In the library tonight doing some homework. There's a guy a few cubicles over doing jumping-jacks. Yes, seminary can make you do some strange things. Actually jumping-jacks sound like a pretty good idea right now after just finishing a brutal assignment on Leviticus. Here's a little of what I learned...
Leviticus is a book on holiness. God is holy and He expects His people to be holy (19:1). God goes to great lengths explaining types of sacrifices acceptable for worship, laws for living healthy lives, and sacred days and celebrations. Admittedly, it's a tough book to get through. But, like all of the Bible, there are hidden treasures. The treasure that I had the privilege of discovering is a better understanding of God's holiness. He is infinitely holy!
As a side note, I think it's a shame how some churches teach only the New Testament. You cannot fully understand God's nature without looking at the Old Testament. Many people have difficulty connecting the character of God between the OT and NT. But rest-assured, it is absolutely the one true God throughout. Most people who say that His character is inconsistent between the two usually choose not to study the OT. That's a mistake. My professor likes to say, "If you don't see Christ in the OT, you're not reading it Christianly."
Yes it's true. Leviticus will make you want to do jumping-jacks in the library. But it is so worthwhile to gives us greater depth to God's character. Christians, the more we know about our God, the more our lifestyles will reflect His glory. We can't help being forever changed when we learn of His awe and wonder.
Now, time for some jumping-jacks!
GrantJ
Great point about teaching from the OT. I couldn't agree more! I once thought that I knew a lot about the Bible simply by spending most of my time studying the NT...now that I've engaged in deep studying of the OT (especially Leviticus and studying the sacrifices), I can't tell you how much that helps me under the NT better and appreciate Christ's work.
ReplyDeleteDear Grant,
ReplyDeleteIt’s true that the Old Testament is very important but for some people I would also encourage you to study the New Testament. I don't believe that either is more important than the other. However it is always important to study the history of a book otherwise how will you understand the present? I tend to study the OT more than the new simple because it is more fascinating to me. Lately though I've tried to study the NT a little more. Thanks Grant for sharing your experiences with all of us readers.
God bless,
C.B.