Leviticus 5-6

“If anyone sins and commits a breach of faith against the Lord by deceiving his neighbor ...” (v2). All sin is “against the Lord”, but Leviticus acknowledges that sin often harms or dishonors a neighbor, as well. In the case of deception in business, such as a “deposit or security”, or through robbery, or oppression, or lying (v2-3), the person was required to sacrifice to the Lord (v6) and also to “restore” what had been taken by deceit, adding an additional twenty perce

Leviticus 4

“If it is the anointed priest who sins, thus bringing guilt on the people, then he shall offer for the sin that he has committed a bull ...” (v3). Israel’s sacrificial system recognized that God’s people were interconnected, with distinct roles, not just individuals with their private sins. The high priest, for example, was anointed to mediate between God and people, and his sins had far-reaching effects. Thus, he was required to sacrifice a bull (rather than a goat, v27)

Matthew 25:31-46

“Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you ...” (v34). In Jesus day, as in our own, there were competing ideas about what kind of people would “inherit” God’s kingdom. Jesus startled everyone by declaring that God did not use worldly measurements of religiosity, and culture and tribe did not matter. Instead, God was looking (among “all the nations”, v32) for those who loved the Son by ministering to those made in his image – especially “

Matthew 25:1-30

 “Five of them were foolish, and five were wise” (v2). In Jesus’ parable about God’s kingdom, the wise virgins were serious about the bridegroom’s arrival, as well as their own role of waiting in the meantime. Although the bridegroom was “delayed,” the wise ones were well-prepared, kept their focus, and greeted him eagerly. In the parable of the talents (money), the unworthy servant was “afraid” because he thought his Master was a “hard man”; thus, he buried the Master’s

Psalm 17

“Show me the wonders of your great love ...” (v7). The psalmist saw that living as if our “reward is in this life” leads to selfish, harmful (even violent) choices, and he made a choice to follow God’s path’s (v1-5). Surrounded by violent enemies, he claimed refuge in God, to whom he belonged. He cried out for more than safety; he wanted to be the “apple” of God’s eye, enjoying close fellowship with the Creator who knows each one of us intimately (v8). 

“Hide me in the sha

Leviticus 2-3

“If he offers a lamb for his offering, then he shall offer it before the Lord ... in front of the tent of meeting; and Aaron's sons shall throw its blood against the sides of the altar” (3:7). While only God could forgive sins, the symbolic ritual of sacrifices gave worshipers a way to express both thanks to the Lord and their need for atonement (1:4), and peace (3:6). The blood of the sacrifice was never consumed, but offered to God, symbolizing the value of life – God’s

Leviticus 1

“If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he shall offer a male without blemish. He shall bring it to the entrance of the tent of meeting, that he may be accepted before the Lord” (v3). Animal sacrifice was common in the ancient world, but Leviticus gave Israelite worshipers specific instructions to honor the Creator. The animal had to be without blemish (something valuable), and the Israelites were not to randomly sacrifice anywhere or anyhow; they were to come

Exodus 39-40

“And their anointing shall admit them to a perpetual priesthood throughout their generations” (40:15). Although all of Israel was called to be a “kingdom of priests,” representing God to the world and the world to God, Aaron’s descendants were chosen to offer sacrifices. The priests were anointed to represent everyone, and their garments included twelve gems engraved with the names of tribes, so that all the people were carried together into God’s holy presence (39:14). 

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Exodus 37-38

“And he made a mercy seat of pure gold” (37:6). The head craftsman, Bezalel, used gold for the important objects of the tabernacle, including the covering (“mercy seat”) of the ark of the covenant. Precious acacia wood, bronze, silver, and embroidered linens decorated the holy place, even though it was temporary. Eventually, the tabernacle would be replaced by a Temple, and that Temple would point toward Jesus Christ. 

The “tabernacle of the testimony” (38:21), though temp

Matthew 24

“For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect” (v24). Jesus knew that his followers would face many competing voices – false ‘messiahs’ - promising to fix the world, fulfill their desires, and bring peace to chaos. He reassured them that his glorious return would be unmistakable (v29-31). Until then, they were called to resist deception and “stay awake” (v42), focused on doing his wi

Matthew 23

“They love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues ... and being called rabbi by others” (v6-7). The human bent toward sin means that even God’s amazing Law was used as a means to gain personal glory and have power over others. Jesus warned his listeners against the desire to be ‘above’ others (Rabbi, teacher, Father), instead of all submitting to his Lordship (v10). True moral leadership follows Jesus’ example of humility – “the greatest among y

Psalm 16

“Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure” (v5). Through the struggles and dramatic events of his life, the psalmist had learned that God “alone” was his security. Wealth, status, and health could be snatched away, and even close companions were not always reliable. He gave thanks for his blessings – his boundary lines had fallen in “pleasant places” – and recognized that, whatever his circumstances, lasting peace and joy came from the Lord. “You

Exodus 35-36

“And he has inspired him to teach, both him and Oholiab ... He has filled them with skill to do every sort of work” (35:34-35). The creation of the extraordinary tent of meeting was an opportunity for the Israelites to offer their best skills and possessions. God called “everyone whose heart stirred him up to come to do the work” (36:2). Not only was God’s Spirit active in their work, but God also inspired experts to teach others, so that knowledge could be shared. 

“The m

Exodus 33-34

“Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?” (33:16). Moses realized that he and the Israelites were in no special except for God’s presence among them. They were ordinary, but God had committed to them (34:10), revealed his character and how they should live (34:1), and promised to bless the world through them. His plan was that one day the intimate relationship he had with Moses (34:29)

Exodus 32

“Come, make us gods who shall go before us” (v1). The God of Abraham had parted the sea for the Israelites and gave them miraculous food and water in the desert. He had met every need and committed to them. But when their leader, Moses, spent weeks up on the mountain, the Israelites turned away from this powerful, awesome Creator and turned back to familiar religion. They exchanged the God of the universe for an idol they could see - a god who inspired self-indulgence, no