Death of Nadab and Abihu

Listen to the newest episode of my podcast, Nicholas Hood3: The Death of Nadab and abihu https://anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3/episodes/The-Death-of-Nadab-and-abihu-e385v3

The death of Nadab and Abihu provides the modern Christian with an interesting glimpse into the lives of the first priests of the Israelite people while in the Sinai wilderness.  Moses is still alive and is serving as spiritual leader who is in direct communication with God.  Aaron and his sons are the newly ordained priests with specific instructions from God via Moses regarding how to conduct worship and the various offerings.  In this chapter, Nadab and Abihu die after putting incense in their censers.  Incense was forbidden and both were consumed by fire from God.  This type of fire was said to be unholy fire, and the died before the Lord.  Moses replaces the two brother priests with their cousins.

Some people find this part of the Bible difficult to read because of all of its rules and regulations.  For me, I am really enjoying the daily focus on Leviticus because it helps me to have not only a better understanding of ancient Jewish worship, but as a Christian, it also helps me to better understand how the Christian faith has evolved and how unique and relevant is the message of Jesus Christ.  Thank you for joining me in this process.

Nick

 

Nadab and Abihu

Leviticus 10 Now Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, each took his censer, put fire in it, and laid incense on it; and they offered unholy fire before the Lord, such as he had not commanded them. ² And fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord. ³ Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord meant when he said,

‘Through those who are near me

I will show myself holy,

and before all the people

I will be glorified.’ ”

And Aaron was silent.

⁴ Moses summoned Mishael and Elzaphan, sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said to them, “Come forward, and carry your kinsmen away from the front of the sanctuary to a place outside the camp.” ⁵ They came forward and carried them by their tunics out of the camp, as Moses had ordered. ⁶ And Moses said to Aaron and to his sons Eleazar and Ithamar, “Do not dishevel your hair, and do not tear your vestments, or you will die and wrath will strike all the congregation; but your kindred, the whole house of Israel, may mourn the burning that the Lord has sent. ⁷ You shall not go outside the entrance of the tent of meeting, or you will die; for the anointing oil of the Lord is on you.” And they did as Moses had ordered.

⁸ And the Lord spoke to Aaron: ⁹ Drink no wine or strong drink, neither you nor your sons, when you enter the tent of meeting, that you may not die; it is a statute forever throughout your generations. ¹⁰ You are to distinguish between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean; ¹¹ and you are to teach the people of Israel all the statutes that the Lord has spoken to them through Moses.

¹² Moses spoke to Aaron and to his remaining sons, Eleazar and Ithamar: Take the grain offering that is left from the Lord’s offerings by fire, and eat it unleavened beside the altar, for it is most holy; ¹³ you shall eat it in a holy place, because it is your due and your sons’ due, from the offerings by fire to the Lord; for so I am commanded. ¹⁴ But the breast that is elevated and the thigh that is raised, you and your sons and daughters as well may eat in any clean place; for they have been assigned to you and your children from the sacrifices of the offerings of well-being of the people of Israel. ¹⁵ The thigh that is raised and the breast that is elevated they shall bring, together with the offerings by fire of the fat, to raise for an elevation offering before the Lord; they are to be your due and that of your children forever, as the Lord has commanded.

¹⁶ Then Moses made inquiry about the goat of the sin offering, and—it had already been burned! He was angry with Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s remaining sons, and said, ¹⁷ “Why did you not eat the sin offering in the sacred area? For it is most holy, and God has given it to you that you may remove the guilt of the congregation, to make atonement on their behalf before the Lord. ¹⁸ Its blood was not brought into the inner part of the sanctuary. You should certainly have eaten it in the sanctuary, as I commanded.” ¹⁹ And Aaron spoke to Moses, “See, today they offered their sin offering and their burnt offering before the Lord; and yet such things as these have befallen me! If I had eaten the sin offering today, would it have been agreeable to the Lord?” ²⁰ And when Moses heard that, he agreed. ^[1]

 

Questions for Reflection:

1. What are your thoughts about the death of two of Aarons Sons, Nadab and Abihu?
2. Did you notice what their offense was that angered Moses and the Lord?
3. What are your thoughts about those things that are holy and unholy as described in Leviticus 10?
4. The second set of sons of Aaron that Moses appointed priests also broke the command of the Lord in eating the burnt offering outside of the sanctuary. What do you think about the manner in which, Aaron, their father, advocated for his remaining sons?  What does this tell you about Aaron, and what does this tell you about Moses and God?
5. What other observations do you glean from the faith of the ancient Israelites when reading chapter 10 of the Book of Leviticus?

 

Prayer:  Lord, make me every vigilant.  Keep me on a level path.  Sharpen my vision that I might always be aware of that which is holy and that which is not holy.  Make me to know your truth, your mercy and grace, and most of all, your love.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.

 

Written by Pastor Nick Hood3

Photo by Pastor Nick Hood3

Additional Prayers Photos and Meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at https://nicholashoodiiiministries.wordpress.com/

More about the ministry, mission, and meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at www.nicholashoodiiiministries.org and www.puccdetroit.org

New – Listen to readings from the Book of Psalms, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus and Inspirational Prayers written by Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood III at Nicholas Hood3, is now available on Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nicholas-hood3/id1370371705.

Or, at anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3.

Also, on Google Podcasts at Nicholas Hood3

Now on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1fQTqugJtGj6FCgHaGuG

 

Thank you,

 

Nick

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

^[1] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Le 10:1–20). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Pastor as Photographer

Listen to the newest episode of my podcast, Nicholas Hood3: Pastor Nick as Photographer https://anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3/episodes/Pastor-Nick-as-Photographer-e380jt

Aaron’s Priesthood Inaugurated- Leviticus 9

Listen to the newest episode of my podcast, Nicholas Hood3: Aaron’s Priesthood Inaugurated https://anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3/episodes/Aarons-Priesthood-Inaugurated-e37lk5

Aaron’s Priesthood Inaugurated

Leviticus 9 On the eighth day Moses summoned Aaron and his sons and the elders of Israel. ² He said to Aaron, “Take a bull calf for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering, without blemish, and offer them before the Lord. ³ And say to the people of Israel, ‘Take a male goat for a sin offering; a calf and a lamb, yearlings without blemish, for a burnt offering; ⁴ and an ox and a ram for an offering of well-being to sacrifice before the Lord; and a grain offering mixed with oil. For today the Lord will appear to you.’ ” ⁵ They brought what Moses commanded to the front of the tent of meeting; and the whole congregation drew near and stood before the Lord. ⁶ And Moses said, “This is the thing that the Lord commanded you to do, so that the glory of the Lord may appear to you.” ⁷ Then Moses said to Aaron, “Draw near to the altar and sacrifice your sin offering and your burnt offering, and make atonement for yourself and for the people; and sacrifice the offering of the people, and make atonement for them; as the Lord has commanded.”

⁸ Aaron drew near to the altar, and slaughtered the calf of the sin offering, which was for himself. ⁹ The sons of Aaron presented the blood to him, and he dipped his finger in the blood and put it on the horns of the altar; and the rest of the blood he poured out at the base of the altar. ¹⁰ But the fat, the kidneys, and the appendage of the liver from the sin offering he turned into smoke on the altar, as the Lord commanded Moses; ¹¹ and the flesh and the skin he burned with fire outside the camp.

¹² Then he slaughtered the burnt offering. Aaron’s sons brought him the blood, and he dashed it against all sides of the altar. ¹³ And they brought him the burnt offering piece by piece, and the head, which he turned into smoke on the altar. ¹⁴ He washed the entrails and the legs and, with the burnt offering, turned them into smoke on the altar.

¹⁵ Next he presented the people’s offering. He took the goat of the sin offering that was for the people, and slaughtered it, and presented it as a sin offering like the first one. ¹⁶ He presented the burnt offering, and sacrificed it according to regulation. ¹⁷ He presented the grain offering, and, taking a handful of it, he turned it into smoke on the altar, in addition to the burnt offering of the morning.

¹⁸ He slaughtered the ox and the ram as a sacrifice of well-being for the people. Aaron’s sons brought him the blood, which he dashed against all sides of the altar, ¹⁹ and the fat of the ox and of the ram—the broad tail, the fat that covers the entrails, the two kidneys and the fat on them, and the appendage of the liver. ²⁰ They first laid the fat on the breasts, and the fat was turned into smoke on the altar; ²¹ and the breasts and the right thigh Aaron raised as an elevation offering before the Lord, as Moses had commanded.

²² Aaron lifted his hands toward the people and blessed them; and he came down after sacrificing the sin offering, the burnt offering, and the offering of well-being. ²³ Moses and Aaron entered the tent of meeting, and then came out and blessed the people; and the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people. ²⁴ Fire came out from the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar; and when all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces.   ^[1]

Questions for Reflection:

1. How does the description of Moses and Aaron and the sons of Aaron entering the tabernacle in chapter 9 compare to the description of the same thing in the Book of Exodus?
2. Why do you think the Bible repeats this story between the Book of Exodus and the Book of Leviticus? (Exodus 29) Hint:  Both began as two separate oral traditions?
3. After reading the description of the offerings in chapter 9, how does your sense of the modern offering in the Christian church gain in relevance?
4. What other observations do you have after reading chapter 9?

 

Prayer:  Bless me Lord, at all times!  Bless me in the morning.  Bless me in the noon day.  Bless me in the middle of the night!  Bless my thoughts.  Bless my actions.  Bless me in my sin, and bless me in my excellence.  I give myself to you.  In humility, I am consumed with my inability to attain perfection.  Work with me, Lord.  Grant me your favor.  Grant me your peace.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.

 

Written by Pastor Nick Hood3

Photo by Pastor Nick Hood3

Additional Prayers Photos and Meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at https://nicholashoodiiiministries.wordpress.com/

More about the ministry, mission, and meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at www.nicholashoodiiiministries.org and www.puccdetroit.org

New – Listen to readings from the Book of Psalms, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus and Inspirational Prayers written by Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood III at Nicholas Hood3, is now available on Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nicholas-hood3/id1370371705.

Or, at anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3.

Also, on Google Podcasts at Nicholas Hood3

Now on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1fQTqugJtGj6FCgHaGuG

 

Thank you,

 

Nick

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

^[1] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Le 9:1–24). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Happy Valentine’s Day

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Today, February 14, 2019, is celebrated throughout much of the world as Valentines Day, a day to celebrate love. I would like to share one of my favorite Bible verses on love that I will be sending out in a few minutes as a text message to many members and friends of my church.

Song of Songs 8: ⁶ Set me as a seal upon your heart,

as a seal upon your arm;

for love is strong as death,

passion fierce as the grave.

Its flashes are flashes of fire,

a raging flame.

⁷ Many waters cannot quench love,

neither can floods drown it.

If one offered for love

all the wealth of one’s house,

it would be utterly scorned. ^[1]

Regardless if you have a special love or lover, I encourage you to let today be a day when you let others know what they mean to you and that you love them in the spirit of Jesus Christ. Blessings,

Nick

Written by Pastor Nick Hood3

Additional Prayers Photos and Meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at https://nicholashoodiiiministries.wordpress.com/

More about the ministry, mission, and meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at www.nicholashoodiiiministries.org and www.puccdetroit.org

New – Listen to readings from the Book of Psalms, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus and Inspirational Prayers written by Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood III at Nicholas Hood3, is now available on Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nicholas-hood3/id1370371705.

Or, at anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3.

Also, on Google Podcasts at Nicholas Hood3

Now on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1fQTqugJtGj6FCgHaGuG

Thank you,

Nick

^[1] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (So 8:6–7). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Why Are You Sleeping? Get Up!

Why Are You Sleeping? Get Up and Pray!

Luke 22: ³⁹ He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. ⁴⁰ When he reached the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.” ⁴¹ Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed, ⁴² “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.” [[⁴³ Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. ⁴⁴ In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.]] ⁴⁵ When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, ⁴⁶ and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial.”^[1]

Today, at noon, I am preaching on how Jesus reacts to his disciples who have fallen asleep while he is praying. The Lord specifically commanded them to “Pray that you may not come into the time of trial” (Vs. 40). The one thing he asked them to do, they did not do.

My focus will be on why the disciples fell asleep and the significance of Jesus praying, “Remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.” (Vs.42)

I can only assume that the disciples fell asleep because they were tired. Also, because they could not imagine anyone or any army strong enough to capture Jesus, I suspect they did not share the same struggle that bothered Jesus. Likewise, it is difficult for someone else to walk in your shoes, to feel your pain, and to experience your joy.

Jesus does not kick the disciples to the curb. Rather, he tells them to get up and continue to “Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.” (vs 47)

If you are able, I hope you will stop by and worship with us. If you cannot make it to church, we will stream it live on Facebook and I will place it on this page. Blessings…

Nick

Written by Pastor Nick Hood3

Photo by Pastor Nick Hood3

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10156142930185208&id=627995207

Additional Prayers Photos and Meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at https://nicholashoodiiiministries.wordpress.com/

More about the ministry, mission, and meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at www.nicholashoodiiiministries.org and www.puccdetroit.org

New – Listen to readings from the Book of Psalms, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus and Inspirational Prayers written by Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood III at Nicholas Hood3, is now available on Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nicholas-hood3/id1370371705.

Or, at anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3.

Also, on Google Podcasts at Nicholas Hood3

Now on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1fQTqugJtGj6FCgHaGuG

Thank you,

Nick

^[1] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Lk 22:39–46). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Ordination of Priests- Leviticus 8

Listen to the newest episode of my podcast, Nicholas Hood3: Ordination of Priests https://anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3/episodes/Ordination-of-Priests-e36g4a

 

The Rites of Ordination

(Ex 29:1–37)

Leviticus 8 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: ² Take Aaron and his sons with him, the vestments, the anointing oil, the bull of sin offering, the two rams, and the basket of unleavened bread; ³ and assemble the whole congregation at the entrance of the tent of meeting. ⁴ And Moses did as the Lord commanded him. When the congregation was assembled at the entrance of the tent of meeting, ⁵ Moses said to the congregation, “This is what the Lord has commanded to be done.”

⁶ Then Moses brought Aaron and his sons forward, and washed them with water. ⁷ He put the tunic on him, fastened the sash around him, clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod on him. He then put the decorated band of the ephod around him, tying the ephod to him with it. ⁸ He placed the breastpiece on him, and in the breastpiece he put the Urim and the Thummim. ⁹ And he set the turban on his head, and on the turban, in front, he set the golden ornament, the holy crown, as the Lord commanded Moses.

¹⁰ Then Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the tabernacle and all that was in it, and consecrated them. ¹¹ He sprinkled some of it on the altar seven times, and anointed the altar and all its utensils, and the basin and its base, to consecrate them. ¹² He poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him, to consecrate him. ¹³ And Moses brought forward Aaron’s sons, and clothed them with tunics, and fastened sashes around them, and tied headdresses on them, as the Lord commanded Moses.

¹⁴ He led forward the bull of sin offering; and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the bull of sin offering, ¹⁵ and it was slaughtered. Moses took the blood and with his finger put some on each of the horns of the altar, purifying the altar; then he poured out the blood at the base of the altar. Thus he consecrated it, to make atonement for it. ¹⁶ Moses took all the fat that was around the entrails, and the appendage of the liver, and the two kidneys with their fat, and turned them into smoke on the altar. ¹⁷ But the bull itself, its skin and flesh and its dung, he burned with fire outside the camp, as the Lord commanded Moses.

¹⁸ Then he brought forward the ram of burnt offering. Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the head of the ram, ¹⁹ and it was slaughtered. Moses dashed the blood against all sides of the altar. ²⁰ The ram was cut into its parts, and Moses turned into smoke the head and the parts and the suet. ²¹ And after the entrails and the legs were washed with water, Moses turned into smoke the whole ram on the altar; it was a burnt offering for a pleasing odor, an offering by fire to the Lord, as the Lord commanded Moses.

²² Then he brought forward the second ram, the ram of ordination. Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the head of the ram, ²³ and it was slaughtered. Moses took some of its blood and put it on the lobe of Aaron’s right ear and on the thumb of his right hand and on the big toe of his right foot. ²⁴ After Aaron’s sons were brought forward, Moses put some of the blood on the lobes of their right ears and on the thumbs of their right hands and on the big toes of their right feet; and Moses dashed the rest of the blood against all sides of the altar. ²⁵ He took the fat—the broad tail, all the fat that was around the entrails, the appendage of the liver, and the two kidneys with their fat—and the right thigh. ²⁶ From the basket of unleavened bread that was before the Lord, he took one cake of unleavened bread, one cake of bread with oil, and one wafer, and placed them on the fat and on the right thigh. ²⁷ He placed all these on the palms of Aaron and on the palms of his sons, and raised them as an elevation offering before the Lord. ²⁸ Then Moses took them from their hands and turned them into smoke on the altar with the burnt offering. This was an ordination offering for a pleasing odor, an offering by fire to the Lord. ²⁹ Moses took the breast and raised it as an elevation offering before the Lord; it was Moses’ portion of the ram of ordination, as the Lord commanded Moses.

³⁰ Then Moses took some of the anointing oil and some of the blood that was on the altar and sprinkled them on Aaron and his vestments, and also on his sons and their vestments. Thus he consecrated Aaron and his vestments, and also his sons and their vestments.

³¹ And Moses said to Aaron and his sons, “Boil the flesh at the entrance of the tent of meeting, and eat it there with the bread that is in the basket of ordination offerings, as I was commanded, ‘Aaron and his sons shall eat it’; ³² and what remains of the flesh and the bread you shall burn with fire. ³³ You shall not go outside the entrance of the tent of meeting for seven days, until the day when your period of ordination is completed. For it will take seven days to ordain you; ³⁴ as has been done today, the Lord has commanded to be done to make atonement for you. ³⁵ You shall remain at the entrance of the tent of meeting day and night for seven days, keeping the Lord’s charge so that you do not die; for so I am commanded.” ³⁶ Aaron and his sons did all the things that the Lord commanded through Moses.  ^[1]

Questions for Reflection:

1. What are your thoughts regarding the directions to Moses from God on the ordination of the priests?
2. Why do you think the ordination of the priests was to take 7 days?
3. What image comes to your mind when Moses personally washes Aaron and his sons in front of all the people who have gathered outside the Tabernacle?
4. How does this first ordination of priests compare and contrast with the modern ordination of protestant clergy?
5. What other thoughts come to your mind when reading chapter 8 of the Book of Leviticus?

 

Prayer:  Lord, I pray today for those who have accepted your call to be ordained into Christian service as ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Dedicate your servants with commitment to know the Word, preach the Word, teach the Word, and live the Word in Jesus name. May your Holy Spirit fall fresh upon those who would be ordained into your service.  Increase our faith, enhance our knowledge and shower us with your love and mercy.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen

 

 

Written by Pastor Nick Hood3

Photo by Pastor Nick Hood3

Additional Prayers Photos and Meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at https://nicholashoodiiiministries.wordpress.com/

More about the ministry, mission, and meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at www.nicholashoodiiiministries.org and www.puccdetroit.org

New – Listen to readings from the Book of Psalms, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus and Inspirational Prayers written by Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood III at Nicholas Hood3, is now available on Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nicholas-hood3/id1370371705.

Or, at anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3.

Also, on Google Podcasts at Nicholas Hood3

Now on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1fQTqugJtGj6FCgHaGuG

 

Thank you,

 

Nick

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

^[1] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Le 8:1–9:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Guilt Offering- Leviticus 7

Listen to the newest episode of my podcast, Nicholas Hood3: The Guilt Offering https://anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3/episodes/The-Guilt-Offering-e362b2

Leviticus 7 This is the ritual of the guilt offering. It is most holy; ² at the spot where the burnt offering is slaughtered, they shall slaughter the guilt offering, and its blood shall be dashed against all sides of the altar. ³ All its fat shall be offered: the broad tail, the fat that covers the entrails, ⁴ the two kidneys with the fat that is on them at the loins, and the appendage of the liver, which shall be removed with the kidneys. ⁵ The priest shall turn them into smoke on the altar as an offering by fire to the Lord; it is a guilt offering. ⁶ Every male among the priests shall eat of it; it shall be eaten in a holy place; it is most holy.

⁷ The guilt offering is like the sin offering, there is the same ritual for them; the priest who makes atonement with it shall have it. ⁸ So, too, the priest who offers anyone’s burnt offering shall keep the skin of the burnt offering that he has offered. ⁹ And every grain offering baked in the oven, and all that is prepared in a pan or on a griddle, shall belong to the priest who offers it. ¹⁰ But every other grain offering, mixed with oil or dry, shall belong to all the sons of Aaron equally.

Further Instructions

¹¹ This is the ritual of the sacrifice of the offering of well-being that one may offer to the Lord. ¹² If you offer it for thanksgiving, you shall offer with the thank offering unleavened cakes mixed with oil, unleavened wafers spread with oil, and cakes of choice flour well soaked in oil. ¹³ With your thanksgiving sacrifice of well-being you shall bring your offering with cakes of leavened bread. ¹⁴ From this you shall offer one cake from each offering, as a gift to the Lord; it shall belong to the priest who dashes the blood of the offering of well-being. ¹⁵ And the flesh of your thanksgiving sacrifice of well-being shall be eaten on the day it is offered; you shall not leave any of it until morning. ¹⁶ But if the sacrifice you offer is a votive offering or a freewill offering, it shall be eaten on the day that you offer your sacrifice, and what is left of it shall be eaten the next day; ¹⁷ but what is left of the flesh of the sacrifice shall be burned up on the third day. ¹⁸ If any of the flesh of your sacrifice of well-being is eaten on the third day, it shall not be acceptable, nor shall it be credited to the one who offers it; it shall be an abomination, and the one who eats of it shall incur guilt.

¹⁹ Flesh that touches any unclean thing shall not be eaten; it shall be burned up. As for other flesh, all who are clean may eat such flesh. ²⁰ But those who eat flesh from the Lord’s sacrifice of well-being while in a state of uncleanness shall be cut off from their kin. ²¹ When any one of you touches any unclean thing—human uncleanness or an unclean animal or any unclean creature—and then eats flesh from the Lord’s sacrifice of well-being, you shall be cut off from your kin.

²² The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: ²³ Speak to the people of Israel, saying: You shall eat no fat of ox or sheep or goat. ²⁴ The fat of an animal that died or was torn by wild animals may be put to any other use, but you must not eat it. ²⁵ If any one of you eats the fat from an animal of which an offering by fire may be made to the Lord, you who eat it shall be cut off from your kin. ²⁶ You must not eat any blood whatever, either of bird or of animal, in any of your settlements. ²⁷ Any one of you who eats any blood shall be cut off from your kin.

²⁸ The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: ²⁹ Speak to the people of Israel, saying: Any one of you who would offer to the Lord your sacrifice of well-being must yourself bring to the Lord your offering from your sacrifice of well-being. ³⁰ Your own hands shall bring the Lord’s offering by fire; you shall bring the fat with the breast, so that the breast may be raised as an elevation offering before the Lord. ³¹ The priest shall turn the fat into smoke on the altar, but the breast shall belong to Aaron and his sons. ³² And the right thigh from your sacrifices of well-being you shall give to the priest as an offering; ³³ the one among the sons of Aaron who offers the blood and fat of the offering of well-being shall have the right thigh for a portion. ³⁴ For I have taken the breast of the elevation offering, and the thigh that is offered, from the people of Israel, from their sacrifices of well-being, and have given them to Aaron the priest and to his sons, as a perpetual due from the people of Israel. ³⁵ This is the portion allotted to Aaron and to his sons from the offerings made by fire to the Lord, once they have been brought forward to serve the Lord as priests; ³⁶ these the Lord commanded to be given them, when he anointed them, as a perpetual due from the people of Israel throughout their generations.

³⁷ This is the ritual of the burnt offering, the grain offering, the sin offering, the guilt offering, the offering of ordination, and the sacrifice of well-being, ³⁸ which the Lord commanded Moses on Mount Sinai, when he commanded the people of Israel to bring their offerings to the Lord, in the wilderness of Sinai.  ^[1]

 

Questions for Reflection:

1. What are your observations regarding the instructions for the burnt offering, the grain offering, the sin offering, the guilt offering, the offering of ordination and the sacrifice of well -being?
2. How do the directions for the guilt offerings inform your understanding of compensation for clergy?
3. Other thoughts regarding chapter 7?

 

Prayer:  O Lord, take away my guilt!  Wash me and I shall be made clean.  Touch me and I shall be changed.  Breathe on me and I shall be made whole.  Open the windows of heaven and shower me with your favor, bless me with your grace, sustain me with your love.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.

 

Written by Pastor Nick Hood3

Photo by Pastor Nick Hood3

Additional Prayers Photos and Meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at https://nicholashoodiiiministries.wordpress.com/

More about the ministry, mission, and meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at www.nicholashoodiiiministries.org and www.puccdetroit.org

New – Listen to readings from the Book of Psalms, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus and Inspirational Prayers written by Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood III at Nicholas Hood3, is now available on Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nicholas-hood3/id1370371705.

Or, at anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3.

Also, on Google Podcasts at Nicholas Hood3

Now on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1fQTqugJtGj6FCgHaGuG

 

Thank you,

 

Nick

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

^[1] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Le 7). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Self-Forgiveness

Self-Forgiveness

My sermon Sunday is about, “Self-Forgiveness.” Often, the most difficult person to forgive is yourself. Over the course of a life time, each of us will make mistakes in judgement: poor decisions, bad actions, regretful behavior, things we wish we had never done. Thinking about the governor and secretary of state in Virginia who dressed up in black-face in college. I am sure if they thought they had political ambitions when in college, they would never have done this. The Lieutenant Governor is accused of raping two women, one in college and other during the Democratic Convention, which he denies. While these situations are very public, in each of our lives, if we are honest, there is probably something you wish you had not done – insensitive words and actions, financial mistakes, mistakes in love, fraud, deception, theft, criminal behavior. Parents often regret something they did or did not do in raising their children. Lovers, married and unmarried, sometimes get it wrong and have regrets.

My message tomorrow, is about a process for self-forgiveness. The scripture lesson is from the Gospel of John, where Jesus meets the disciples in Galilee after the crucifixion. Jesus tells them where to fish and they haul in 153 fish. My focus is on Peter, who in chapter 18 denies Jesus three times. My sense is that Peter is haunted by his denial of Jesus, but after the death and resurrection of Jesus, Peter is encouraged by Jesus to, “Feed my sheep”, or in other words, lead the church with love. I believe the refusal of Jesus to kick Peter to the curb enables Peter to rise with self-forgiveness. The lessons from how Peter transforms from his denial of Jesus are instructive for you and me, as we seek to move on from the embarrassing mistakes of our lives.

John 21: ¹⁵ When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.”^[1]

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10156136503675208&id=627995207

Questions for Reflection:

1. What encouragement would you give to a person who is having a difficult time forgiving themselves?
2. What are the steps a person must take to forgive themselves?
3. How is our self-forgiveness guided by faith in Jesus Christ?

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the mess I have made. Forgive me for the insensitive and hurtful things I have said and done. Bless me with another chance to make things right. Show me how to reconcile with those I have wronged. Help me to reconcile with myself for my sins. Help me to live the best life possible. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Written by Pastor Nick Hood3

Photo by Pastor Nick Hood3

Additional Prayers Photos and Meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at https://nicholashoodiiiministries.wordpress.com/

More about the ministry, mission, and meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at www.nicholashoodiiiministries.org and www.puccdetroit.org

New – Listen to readings from the Book of Psalms, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus and Inspirational Prayers written by Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood III at Nicholas Hood3, is now available on Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nicholas-hood3/id1370371705.

Or, at anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3.

Also, on Google Podcasts at Nicholas Hood3

Now on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1fQTqugJtGj6FCgHaGuG

Thank you,

Nick

^[1] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Jn 21:15). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Restitution and Sacrifice- Leviticus 6

Listen to the newest episode of my podcast, Nicholas Hood3: Instructions Regarding Restitution and Sacrifice https://anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3/episodes/Instructions-Regarding-Restitution-and-Sacrifice-e35jej

Leviticus 6 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: ² When any of you sin and commit a trespass against the Lord by deceiving a neighbor in a matter of a deposit or a pledge, or by robbery, or if you have defrauded a neighbor, ³ or have found something lost and lied about it—if you swear falsely regarding any of the various things that one may do and sin thereby— ⁴ when you have sinned and realize your guilt, and would restore what you took by robbery or by fraud or the deposit that was committed to you, or the lost thing that you found, ⁵ or anything else about which you have sworn falsely, you shall repay the principal amount and shall add one-fifth to it. You shall pay it to its owner when you realize your guilt. ⁶ And you shall bring to the priest, as your guilt offering to the Lord, a ram without blemish from the flock, or its equivalent, for a guilt offering. ⁷ The priest shall make atonement on your behalf before the Lord, and you shall be forgiven for any of the things that one may do and incur guilt thereby.

Instructions concerning Sacrifices

⁸ The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: ⁹ Command Aaron and his sons, saying: This is the ritual of the burnt offering. The burnt offering itself shall remain on the hearth upon the altar all night until the morning, while the fire on the altar shall be kept burning. ¹⁰ The priest shall put on his linen vestments after putting on his linen undergarments next to his body; and he shall take up the ashes to which the fire has reduced the burnt offering on the altar, and place them beside the altar. ¹¹ Then he shall take off his vestments and put on other garments, and carry the ashes out to a clean place outside the camp. ¹² The fire on the altar shall be kept burning; it shall not go out. Every morning the priest shall add wood to it, lay out the burnt offering on it, and turn into smoke the fat pieces of the offerings of well-being. ¹³ A perpetual fire shall be kept burning on the altar; it shall not go out.

¹⁴ This is the ritual of the grain offering: The sons of Aaron shall offer it before the Lord, in front of the altar. ¹⁵ They shall take from it a handful of the choice flour and oil of the grain offering, with all the frankincense that is on the offering, and they shall turn its memorial portion into smoke on the altar as a pleasing odor to the Lord. ¹⁶ Aaron and his sons shall eat what is left of it; it shall be eaten as unleavened cakes in a holy place; in the court of the tent of meeting they shall eat it. ¹⁷ It shall not be baked with leaven. I have given it as their portion of my offerings by fire; it is most holy, like the sin offering and the guilt offering. ¹⁸ Every male among the descendants of Aaron shall eat of it, as their perpetual due throughout your generations, from the Lord’s offerings by fire; anything that touches them shall become holy.

¹⁹ The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: ²⁰ This is the offering that Aaron and his sons shall offer to the Lord on the day when he is anointed: one-tenth of an ephah of choice flour as a regular offering, half of it in the morning and half in the evening. ²¹ It shall be made with oil on a griddle; you shall bring it well soaked, as a grain offering of baked pieces, and you shall present it as a pleasing odor to the Lord. ²² And so the priest, anointed from among Aaron’s descendants as a successor, shall prepare it; it is the Lord’s—a perpetual due—to be turned entirely into smoke. ²³ Every grain offering of a priest shall be wholly burned; it shall not be eaten.

²⁴ The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: ²⁵ Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying: This is the ritual of the sin offering. The sin offering shall be slaughtered before the Lord at the spot where the burnt offering is slaughtered; it is most holy. ²⁶ The priest who offers it as a sin offering shall eat of it; it shall be eaten in a holy place, in the court of the tent of meeting. ²⁷ Whatever touches its flesh shall become holy; and when any of its blood is spattered on a garment, you shall wash the bespattered part in a holy place. ²⁸ An earthen vessel in which it was boiled shall be broken; but if it is boiled in a bronze vessel, that shall be scoured and rinsed in water. ²⁹ Every male among the priests shall eat of it; it is most holy. ³⁰ But no sin offering shall be eaten from which any blood is brought into the tent of meeting for atonement in the holy place; it shall be burned with fire. ^[1]

 

 

Questions for Reflection:

1. What images come to your mind when reading the instructions in chapter 6?
2. After reading the sins listed in chapter 6, what greater understanding do you glean about the behavior and social patterns of the ancient Hebrews?
3. What are your thoughts regarding the instructions for making restitution for fraud, theft, robbery in chapter 6?
4. What did you learn about the role of the priests in chapter 6?
5. How are the instructions for the food the priests shall eat from the burnt offerings similar or different from how the modern Christian pastors are compensated?
6. Other thoughts about chapter 6?

 

Prayer:  Lord, I bring my best to you.  Take my heart and use it.  Bless my spirit and direct it.  Cleanse me from my sin and grant me your favor.  Make me an instrument of your peace.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.

 

Written by Pastor Nick Hood3

Photo by Pastor Nick Hood3

Additional Prayers Photos and Meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at https://nicholashoodiiiministries.wordpress.com/

More about the ministry, mission, and meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at www.nicholashoodiiiministries.org and www.puccdetroit.org

New – Listen to readings from the Book of Psalms, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus and Inspirational Prayers written by Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood III at Nicholas Hood3, is now available on Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nicholas-hood3/id1370371705.

Or, at anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3.

Also, on Google Podcasts at Nicholas Hood3

Now on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1fQTqugJtGj6FCgHaGuG

 

Thank you,

 

Nick

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

^[1] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Le 6). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.