Reading through the Bible... take 2!

So Nate and I had the big plan to read through the Bible.

Nate made it (I'm pretty sure). I had a pretty good start. Then I got my teaching job (which sadly, didn't last), wrapped up tighter than a fly in a spiderweb in work, and didn't keep up with the readings which require an hour to 90 minutes of study. Excuse? Completely, utterly, totally lame. That said... I'm going for it again. Because I want to do it. Badly. I gained some perspective this summer while working with all my kids. I learned plenty about the Old Testament this past spring. But... I want to know more.

And I've gained more already. I remember reading about the sacrificial system that Moses wrote down from God in Exodus and into Leviticus (and beyond), but something really interesting that stuck out to me was how, beyond the idea that many people are familiar with (burnt, sin, guilt, grain, and peace), something that caught my attention was how there were daily offerings given at morning and evening JUST so the people could meet with and hear from God.

That's a LOT of sacrifices. A lot time, energy, and love invested in those animals given as offerings. It's expensive, and although it's most definitely worthy to give them as sacrifices to the Maker of Heaven and Earth, that had to be tough. It makes the 90 minutes I couldn't put in even more sad to think about it. But, it also makes me realize HOW much the gift Jesus gave us meant.

No more killing animals. No more purification rituals. We can have a relationship with God because He's saved us.

I like reading stuff in the Pentateuch a lot, actually. Slogging through the rituals is tough sometimes, but the introduction to Leviticus gave a good reminder why Christians should and NEED to read it - it gives a sense of perspective of WHY Jesus was needed. Why we don't do sacrifices anymore. What the big deal is. And though we might have developed the technology to make shirts of two fabrics (cotton/polyester blend is nice and it works now!), there are still plenty of relevant laws right now from the Pentateuch for Christians. Like loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind. And loving your neighbor as yourself. Jesus himself talked about that.