After the fall, man was sent out of Eden, away from God’s presence. God posted cherubim and a flaming sword to guard the way to the tree of life (Gen. 3:23). Cherubim were also embroidered into the veil barring the way to the Most Holy Place in the tent of meeting (Ex. 26:31). Christ (as…
Tag: Jesus
Two Goats (The Day of Atonement Part 2)
Of the offerings made on the Day of Atonement, the most significant was the sin offering. Leviticus 16:5 says the high priest was “to take from the Israelite community two male goats for a sin offering….” Note that both goats constituted a single sin offering. Lots were cast for the goats: “one lot for the…
Trumpets
On the first day of the seventh month, the Israelites were to “have a day of rest, a sacred assembly commemorated with trumpet blasts” (Lev. 23:24). The purpose of this commemoration isn’t entirely clear. Unlike the preceding feasts, Trumpets isn’t associated with the history of the exodus or with Israel’s agricultural seasons. Other than instructions about…
Firstfruits
Picture by Patrick Murphy http://inspiredsketch.blogspot.com/ On the 16th of the first month, the day after Unleavened Bread started, the Israelites were to bring a sheaf of new grain to the priest. This was also “the day after the Sabbath,” or Sunday (Lev. 23:11). This new grain was the first of the harvest to ripen, the…
Unleavened Bread
Image from http://dubyadesigns365.blogspot.com/2010/03/march-30-2010-unleavened-bread.html The feast of Unleavened Bread is closely tied to Passover and started the day after. Often, scripture groups both feasts under the same name, whether Passover or Unleavened Bread (Ex. 23:4-7; Deut. 16:1-8). On the first day of the feast, the Israelites removed yeast from their houses. For seven days they ate…
I’m All Ears…
Photo by “Chief Trent”: http://www.flickr.com/photos/texese/104281008/ First, just a shout-out to all those who regularly visit The Voice of One. THANK YOU! I so appreciate the opportunity to pass on what the Lord shares with me. Knowing that most people (myself included!) don’t have endless free-time, I know the time you spend here is a gift 🙂 Second,…
Put to Death…
Sketch by Patrick Murphy: http://inspiredsketch.blogspot.com/ When Paul says, “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature,” he assumes that “you died,” and also, “you died with Christ” (Col. 2:20; 3:3, 5). We cannot put to death unless we are already dead. Paul is not giving a command with the expectation that we fulfill it. …
The Aramaic Civil Liberties Union…?
Recently, I attended anti-harassment training for work. As in years past, I left feeling conflicted. On the one hand, I see the need to legally protect people, especially those who are weak or socially disadvantaged. This is biblical (James 1:27; 2:5-7). On the other hand, I am concerned that 1) we are an increasingly offended…
Give Hate a Chance
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26-27). Here’s how I’ve often heard this verse: “If you don’t live up…
Yet in My Flesh I Will See God
Picture from http://www.theologylived.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/incarnation.jpg “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14). The incarnation is a promise. God became human. His invisible personage of pure love was manifest. Jesus is our proof: God will also become flesh in us. His pure love will be manifest in us….
The Voice of One 