The three chapters for today are: First a fantastic chapter in Matthew, often quoted, and then two chapters in Leviticus that deal with leprosy and mildew, and the actions necessary for the person and the Priest to perform the cleansing.
February 14: Matthew 19, Leviticus 13, Leviticus 14 (click on the chapter to begin reading)
Matthew 19 is relatively short but contains some of the most important aspects of life, such as marriage and divorce. “What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.” Another jewel: “Let the little children come to me…” After Jesus gave that lesson, a rich young ruler asked what good thing he must do to get eternal life. Jesus answered: “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.” This he could not do, so he sighed and walked away. Jesus then commented “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God,” in other words, impossible. But cheer up, “with God all things are possible.” And God’s pecking order is not economic or based on power. Instead, sometimes “the first shall be last, and the last shall be first.” There are many idioms in the English language taken from the Bible. Yet the origin of these quotations are not allowed to be mentioned in public schools. Ponder that.
Leviticus 13 and Leviticus 14 deal with leprosy and mildew and what to do with both. Things like that are complicated.
Len Bilén's blog, a blog about faith, politics and the environment. 