Coronavirus and The Christian

With the current pandemic creating shelter at home orders, one of the biggest complaints one hears repeatedly is that people are becoming bored; there's nothing to do and nowhere to go. That should never be the case for the Christian, even in times like this.

How much of your recently discovered free time have you spent reading and studying from God's word to enable you to, "rightly divide the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15)? So many people have spent many hours lately on Netflix and other entertainment options. Have you taken advantage of the countless valuable resources available online to dig deeper into the word of God and its lessons? 365.polishingthepulpit.com, gbntv.org and thegospelofchrist.com are just a few of many resources providing sound preaching on a variety of topics. Those are in addition to the countless podcasts available from the brotherhood.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to, "Pray without ceasing," yet too many Christians fail to make their prayer life a daily priority. This last two months have provided ample opportunities for us to improve and increase our prayer life. Not only should the current situation make us more acutely aware of our dependence upon God, as our "down time" has increased, our prayer life should have increased. Has yours? 

Since this virus has taken center stage, a lot of attention has been given to doctors, nurses and other "essential" workers. While there is nothing wrong with appreciating the work those people do, are we remembering the missionaries who are serving in foreign countries? As difficult as your life may have become recently, think about being thousands of miles from home, often in countries who don't have the healthcare standards as we in the United States have. Are we praying for those truly essential workers?

1 Peter 4:11 should speak to Christians very loudly at this time. "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ..." Yes, God can and will be glorified, even in times of global concern. But that will only happen if his believers make that happen. Face to face contact may be limited but even on social media, are you commenting on the political aspects of this current crisis, or are you speaking a good word for Jesus and sharing hope to others?

If ever this is a time for the Lord's church to, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16), now is that time. Check on the widow and elderly in your neighborhood. Make sure the single parent who now has their children at home 24/7 has help, support and supplies. 

These days are golden opportunities for Christians worldwide. Let's not waste time in doing what we know we should be doing. We are prepared, "for such a time as this." Make the time count. 

Leviticus Study Notes - Chapter 23 (Feasts and Observances)

These instructions were given for the Hebrews to observe continually throughout their history. Two things to be gained by the Hebrews in doing so.
1. They would grow in their appreciation of what God did for them by redeeming them.
2. They would grow in their attitudes and disposition toward God through observing these days.
Great parallel for us today when we observe the Lord's Supper

"Holy Convocations" used 11 times in this chapter. Vs. 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 21, 24, 27, 35
Seven holy convocations:
1. Passover
2. Feast of Unleavened Bread
3. Fest of First Fruits
4. Feast of Weeks (Pentecost)
5. Day of Atonement
6. Feast of Tabernacles
7. Harvest Festival

Each of these occasions had a historical connection or in some way pointed out God's blessings. Easily recognized by Israel. Not easily recognized were the prophetic aspects of them

Verses 3-4: "Do no work" Compare to "customary work" Look at vs. 7. 8. 21, 25, 35, 36
"No work" again in vs. 28 for Day of Atonement
No work...NOTHING! Not even preparing food
Customary work...your job (Exodus 12:16)

Verses 5-8: Passover and Unleavened Bread (Nisan) March/April
Passover, one day (Exodus 12)
Feast of Unleavened Bread, 7 consecutive days

Verse 8: Three things mentioned
1. Offering made by fire
2. Holy convocation on the 7th day
3. No customary work done
No details related to the "offering made by fire' are given here. Found in Numbers 28:19;24

Verses 9-14: Feast of First Fruits
It'll be more than 40 years from this point until this celebration will take place.
Offerings brought: male lamb as burnt offering (vs. 12), drink offering (vs. 13). Until they brought those, they were NOT to eat the grain (vs. 14). Why? God comes first!

Verses 15-21: Feast of Weeks (Pentecost)
7 weeks after Passover
From the Greek pentekonta, meaning 50
Count the days from when the wave offering is made. 49 days, the next day is Pentecost

Verse 22: Almost appears as incidental but it's not. When one considers his own blessings, he should be mindful of the needs of others.

Verses 23-25: Feast of Trumpets (Beginning of the new civil year) and agricultural season. Month of Tishri (September/October)
Numbers 29:1-6
Whoa! Go back to verse 5
Difference in civil/sacred year

Verses 26-32: Day of Atonement

Verses 33-43: Feast of Tabernacles (Booths), Succoth
Began on 15th of Tishri
How do we understand verse 43?

Spence & Ezell's "The Pulpit Commentary": Historically, the Feast of Tabernacles is generally considered to commemorate the dwelling of tents throughout the 40 years wandering in the wilderness. Rather, it commemorates the first encampment of the Israelites after setting forth from Egypt, which took place at Succoth, the meaning of the word 'tabernacle.' Thus, as the event historically associated with the first harvest festival, the Passover, was setting forth from Egypt, that associated with the last, the Feast of Tabernacles, was the resting at the end of the first day's journey at Succoth, where the people now felt that they were free, and began to rejoice in their freedom."

Leviticus Study Notes - Chapters 21 and 22 (Instructions For Priests)

9 times in these two chapters, "I am the Lord"
vs. 8, 12; 22:2-3, 8 and 30-33

What is the purpose of the Jews lives? To acknowledge the greatness of God
What is the purpose of our lives?
As we come before God today, we also need to be impressed with the great holiness of God and serve Him in reverence

Verses 1-4: Avoiding contact with dead bodies
Priests couldn't prepare wife for burial, she wasn't a blood relative
Egyptians were so preoccupied with death, hence the pyramids

Verses 5-9: More heathen practices forbidden
Canaanite funeral practices
7: Marrying a prostitute. 2 types, common and cultic which were used in "worship"
Same principle today Romans 12:1-2, 1 Peter 1:14-16
9: "burned with fire" after stoning, more than likely

Verses 16-23 Defects in priests
12 physical issues listed. Rabbis later expanded the list to 142 issues
This is more foreshadowing. Restricting those who had an imperfection was to avoid profaning God's sanctuary and sacrifices without blemish
Today: Our spiritual defilements are washed away by the spotless Son of God. We then have a responsibility to remain as clean as possible (Ephesians 5:26-27)

Chapter 22

1-3: Separation from ceremonial uncleanness
Which is harder, ceremonial uncleanness or spiritual uncleanness? (Consider when and how we approach the Lord's Supper)

4-16: Rights of the priest to the holy things
Look at 4-5, Pharisees became angry when Jesus would touch anyone who would make Him ceremonially unclean

19: "without blemish" Complete, perfect, conveys the idea that the sacrifice must be flawless
2nd Temple Period (Malachi 1:8-14)
New Testament repeatedly teaches God's people must bring their best
2 Corinthians 8-9, Ephesians 5:2, Philippians 4:1-20, Hebrews 13:15-16, 1 Peter 2:5

Billy Bland writes: Christians should remember the special relationship they have with God. It was God who brought us out of spiritual captivity and sanctified us. Like John, we should exclaim, 'Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God; therefore the world knows us not because it knew Him not.' (1 John 3:1)

Leviticus Study Notes - Chapter 20 (Penalties For Breaking the Law)

The narrative returns to certain laws and prohibitions mentioned earlier but with more detail, and with punishments given

1-5: Prohibited sacrificing children to Molech. Here is the punishment and the community's accountability. If not, God would deal with both the guilty and those who allowed it

6: Second aspect of pagan worship...mediums or wizards. "Whoring" used here, indicating spiritual prostitution. Is this any different than us today when we put other things before God?!

7-8: Stark contrast and condemnation of what's just been discussed. "I am the Lord your God." Reminder of ownership and relationship meant to reinforce loyalty and dedication

9: Mother mentioned here, see also 19:3 where mother is listed first.

10-21 Cover prohibitions and personal relationships
The following verses return to the material of chapter 18 (sexual immorality)
Go to 18:3-5 "ordinances," indicating there are two possible ways to live; God's way or the way of the other nations

22-27: Holiness. This section has distinct parts
     1. Verse 22: Reminder to reject all customs and practices of the other nations and walk in God's instruction
     2. Verses 24-26: Reminder of the blessings of God and the people's separate identity
One term used four times in these three verses, 24 "have separated, 25 "put difference" or "distinguish (NKJ), 26, "have severed" or "separated" (NKJ)

Again, emphasizing they are to be His and therefore totally different from others. Can they (we) be just a little bit different and still please God?

Summary: These weren't just whimsical laws. Each element was intended to uphold His high moral and ethical demands, to set boundaries between His people and foreign customs and to protect His nation from sin and suffering. His nation was expected to accept and live by His statutes. If this isn't relevant to us today...

19:2 is quoted in 1 Peter 1:16, indicating that although specific laws may be different, the principles concerning His right to legislate are unchanged

Leviticus Study Notes - Chapter 19 (Moral and Ceremonial Laws)

10 Commandments are repeated here. They are foundational to these and all other laws from God

Verses 1-2: Give the basics for the next two chapters (see also the end of chapter 20)

Verses 3-8: Four distinct elements, each focusing on an area where God's authority is established and should be respected:
1. Within the home (v. 3)
2. Time...the Sabbath (v. 3)
3. Godhead Itself (v. 4) "I am the Lord" or "I am the Lord your God" 16 times in this chapter
4. Holiness of sacrifices and God's law (v. 5-8)

Verses 9-18: Social behavior and ethics of injustice

9 and 10 cover caring for the poor. Compassion for those in need (Matthew 19:21, Mark 12:42-43, Luke 4:18; 6:20; 11:41; 12:33; 14:13)
Moses will reiterate this command 40 years later in Deuteronomy 24:19-22

Verses 11-12: Honesty and uprightness in all dealings, echoing many of the 10 Commandments

13-14: Oppression and abuse - caring about others, not abusing positions of power (Deuteronomy 24:14-15, James 5:1-6)

15-16: Echoing Exodus 22:1-8, righteous judgement

17-18: Love. So important that Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 6:4-5 about love for God with is verse as a corollary (a proposition that follows and is attached to one that's already proven) in Mark 12:28-31

Luke 10:25-28 before the parable of the Good Samaritan lawyer asks, "What shall I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus asks what the Law of Moses required. The lawyer responds by quoting Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18. What did Jesus say?

Verses 19-25 Cover Social practices and boundaries
At first glance these seem like random laws. However, these will all apply in Canaan. Also, these all involve one-sided relationships and all involve respecting divinely assigned boundaries

Verse 19: No reason given. Perhaps to maintain natural distinctions (Genesis 1:25, Deuteronomy 22:5-11)

Verses 20-22: "Concubine" or handmaid. Didn't die because she didn't have the power or control. Compensation was "scourging." This is the only time the term used here is used for scourging. It's also used elsewhere for "inquiry" and "compensation."

23-25: Fruit from newer trees doesn't taste good. More importantly, first fruits belonged to God. 4th year was holy to Him as a praise offering
God gave them the good the earth produced. Following the law resulted in increased production

26-31 Social Practices and Pagan Rituals
27-30: Associated with Canaanite funeral and worship practices, as was prostitution of young women. Tattoos showed you belonged to a cult

32-37 Social Respect
Focuses on those who may be susceptible to dismissive and disrespectful treatment
The elderly and the non-Israelite sojourner or immigrant (1 Timothy 5)
Immigrants didn't enjoy all the rights Hebrews had but were still expected to uphold the Hebrew law.
Go back to verse 5 and also Deuteronomy 10:19. Golden Rule!

Leviticus Study Notes - Chapter 18 (Sexual Laws)

Purpose: To differentiate Israel from surrounding nations

Only by following the dictates of this book could Israel be the special people of God and accomplish the purpose for which God created them

This chapter spells out some of the most significant restrictions placed on them (vs. 6-24)

Consequences of Israel not obeying these commandments is spelled out in verses 25, 28-30

Verses 1-5: Idolatry and its effect on Israel
Six times "I am the Lord" appears in this chapter (vs. 2, 4, 5, 6, 21, 30). Shows these are God's commands

There's always temptation to imitate neighbors and to blend in with them. Being "different" was probably an issue then like it is today
People desire acceptance and too often we go to great lengths to receive it, even ignoring God

Ezra, 10 centuries later, discovered the extend of Israel's refusal to reject wrong of the Canaanites through the years (Ezra 9:1-2)
Romans 12:2 tells us the same thing today

Verses 6-18: Restrictions on marriage
The term "uncover the nakedness" is a metaphor to describe having sex
Verse 18 adds, "nor shall you take a woman" or "neither shalt thou take a wife to her sister," stressing that that marriage would be forbidden

Speaking of that verse, ASV..."shall not take a wife to her sister to be a rival to her in her lifetime." Is this referring to Levirate marriage (Deuteronomy 25:5)? Does it matter? God said one man/one woman

Verses 19-24: Five prohibitions regarding defilement of sex between husband and wife
1. During her "uncleanness" whether menstrual or after she gives birth
2. Having an affair (verse 20). Death penalty as shown in Exodus 20:14. Remember John 8 when the Pharisees tried to put Jesus on the spot
3. Verse 21 touches on idolatry again. Child sacrifice to Molech. He's mentioned five times in Leviticus; here, 20:2, 3, 4, 5.
Human sacrifice eventually made its way into Israel (1 Kings 11, 2 Kings 23, Jeremiah 32, Ezekiel 23:36-39)
4. Homosexualty, "abomination" from toebah, meaning "a disgusting thing, abominable." Ritually unclean and ethically wicked
Abomination or abominable are used 5 times in this chapter out of the 112 times used in the Old Testament
5. Beastiality practiced by Canaanites

Chapter 20 discusses penalties for behavior forbidden by God. Penalty for this is death. Exodus 22 and Deuteronomy 27 give additional information about the attitude of God about this

Verse 28: "the land vomit you out" spew

Leviticus Study Notes - Chapter 17 (Blood)

Verse 7 "Demons" NKJV, devils (KJV), he-goats (ASV), goat demons (NASB)

Seirim: translates to devils, literally hairy or shaggy goats

Isaiah 13:21 "wild beasts of the desert" in pronouncing judgement on Babylon
Isaiah 34:14 "wild beasts of the desert" in pronouncing judgement on other nations

"Have played the harlot" Zanah, meaning "whoring." Used 18 times in the Bible including 20:5-6
The word itself or some form, whoredom, harlot, etc. used over 500 times in Scripture

Verses 10-12 Summarizes a key principle. The preciousness of man's eternal spirit, a principle taught through the sanctity of blood. Because blood can bring about the right relationship with God, the misuse (abuse) of blood destroys the right relationship with God

Blood - essential to life. "In the blood" Ephesians 1:7
Colossians 1:14 and also Hebrews 9:12-14

Verse 12 Stranger or alien is included. Reminder: We should not let those living among us become a hindrance to our service to God. Allowing others to continue their ways, 1. misses opportunities to teach them God's way and 2. lowers the barrier of acceptance.

Leviticus Study Notes - Chapter 16 (Day of Atonement)

Highlight chapter of the book. The day was celebrated on the 10th day of the 7th month, roughly October from sunset to sunset.

Atonement; kophar, meaning, "to cover." See Genesis 5:15 when Noah was told to, "cover (kophar) it inside and out with pitch."

Also, Jacob in Genesis 443:20 describing his intent to pacify or appease his brother's wrath. "I will appease him." Cover his wrath
Used in reference of forgiveness, mercy, pardon, reconciliation. This is important later with the mercy seat

It's the day in which God allowed the sins of Israel to be covered and His righteous wrath appeased

Was also a reminder to man of his own sinfulness and the desperate need to have his sins covered as he approaches Holy God

*Note: "Before the Lord" appears 60 times in this book

Verse 1 - Keil and Delitzsch write: The chronological link connecting the following law with the death of the sons of Aaron was intended, not only to point out the historical event which led to the appointment of the day of atonement, but also to show the importance and holiness attached to an entrance into the sanctuary of God.

Nadab and Abihu died for failing to approach God in the prescribed manner. The priest who seeks to approach God must do so on His terms. This chapter gives us those terms

Verse 2 - "Mercy seat" the lid or covering of the ark (Covering = atonement!) Exodus 25:22
Similar to approaching a king or dignitary. There's a certain, special way

Verses 3-5 Five animals selected: bull, two rams, two male goats

Bull and a ram for a sin offering (sins of ignorance and ceremonial defilement) and burnt offering (worship) for atonement for Aaron and his family. Other animals were for Israel

Verse 4 - Aaron washing and wore special attire. Humble clothing, plain and white. Purity! Whether clothing, washing or sacrifice, the way one approaches God is being stressed here. Also notice it's linen; why? (John 20) Atoning for sins was a sanctified process demanding purity and complete holiness. (Jesus!)

Notice water. Used in all 3 dispensations as a means of purification. Noah in Genesis 7, here and today according to 1 Peter 3:21

Verse 6 - After bathing, putting on holy clothes and selecting animals, the priest then offers the bull for a sin offering to atone for both his sins, "and for his house." Does it remind us of Matthew 7:5? Casting out the plank in our own eye before worrying about someone else's speck.

Verses 7-10 After taking care of his own sins, the priest has the responsibility of presenting two goats. One is offered on behalf of the people, the other is the scapegoat. Azazel: the one carrying away evil.

Robert Jamieson in Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Commentary: The priest placed one of the goats on his right hand, and the other on his left. Two pieces of gold exactly alike, inscribed 'for Jehovah' and 'for Azazel' were then placed in a bag or covered box; and the priest placed both hands inside and took out both pieces in each hand. That in his left hand he placed on the head of the goat on that side, and that in his right hand on the other goat's head. That determined the fate of each." (Skip to verse 21)

Isaiah 53:12 "And He was numbered with the transgressors and He bore the sins of many, and made intercession for the transgressors."
Isaiah 53:6 "The Lord has laid on him the iniquities of us all."
Hebrews 9:23-28 and Hebrews 10:10

The guilt on Azael was not its own and was sent outside the camp. (Hebrews 13:10-12)

Verses 11-24 Give us the atonement ceremony

11-13 Moses reveals the order of the ceremony and gives further instruction. Before bringing sacrificial blood into the Holy of Holies, Aaron had to burn incense. To hide from the face of God? Or as a symbol of prayer?
Regardless, it would protect Aaron from God's wrath

Verses 14-19 Sprinkling blood on the mercy seat. 7 times, complete and perfect. Also done (v15) with goat's blood from sin offering

We'll see in chapter 17 blood is an important symbol of purification (17:11) Here, the covering of sins by the blood of goat 1, the 2nd goat carried away those sins  Hebrews 9:22

Wilderness: A land cut off, completely isolated from the surrounding country by some barrier or rock which would make it impossible for the goat to come back again. Thus the sins were utterly lost, as though they had never been, and they could not return to the sanctified people.

Leviticus Study Notes - Chapter 15 (Personal Uncleanness

This ends the section dealing with uncleanness

Chapter 11 covered clean/unclean animals
Chapter 12 details a woman's uncleanness after birth
Chapters 13 and 14 deal with skin diseases

This chapter involves the uncleanness caused by body secretions as well as the process of restoring ritual cleanliness

Five parts:
1. Verses 1-5 Relate to a man's abnormal discharges
2. Verses 16-17 Concern a man's normal discharges
*Verse 18 Deals with both man and woman regarding sex (We'll return to that later)
3. Verses 19-30 Both abnormal and normal discharges of women. Order is reversed from the instructions for a man
4. Verses 25-30 Women's normal discharge and what's to be done
(Matthew 9:20-22, Mark 5:23-24, Luke 8:43-48
5. Verses 25-30 Women's abnormal discharge and what's to be done

Chiastic writing: Means two equal thoughts come together, focusing on one point. Here, men and women are treated the same in these verses. Focus is on verse 18 - the one verse relating to both regarding normal sexual relations.
*Implication is that God recognized the sexual relationship between husband and wife are a significant part of life.
(Bonus point, it also put women on equal footing with men in a time that women were considered less worthy than men)

Why do we have this chapter? Is it just private parts or whole body involved?
Verse 13 indicates whole body, talking of sickness. Is it diarrhea or gonorrhea?

Remember, at this time they've been out of Egypt for a year
Every adult had been born and raised in Egypt
Not hard to believe they still hadn't emptied their minds of heathenism
Even if they had, it's possible some are suffering from diseases they'd contracted in Egypt
These regulations would help stop the spread of disease

Verses 1-3 "Discharge" issue
Body runs or is stopped up, running issue, flow or gush
Except for Leviticus 22:4, Numbers 5:2, 2 Samuel 3:29 all usages are in this chapter

Verses 31-33 An explanation why the unclean were to be handled this way
Second, a summary of what was covered

Application - Every single facet of life was directed by God to be directed to God.
Our uncleanness today comes from within

Matthew 15:2 Pharisees condemn apostles for eating without washing hands. "Tradition of elders" He who eats with unwashed hands is as bad as he who commits fornication

Matthew 15:10-15 We get to the core of what renders one unclean before God...what's in one's heart!