There is much startling sacrifice made in these OT readings with both people and animals. I’m starting to see that this was God’s way of making a strong stand about submission and reigning in of His order. Ultimately this was being done for their own protection in forming order and structure. I equate it with disciplining children. As a parent you really don’t want to. However if you don’t, they won’t grow up with values or goals.
Numbers 14: 18 “The Lord is slow to anger…” I needed this today. After having lost my temper at my 8yr old this morning, I prayed to God to show me how I need to be. Lo and behold, this verse pops up from today’s reading.
I n
The contrast between God in the OT and the NT is dramatic. I wonder why God ordered them to stone the man for gathering wood on the Sabbath and yet Jesus encouraged sinners to change and for others to forgive them.
I think the reason is because Jesus came as the living sacrifice so our sins would be washed away meaning that we had forgiveness and grace something we didn’t have before Jesus :)
From Adam to Moses there was no law and therefore – essentially – no sin; because the law defines sin. From Moses to Jesus all had awareness of the sin infused into humanity via the Fall. From Jesus on- all have awareness of the eternal life infused in humanity by his fulfillment of the law. In other words his consumption of sin on our behalf fulfilled the law. Therefore when we live in Christ we are living way beyond the law. He taught discernment of right and wrong through a filter of love…maybe because he was the fulfillment of the law. It’s all so complicated and hard for human understanding. I constantly am trying to wrap my head around it.
I’m wondering about that Generational curse thing as well, my in laws went to counseling and they focused so much on generational curses. Aren’t we redeemed by the Blood of Christ?! Shouldn’t those curses be broken?
I may be wrong on this, but my mind is being blown thinking of the correlation between the blue tassel worn to remember the commandments and holiness of the Lord and the ‘fringe’ of Jesus’ garment the woman touched and was healed (Luke 8:44). Was the woman touching this blue tassel? I looked around the Internet (several different references), and Jews in Jesus’ day still wore these. In fact, the Pharisees were accused of making their tassels extra long.
18 ‘The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.’
2 All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, “If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this wilderness! 3 Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?”
6 Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes 7 and said to the entire Israelite assembly, “The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. 8 If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. 9 Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.”
This is so true and a great reminder to myself, sometimes God has brought me out of a bad situation and for a while I was rejoicing. But as soon as doubt and fear creeps into my heart, I start to think about the situation I came out from and start wanting to go back there as it’s a known evil that I can deal with, even though God has already promised good to me. May I always have the strength, courage and audacity to take Daddy God at His word and believe He is faithful to His promises. :)
There is much startling sacrifice made in these OT readings with both people and animals. I’m starting to see that this was God’s way of making a strong stand about submission and reigning in of His order. Ultimately this was being done for their own protection in forming order and structure. I equate it with disciplining children. As a parent you really don’t want to. However if you don’t, they won’t grow up with values or goals.
Numbers 14: 18 “The Lord is slow to anger…” I needed this today. After having lost my temper at my 8yr old this morning, I prayed to God to show me how I need to be. Lo and behold, this verse pops up from today’s reading.
I n
I think we all need this one. :). Especially with our kids.
The contrast between God in the OT and the NT is dramatic. I wonder why God ordered them to stone the man for gathering wood on the Sabbath and yet Jesus encouraged sinners to change and for others to forgive them.
I think the reason is because Jesus came as the living sacrifice so our sins would be washed away meaning that we had forgiveness and grace something we didn’t have before Jesus :)
From Adam to Moses there was no law and therefore – essentially – no sin; because the law defines sin. From Moses to Jesus all had awareness of the sin infused into humanity via the Fall. From Jesus on- all have awareness of the eternal life infused in humanity by his fulfillment of the law. In other words his consumption of sin on our behalf fulfilled the law. Therefore when we live in Christ we are living way beyond the law. He taught discernment of right and wrong through a filter of love…maybe because he was the fulfillment of the law. It’s all so complicated and hard for human understanding. I constantly am trying to wrap my head around it.
I’m wondering about that Generational curse thing as well, my in laws went to counseling and they focused so much on generational curses. Aren’t we redeemed by the Blood of Christ?! Shouldn’t those curses be broken?
I found Ezekiel 18 to be helpful in answering your question. God ends the generational curses in the Old Testament is how I read that.
I love the gospels!
I may be wrong on this, but my mind is being blown thinking of the correlation between the blue tassel worn to remember the commandments and holiness of the Lord and the ‘fringe’ of Jesus’ garment the woman touched and was healed (Luke 8:44). Was the woman touching this blue tassel? I looked around the Internet (several different references), and Jews in Jesus’ day still wore these. In fact, the Pharisees were accused of making their tassels extra long.
18 ‘The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.’
Would this verse be tied to Generational curses?
2 All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, “If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this wilderness! 3 Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?”
6 Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes 7 and said to the entire Israelite assembly, “The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. 8 If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. 9 Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.”
This is so true and a great reminder to myself, sometimes God has brought me out of a bad situation and for a while I was rejoicing. But as soon as doubt and fear creeps into my heart, I start to think about the situation I came out from and start wanting to go back there as it’s a known evil that I can deal with, even though God has already promised good to me. May I always have the strength, courage and audacity to take Daddy God at His word and believe He is faithful to His promises. :)