Bishop’s Bible Challenge
February 2, 2017
We have entered one of my least favorite books of the Bible, Leviticus. Just lists and lists of rules. Many rules that don’t even make sense in 2017. Some of you may have a bull, but not me. For me, it can be a slog to read through these verses, until recently. Recently, I found myself watching a real life, not on tv, court trial. I spent a few days listening to attorney’s present their cases. I listened intently as the attorney’s presented the facts, as unbiasedly as they could. This was not like a tv court drama, the attorney’s on both sides were trying not to elicit emotion. They were trying to get the jury to make their own conclusions. Everyone participating in the court was seeking justice for all. The judge was diligent about making sure the jury heard only facts. When an attorney started to make a statement or introduce and exhibit that might move toward speculation…”5 minute Recess! Counsel, approach the bench please.”
Through this experience, I came to see how attorney’s are part of law enforcement. They work in relationship with investigators so that “justice will be achieved.” It is a meticulous task, to research the laws, to scrutinize exhibits, to interview suspects and witnesses, and to prepare for court. During a break, I was able to converse with one of the lawyers. It was clear from our conversation, she loves the law. She respects the rules that govern society. She believes these rules are needed to maintain order and justice.
As we saw in the book of Exodus, the Israelites are an unruly bunch. They have been oppressed under laws they did not make that were enforced by people who did not see them as human. Remember, all these people knew, was Egypt, all they knew of the Lord God was the stories they heard around the hearth. But here, they have left their jail, and as many who leave years of confinement, they don’t know what to do next. Nelson Mandela said, “After one has been in prison, it is the small things that one appreciates: being able to take a walk whenever one wants, going into a shop and buying a newspaper, speaking or choosing to remain silent. The simple act of being able to control one’s person.” The Israelites have so much to learn.
So the Lord, provides leaders, Moses and Aaron. The Lord provides food (manna). The Lord provides rules to govern themselves but also rules that are meant to teach them how to worship the Lord. Remember, these Israelites were not free to worship their God, so they have years of Vacation Bible School, prayer meetings, and worship to catch up on. The Lord provides all of these things out of love. There is an old saying that most parents use at one time or another with their children, “I discipline you because I love you.”
The next few weeks, we will read through Leviticus together. For some of us, who love the law, it will be a great discipline. For some of us, who love the people and the stories, we will be doing an act of love to just do our daily readings. But, as we read, let us remember, Jesus said the first rule, is to “Love the Lord God with all our heart, strength and mind.” As we read, let us keep in mind, God’s desire for “justice for all.”
Note: The weekly reading plan will be printed in the Worship Bulletin and e-mailed out weekly. The plan is written at the Back to the Bible Website, you can click on “read now” and read there, also there are devotions, articles and audio information available. Here is the link for the One Year; Beginning to End Bible Reading Plan
So Sarah Laughed... 