been looking up information on ULC when I came across your blog. I am glad I decided to click the link and read your kind psalms. Thank you so much for sharing.
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