Emor/Speak
Leviticus 21:1-24:23
Ezekiel 44:15-31
I think this week I will focus on the Haftorah, but I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Christie’s books on the Biblical Feasts, since her ‘mandate’ comes up this week in Leviticus 23; so kindly check out her two books: “Finding the Afikoman” and “Watching and Waiting”, by Christie Eisner; found on amazon.com
On to Ezekiel 44:15-31; what a privilege we have to have the light of God reflecting upon His Word and our hearts, so we can drink from His river of Life, as we read and allow the word to wash over us. Every week as I wonder if there is anything that I can put before you; I am so thankful that even if no one reads a word of what I write; I get to spend this time with the Lord. This passage seems to focus on clothing; what it’s made of and what is worn…but of course, that is merely the surface. It almost takes some ‘recalibrating’ for us not to see holy behavior or holy expectations as duty or imposition upon our ‘free will’; whereas biblically speaking, holiness is a gift; a privileged place in the presence of the Living God; a delight. Even in the first verse, we… “(15) the sons of Zadok get to stand before the Lord, Himself.”… get to! While they do this relational duty, they wear linen and no wool: “nothing that causes sweat”.
Could it be that it’s ‘no sweat’ to serve God, in holiness? No self-effort. When they come out of His presence and stand before the people; they take these special ‘holy’ clothes off, because some things in our lives are meant only for the Lord. What if some of the greatest revelations or experiences we have with Him in private, are not meant to be shared? What if even in the name of encouraging the body of Christ, or even building our ministries…or whatever? I wonder if we would have more, let’s say burning bush experiences if they were treated as holy… I had a friend once tell me, “Revelation is for intimacy; promotion comes from the Lord; revelation isn’t for promotion”. Wow!
So, this week let’s work on learning how to ‘go in’ to the Lord’s presence, and how ‘to come out’ of His presence. May our hearts grow to overflowing, as we learn to value those precious moments and pour them out as ointment upon His feet. Think about it; when Mary poured the precious ointment upon Jesus’ head; everywhere He went they could smell Mary’s ‘fragrance’; Jesus humbled Himself to carry her ‘testimony’ everywhere He went…even upon the cross as the wind blew upon His mangled body, drenched with Mary’s ointment… Stop and take a breath! by john eisner
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