Hang in there!

For those of you who are reading the Bible through this year on the chronological schedule, we are in Leviticus now. I know, I know, it's hard reading and hard to stay focused. Here are a few thoughts that I have gleaned from reading thus far.

1. First of all, it makes me so thankful for what the Lord Jesus did for us on Calvary, providing the ultimate once and for all sacrifice for the sins of the world; thereby freeing us from this yoke of perpetual sacrifice.
2. Secondly, my faith is always increased as I read how science and the Bible are one and the same. The Lord provided such wise precautions in the areas of nutrition and hygeine, though the wisdom remained at the time unknown to the Israelites. It is a testament to their longevity as a people for thousands of years, despite being the most persecuted people on earth. I read once that Jews in Europe were largely unaffected by the Black Death, likely due to the healthy lifestyles that they practiced under God's law.
3. Thirdly, it is overwhelming when we realize the level of holiness that the Lord demands of us. Truly, no one is capable of keeping it, even the best of us. The law is our schoolmaster, to teach us one great important lesson: That without the shed blood of Jesus Christ applied to our hearts, we are deserving of and destined for Hell.
4. And last, if the law is our schoolmaster, I am responsible for teaching my own children about the holiness and the commands of God. It occurred to me that the only commandments in the Bible, Old or New Testament, that are given directly to children are to obey, honor, and respect their parents. It is my responsibility to teach them about God's commands, about sin, about consequences for sin, and to help cultivate their God-given consciences. Furthermore, all the commands given to children were given during regular worship or sermon time. In other words, when Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesian church, it was meant to be read aloud to the entire congregation. There was no pause after chapter five (of course chapter and verses were added later for studying and clarity) for the Ephesian parents to go and get their children from the back room or nursery, and there was no seperate letter written to the children's church congregation. Paul expected that as he gave commands to the husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, and children, they would all be sitting together, learning and worshiping together, and holding each other accountable to God's commands.

There is much to be learned from God's law, so hang in there and see what the Lord has for you!