Reflections: 12-7-2007

Bible Reading Reflections:

All Scripture citations are taken from New Living Translation, Second Edition (http://www.newlivingtranslation.com/).

• Leviticus 13
  

  Basically, this chapter provides guidelines on how to deal with serious skin diseases.
  

  
  

• Leviticus 14
  

  Ceremonies on cleaning skin diseases are outlined.
  

  
  

  • But anyone who is too poor and cannot afford these offerings may bring one male lamb for a guilt offering, to be lifted up as a special offering for purification… (v. 21 NLT)
    
    • An alternative to those who cannot afford expensive animal breeds and crops is a male lamb. Those who are poor, as it was said. No wonder Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, consider the poor in spirit blessed.
      

      
      

• Psalms 57
  

  This psalm is meant as a reminder of that time when David fled from a jealous and power-hungry Saul, and hid in a cave. Despite this, David still clings to God more, knowing and with the assurance that God will protect him.
  

  
  

  • My heart is confident in you, O God; my heart is confident. No wonder I can sing your praises! (v. 7 NLT)
    

• Proverbs 7
  

  Well, another warning about an immoral woman. Not that this book is sexist, references to immorality were shown in a man's perspective. So immorality does not limit only to woman's actions, but also to man's.
  

  
  

  • Love wisdom like a sister; make insight a beloved member of your family. Let them protect you from an affair with an immoral woman, from listening to the flattery of a promiscuous woman. (vv. 4-50 NLT)
    
    • Comparing between a sister and a flirty woman, wisdom is compared against foolishness as implied. Just like a member of one's family, accept wisdom as one's own that may it find shelter in one's life.
      

• Mark 16
  

  This is the concluding chapter of the gospel according to the apostle Mark. Despite this chapter having difficulty resolving the shorter and longer versions on some manuscripts, it still does not change the central message on what Christianity is all about. Christ conquered death, so that those who believe in Him will not banish into eternal damnation.