Expressive Language

Today’s reading – Leviticus 20:22 – 22:16

She called this morning before I was out of bed to exclaim, “The book of Leviticus is quite a book!  It is so bloody!  I woke up laughing this morning and said to my husband, ‘Imagine if I was to take a cow to the front door of the church and kill it.  Then Pastor Brown would come and sprinkle the blood on my ear and on my toe’.” 

While it is hard for us to conceive of the bloody sacrifices (even in a farming community) that is not the only expressive language in Leviticus.  In the first of today’s lesson it talks about following the decrees of the God or the land to which he sends them will “vomit them out”.  On the light side, any of you who have had children and experienced the “projectile” could probably get a good belly laugh out of imagining a Hollywood cartoon presentation of Israel’s quick exit from the Promised Land.

The point is this: there is much about Leviticus we cannot understand.  But as for the central point that keeps being driven home, over and over again:  that we can understand.

I don’t write these “daily ministrations” (as my brother calls them) on the weekend, but in chapter 19, there is an express call to be holy.  Here again in today’s lesson, the theme (and the word) is repeated. 

Many people (maybe you) say, “I don’t know what it means to be holy.  I cannot be holy as God is holy”, and then begin to act as if anything goes.  Here’s my thought for you today:  You may not know when you are being holy, but you do know when you are being unholy.  Maybe that’s a good place to start.

Let the Word speak.  

Thurland

It’s Not MY Fault

Today’s reading – Leviticus 15:1 – 16:28

Did you know that there is an actual society known as the Scapegoat Society?   According to their official website, "the Scapegoat Society was formed in the autumn of 1997 for those concerned with the dynamics of attributing blame to others.”  Normally, scapegoating is an unhealthy action since it is an attempt to deflect the blame.  The devil made me do it.  The dog ate my homework.  The speedometer was broken.  The party host(ess) made it easily accessible.

One theme that runs consistently throughout the Bible is the idea that “someone will come”.  From the expulsion from the Garden of Eden all the way through the Old Testament, there is the idea that we are trapped by the results of sin, but that “someone will come” to bring freedom.  The first few chapters of Leviticus, with their exhaustive lists of sacrifices followed by regulations for clean and unclean, serve to show the impossibility of freeing ourselves from the effects of sin.  But here in Chapter 16 we once again are pointed to the truth that “someone will come.”  The Day of Atonement with its one goat sacrificed, and the other released as the original scapegoat, symbolically carrying away the sins of the year, point ahead to the work of Jesus.  In Christian theology, the story of the scapegoat in Leviticus is interpreted as a symbolic pre-figuration of the self-sacrifice of Jesus, who takes the sins of humanity on his own head, having been driven into the 'wilderness' outside the city by order of the high priests.

It may be true that the devil made you do it.  Praise God, it is equally true that Jesus paid the price, and offers release from the guilt.

Let the Word speak.  

Thurland

Don’t get lost in the details

Today’s reading – Leviticus 14:1-57

I have to admit, I’m getting bogged down in the details of Leviticus. How good it was then to open today’s Psalm (40) and read these words from verse 6: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but my ears you have opened;  burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require.”

Whatever else the Psalmist is saying here, he is asserting that God was not intending to lose us in the minutia.  It seems that they were not so much important in their own right; they were important because they brought the people to God.

In the Leviticus reading today, there was a lot of talk of blood.  On this side of Calvary, we see this as pointing ahead to the sacrifice that Jesus Christ was going to provide on our behalf.   My friend, the Rev. Floyd McPhee reminded us in a ministerial meeting today that if the Church has failed through the years, it is when we have not pointed people to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrifices pointed to that grace.  Today, I would remind you the truth of the Psalmist – It is not so much the burnt offerings and the sin offerings that God wants – he wants to open our ears.  He wants us to hear his call. He wants us to come to Him.

Let the Word speak.  

Thurland

Examining the Boils

Today’s reading – Leviticus 13:1-59

Clean and unclean; holy and unholy; sacred and profane; it’s clear that there is a difference.  Today we don’t go to the priest (pastor) to have him examine our infectious skin diseases.  (In fact, as a clergyman, the main thought I had while reading this lesson was “I’m glad that job description has changed.”)  Looking at people’s boils has never been idea of a fun day at the office.  When we step across the line between the holy and unholy we start down that slippery slope of destruction.  We can blame it on others if we want, but that only eases the pangs of guilt for so long.

Whose fault was it that I got stuck in the Anchorage mud?  Maybe the road department’s – they should have put up signs or a roadblock.  Maybe my friends’ – they should not have tempted me to go to the Anchorage.  Maybe my Dad’s – he gave me the car. 

But maybe it was mine.  Maybe I had ignored the clearly marked differences between the clean and the unclean.

Let the Word speak.  

Thurland

Fuel for the Fire

Today’s reading – Leviticus 9:7 – 10:20

 (Thanks to Mabel S. for pointing me to part of this truth yesterday morning)

Of all of the reality TV shows that have been introduced in the last few years, I like Survivor the best.  I am intrigued by the combination of physical and mental testing, and the political games that must be played in order to remain on the island.  (And yes, for those of you who have watched for several years, Rupert was my hero.)  Since the contestants are put on the islands with little or no provisions, ability to make (and keep) fire is one of the key elements of the game.  It’s rather amusing to watch the un-prepared contestants in their pursuit of fire.

In this portion of Scripture, fire was important.  In the chapter 6 instructions (Leviticus 6:8-13), Moses was told to tell the priests that a key part of their role was to keep the fire burning day and night.  It is not until Chapter 9, when the first burnt offering is actually made, that we see the reason for this.  There we read that, “23 Moses and Aaron then went into the Tent of Meeting. When they came out, they blessed the people; and the glory of the LORD appeared to all the people. 24 Fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell facedown.”

The altar fire was started by God.  The altar fire was indicative of the presence of God.  Therefore, it was incumbent on the priests to ensure that this fire never goes out.

Today, fire is a symbol of the Holy Spirit.  God lights the fire of his Holy Spirit in our lives, but it is our duty to tend that flame.  I Thessalonians 5:19 tells us “Do not put out the Spirit’s fire”, and Ephesians 4:30 says, “Do not grieve the Spirit.”

Have you put fuel on your fire today?   Let the Word speak. 

Thurland

No Need for Caller ID

Today’s reading – Leviticus 4:1-5:19

In a land far away and a time long ago, (long before cell phones, text messaging and caller ID) there was a woman that we kids called Auntie.  She was my grandfather’s sister, and I only remember two things about her.  First, she lived for years with an incredible, continuous pain in her face, but that has nothing to do with the story today.  And secondly, she had a voice that would carry for miles.  It didn’t matter where we kids were playing – at the beach, in the apple orchard, or on the sliding hill, when it was time for her grandson Sheldon to come for dinner, everyone knew it.  Auntie would go outside on the steps, lift her head heavenward, and in her piercing voice that seemed to go on forever, she would shout “Shel-dooooooooooooooooooooonnnnnnnnn!!”  Dogs would scamper and cover their ears, trees would shake … and anyone within a half mile would know that Auntie had called. 

In our Bibles, the third book carries the name “Leviticus”, meaning that it pertains to the Levites, or carries priestly instructions.  In the original Hebrew translation it carried the name “wayyiqra”, which means “The Lord called”, (taken from the first phrase of chapter one).  Thirty four more times in the 27 chapters of Leviticus we see the phrase. “The Lord said”.  As much as you may struggle with the meanings that are buried in this book, it is evident to me that to the people for whom the message was originally intended, there was a clear understanding that it was the Lord who was speaking. 

In these first seven chapters, the message has to do with sacrifices the people were to make: Burnt Offering, Grain Offering, Peace (or Fellowship) Offering, Sin Offering and Guilt Offering.  Some key words arise time and time again:  without defect, aroma pleasing to the Lord, when you become aware (of your sin), make restitution, in this way the priest will make atonement for him. 

It’s may not be the piercing voice of my Auntie, but the Lord clearly has some things to say to you and I. 

As you learn to love Leviticus, Let His Voice speak.

Thurland

Learning to Love Leviticus

Today’s reading – Leviticus 1:1 – 3:17

When scanning through different articles looking for ways to teach the message of the book of Leviticus, I found one called “Learning to Love Leviticus”.  The title captured my imagination as I thought, “That’s exactly what we are meant to do.”  In this Year of the Bible, our goal is not merely to read through it in one year.  In fact, our goal is not merely to understand it.  The goal is that we learn to love the Word of God, and that includes the difficult parts.

Leviticus is one of those difficult parts.  But I would say that it is difficult largely due to a misunderstanding of what the Bible is meant to be.  Because we say that “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable” (II Timothy 3:16), we have come to expect that all Scripture should be riveting, and when we come to a difficult part we then feel that there must be something wrong – either with the Scripture, or with us.  So we quit reading.

The narrative of Genesis was exciting, and fairly easy to grasp.  The first half of Exodus was exciting as we saw God’s hand at work in a miraculous delivery of the people.  But then we ran into the middle of Exodus, and found the puzzling details of the law, and detailed instructions for the tabernacle and in our honest moments we had to say, “That’s not all that interesting.” 

Here’s something to remember.  The fact that the reading is not interesting does not mean it is not profitable.  A recipe book is not interesting, but it is profitable. A law book is usually not interesting, but it is profitable.  The book of Leviticus is in effect a book of law, a book of codes.  It is perhaps not a book that you will return to for your regular devotions.  But in the detail of the codes, there is great profit. So, for the next two and a half weeks, join me on the journey through the book, and learn to love Leviticus.

Let the Word speak

Thurland

Take Time

Today’s reading – Exodus 39:1 – 40:38

I have a close friend who lives near the church in Port Maitland.  (Let’s call him Rollie.  To his wife who reads these daily musings, you can tell R that he made it into my memoirs.)  Between the offering and the sermon, Rollie would rush home, light the BBQ and come back to the service.  That way, when church was over, he could go home, and the coals were just right to throw on the burgers, and voila, dinner was ready.  Not bad for a time management system … but not conducive to a good worship experience.

Worship cannot be hurried.  There’s a progression in our relationship with God that while it is not necessary to be followed in a liturgical way each day, it does take time. Yesterday we mentioned (quickly) the altar of sacrifice and the basin for washing.  I suppose you could equate these to an experience of salvation, and an experience of sanctification.  But if that’s all you do with the Christian walk, you have missed the best part, the part of a growing relationship.  The furnishings of the tabernacle, and the way they were placed were meant to symbolically draw the Israelites into the presence of God, one step at a time.  Each step you take on your journey brings some satisfaction in itself, but it also should serve to awaken your inner senses to the fact that there is more.   It’s not just salvation, and it’s not just sanctification.  The journey is about fellowship.  A.W. Tozer says of this progression, “though the worshipper had enjoyed so much (in the outer courtyard), still he had not yet entered the presence of God.”

The furnishings of the Holy Place (The Lampstand, the table of presence, the altar of incense) all speak of the presence of God.  Take time to be separate from all friends and all duties, all cares and all joys; time to be still and quiet before God. Take time not only to secure stillness from man and the world, but from self and its energy.  (Tozer)

Let the Word speak

Thurland

Go team, Go!

Today’s reading – Exodus 35:10 – 36:38

My mother thinks I am a good musician, but I know that I will never be asked to do a piano recital at the National Arts Center, nor sing a solo at the reception of a Prime Minister.  Though I have some musical talents, I certainly am not “skilled” in these arts.  I like music, but I have no aptitude to become great in its disciplines.  I did once sing in a choir whose ability far surpassed the talents of the twenty seven normal voices of which it was comprised.  It was a joy to sit under the “skilled” direction of our director, and watch him turn our ordinary voices into a choir that anyone could appreciate. 

I must confess, I like the idea of being a star, but since I am not, I have a choice to make.  Quit, or become part of a team.

In the lesson today two phrases seem to leap off the pages of Scripture: “everyone who was willing” and “all who are skilled”.  It seems to be saying that there will be stars in this building of the tabernacle, but there will also be team members.  The stars are “those who are skilled”, the team members are “those who are willing”. 

The “tabernacle team” was all who were willing, men and women alike – people who were willing to spin goat’s hair, people who were willing to bring offerings for the skilled craftsmen to use – people just like you and I. 

Are you willing?  Go team, go!

Let the Word speak

Thurland

Pastor of the Year!!  (??)

Today’s reading – Exodus 30:11 – 31:18

The sporting world has always done it – crowned someone as the MVP – most valuable player.  It is based on skills and accomplishments, and recognizes the truth that some people are able to offer more to the team than others.  There is probably nothing wrong with the idea of naming an MVP.

The church has begun to pick up on the idea.  Bible Colleges name one of the graduating students as “Preacher of the Year”, and some Districts have “Pastor of the Year.”  Nothing wrong with that, I suppose. 

The danger arises (in any field, but especially in the Church) when one forgets where the talent came from, and what it is to be used for.  It is so easy to bask in that glory, and to begin thinking of oneself as the MVP, and even insist that others recognize your inherent worth.  (Remember the evangelical scandals of the late 1980’s?  Our very own MVP’s gone astray.)

In the lesson today, (Exodus 31) the Lord gave great skills to two men.  They were the MVP’s of the guild of tabernacle-builders, but interestingly enough, most of us don’t even recognize the names of Bezalel and Oholiab.  From their example, we can learn some truths about the talents we have.

1.  The talents come from God

2.  The talents are given to individual people

3.  But the talents are not for the benefit of the people to whom they are given.

4.  The talents are for the benefit of the whole group.

These two men were filled with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts- with the express purpose that they might build the tabernacle for the use of the whole team.

Who’s the most valuable lay person in your church?  Who’s the best preacher you know?  It doesn’t really matter, does it?  As someone once said, “It would be amazing what we could get done for God, if we didn’t care who got the credit.”

Let the Word speak

Thurland

Called and Consecrated  

Today’s reading – Exodus 29:1 – 30:10

It was Friday; the 7^th day of July, 1977 – a hot summer afternoon, and the tabernacle at the District Camp was full.  Seven young men and our wives sat in the front row, enduring the heat, but secretly wishing it was over so we could get out of our suits and ties and start enjoying the day.  But this was a special service and no amount of discomfort would shorten it.  In retrospect, I have to admit that the service means more to me now than it did then.  At that time I was too anxious to get on with the work, and this public service of ordination was just one of the steps.  Today, I read the words of that service again, and I am humbled.

Always remember how great a treasure is committed to your charge. You have in your care persons Christ bought with his death. Those committed to your care are His body and His spouse.

Thurland Brown, as we lay our hands upon you we ask the Lord to give the unusual outpouring of the Holy Spirit needed for your service as an elder in the Church. May God’s anointing enable you to be a faithful exponent of His Word, and an instrument for His holy sacraments.

Thurland Brown, take authority to preach the word of God, to administer the holy sacraments, and to perform the duties of an elder in the church, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen!

In the lesson today, Aaron and his sons are set aside as priests of God.  In a seven day ceremony, they are consecrated for sacred duty.  It is a humbling thought that for some reason, God has placed his call on a young man, and given him the thrill of a lifetime of service to the Church.  I pray I have done it faithfully.

There are highlights.  Last night one of the readers from NS wrote and said "Thanks for sharing Christ with (my husband) some years ago, and for being a pastor and friend.  I still remember the message you preached about the Pearl of Great Price the night he went forward in the church. Today, I have a peace in my heart.”  Thanks be to God.

Let the Word speak

Thurland

YOU’RE GIVING THAT TO GOD?

Today’s reading – Exodus 28:1-43

I never saw this for myself, but a good friend told it to me as the truth.  The church was taking a collection of goods for a mission field, and included in the items donated were two used teabags.  Surely this must have been meant as a joke, but it is indicative of an attitude that often invades the Christian church.  That is the attitude that says anything is good enough for God.  Wear it out, use it up, and give the leftovers to the church.  It spills over into our weekly offerings, where the habit often is to make a donation if there is anything left in the budget.

This is not the attitude of the Scriptures.  They admonish us to give our best.  When talking about offerings, they say “Bring the first fruits”.  In today’s lesson, when talking about making the clothes for the priests to wear, the word that is used is “skilled” or skillfully”. In fact, from Exodus 26 until the end, there are 22 times where the words “skilled”, “skillfully” or “skill” are used in reference to the tabernacle and the worship that is to take place there.

How are you using the skills God has given you?  Maybe you'd like to add in an extra teabag?

Let the Word speak

Thurland

A House Where God Will Live

Today’s reading = Exodus 26:1 – 27:21 s a

As a young teen, I was hanging around the front of the church one Sunday afternoon with a bunch of others.  We had formed somewhat of a semi-circle as we sat on the front pews, the floor, and a few of us on the altar rail.  I was somewhat surprised when the pastor came in and told us not to sit on the altar rail. 

As evangelical churches, we have tended to make our churches into functional meeting places.  We haven’t been big on the ornate “trappings” of worship, and I suppose that in many ways we do not need to be.  In my teenage mind, the altar rail was the right height, and it made a comfortable place to sit for a few moments.  It did not occur to me that it had been dedicated or set apart for one purpose, and that any other purpose could be considered profane. In thinking of that while reading the lessons today, I think there is something appealing about making some things this special by sanctifying them to be used only for purposes of worship.  I know it is not mandated b Scripture in the New Testament, and I also know that it can be taken to excess, but at the back of my mind I cannot help by feeling that we are somewhat the poorer by making everything functional. 

In the lessons today, God gives detailed instructions to Moses for the building of a Tabernacle (meeting place) and its furnishings.  The instructions go back to yesterday’s readings, where He said, (25:8, 9) “Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them.  Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you.” 

 This is not a plea to become stilted in our worship, but it is a call to recognize that some things are special, and that this “specialness” can be used to help us in our approach to God.  The next time you see a stained glass window, why not stop for a few minutes and think about the story it is dedicated to tell.  Maybe you will find God living there. 

Let the Word speak 

Thurland

THE LORD CAME DOWN

Today’s reading = Exodus 19:16 – 21:21

First, let me give you a quick lesson in one method of reading the Bible. It is called “Lectio Divina” and it means “Listening for God”.  It’s basic assumption is that God wants to use the words of the Scripture to speak into your present situation.  The process (in simplified terms) is that you read prayerfully, asking God to take something from this passage and use it to allow you hear His voice.  Then as you read, you take note of the word, phrase or verse that “jumps out at you”, and meditate on it.

It is not the only way to read, and by itself it could lead to excesses, but it is one way to allow the Scripture to touch your life.

For me, that verse in today’s lesson is Exodus 19:20 - The LORD descended to the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain.

The Lord came down before He called Moses up.  It is true that there are a lot of laws (moral, ceremonial and judicial) which followed this encounter, and there are times when we begrudge these laws.  Instead of complaining and trying to circumvent the requirements of the law, let’s remember this basic thought.  The Lord came down before He called Moses up.  It’s as if He were saying to Moses “the road ahead will be a rough road, but here … let me hold your hand”.

He does require some things of us.  Moses went up. And back down. And back up again.  And back down again.  Sounds like your life doesn’t it?  But underneath it all – God comes down before he asks us to come up.  It’s not always with thunder and lightning, and a thick cloud and a trumpet blast.  But when you look closely, you will see that God has come down.

Let the word speak.

Thurland

THE START IS NOT THE FINISH

Today’s reading = Exodus 15:19 – 17:7

As a movement, the Wesleyan Church – as part of the broader group of evangelical churches - puts a great deal of emphasis on the beginning of the Christian life.  We call it being “born again” (John 3:3 & 7), and in some ways we feel that this is the most important step in the journey of our Christian life. As the old adage says, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

There are other popular (at least among church circles) names for this experience – being saved, or converted to name just a couple.  One of my favorites is a phrase that I never hear any more, but was common in my childhood experience.  During one of those old-time revival meetings, when someone (especially a real reprobate) would go to the altar, and ask forgiveness of sins, the people would say “Johnny made a start last night.”

As I write this I am at a minister’s retreat.  Last night Rev. Vernon Marples preached to us, and reminded us of the truth that phrase implies.  The Christian experience is not wrapped up in a moment in time.  As important as this experience is, it does not mean that we have "arrived"  and can now relax.   Our journey has just begun.  We have made a start. 

In today’s lesson, the Israelites were on a journey.  They “made a start” on the night of the Passover, but now they were on a journey.  Their journey led through desert and water; their journey (like your Christian life) included times of hunger and thirst; there were times when they doubted God, and other times when they wanted to go back.

Why?  Because the journey on which they had “made a start” was (like your Christian life) a difficult journey.  You may be one of those who right now are in a desert experience along your journey, and like the Israelites you are wondering why God has disappeared.  Your initial prayer may be, “Lord get me out of this desert, and make my way smooth”.  I have to warn you that He usually doesn’t answer that prayer, but … if you look carefully every morning, you will find manna for that day.  On the journey, our prayer needs to be, “Give us this day our daily … bread”

Let the word speak

Thurland

The Smooth Roads

Today’s reading = Exodus 13:17 – 15:18

I like the smooth roads.  Those of you from the east coast will well remember the days of traveling to Bangor on Hwy. 9, the Airline. (I never was quite sure why it was called the Airline – possibly because if you went over 20 mph, you would become airborne!)  No-one liked to drive the Airline – but it did have one distinct advantage.  It got you to Bangor.  If I had my “druthers” I’d rather travel a newly paved 4 lane highway every time.  But we all know, 4 lanes are not always available, and rough roads are sometimes necessary.

In today’s lesson, as soon as Pharaoh let the people go there was a detour – on to the rough road.  13:17 tells us God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter.  Though this was obviously for their protection, I’m sure for the map-readers among them (especially those with the Global Positioning Systems and Microsoft’s “Streets and Trips” Software) this decision did not make any sense.

Soon after that, the Israelites found themselves in an impossible situation.  Because of the detour mentioned above, they were caught between the “devil and the deep blue sea.”  (Only this time it was the Pharaoh and the wide Red Sea.) 

The interesting thing to note here is this: God put them in this impossible situation.  It was not an accident and neither was it any fault of their own.  God led them to the place of desperation.  (14:1-2) Why?

The answer comes in the next verses, which you will have to read for yourself.  As the trap became tighter and tighter, and it appeared that they had gone past the point of recovery, God “kicked it up a notch”, and through the miracle we know as the Crossing of the Red Sea, the people were saved.

All of the Life’s Detours are not bad.  They may be tough, but they are not bad.  In this case, God detoured them away from one route to protect them from a war for which they were not prepared.  At the same time, He detoured them to this impossible situation which he used to show his power, and bring great encouragement to them. 

Are you on a detour today?  Off of the smooth road and on to the rough?  Let the word speak

Thurland