God didn’t play around back in Old School (aka Old Test) and this verse is one huge exhibit of how he rolled with the people of Israel. He loved (and still does) them so much that they were to him his children. As children slowly grow, mature and get older you have to set out rules, requirements for them. Hence in my opinion why things seem so foreign to us back here in Old School. There’s really nothing wrong with how they ran the place back then because it was what the people of God needed. Surrounded by all kinds of other countries, forces and gods they needed a unique relationship with The King of Kings. One that required a serious investment and a large leap of faith for some.
Rituals are a huge part of our lives and they’ve had lasting influences in our cultures. Some have lasted over the time that has passed while others have thankfully passed into obscurity. Within Christianity rituals can get in the way of the relationship sometimes and it’s a hard line to walk in knowing what you’re doing that has a personal meaning between you and Christ and something you simply do because they do it at church or small group.
I say this so much I think I’ve beaten the dead horse, crucified it, resurrected it and repeated the process a few more times…Christianity is a relationship with your saviour. God and you. That’s it. Not Joel Osteen, not some guy in a podium preaching at you…those guys are great resources to use as guides. It’s and YOU and HIM thing.
In the Old School God wanted his people clean and prepared for the offering. That same idea still stays true today in a small part. When you go to God your heart should be in the right place. It should be focused on God and the direction of His commands for your life. If our hearts, minds and souls are conflicted, misdirected or redacted we’re only selling ourselves short.
God is Holy. He wants and needs us to be too. These rules helped bring the Israelites into the kingdom of Heaven. It took them awhile but He got them there after all the trials and tribulations. Today He’s in the same place. Giving us the instructions on what he wants and needs from us. Will we listen and obey? Or will we strike off in our own direction ignorant of the storm brewing down the path away from Him?
Questions I must marinate my brain on. How about you?
Good Stuff! Love ya. Mom