The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in Numbers 19:20-21a,
"But if those who are unclean do not purify themselves, they must be cut off from the community, because they have defiled the sanctuary of the Lord. The water of cleansing has not been sprinkled on them, and they are unclean. This is a lasting ordinance for them."
The red heifer water of cleansing ritual was provided by the Lord for those who were defiled by a dead body. Those who performed the ritual became unclean themselves as they carried out the cleansing ritual. Some of the occasions mentioned by the Lord as defiling are:
Whoever touches a human corpse, verse 11.
Whoever entered a tent where someone died, and anyone who happened to be in the tent when someone died, verse 14 (even an open container became unclean).
Anyone out in the open who touched a corpse killed with a sword or someone who died naturally, verse 16.
Anyone who touched a human bone or a grave became unclean, verse 16.
Death as represented by a dead body was defiling. Since we all die, isn't death just a natural thing? Why would a normal aspect to life (death) cause defilement? The answer to me is that death is not natural at all. God did not create us for death. Death was something we brought on ourselves: it is God's judgment of all of us because of the fall of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden.
God created us for life. Had mankind not rebelled against God, death would not be a feature of our lives. We would live forever. This is why I feel the loss of a loved one is so traumatic for us, it is why we grieve so. It should be a reminder to each of us of the horrific nature of sin and God's judgment of us for it.
The red heifer water of cleansing provided the opportunity for the community of Israel to live in a covenant relationship with God in spite of the reality of the results of God's judgment of sin.
Jesus Christ came to give life, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10b. Following our death, we look forward to the resurrection of life where things will be completely different for those who embrace him in faith, "God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 'He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:3-4.
"But if those who are unclean do not purify themselves, they must be cut off from the community, because they have defiled the sanctuary of the Lord. The water of cleansing has not been sprinkled on them, and they are unclean. This is a lasting ordinance for them."
The red heifer water of cleansing ritual was provided by the Lord for those who were defiled by a dead body. Those who performed the ritual became unclean themselves as they carried out the cleansing ritual. Some of the occasions mentioned by the Lord as defiling are:
Whoever touches a human corpse, verse 11.
Whoever entered a tent where someone died, and anyone who happened to be in the tent when someone died, verse 14 (even an open container became unclean).
Anyone out in the open who touched a corpse killed with a sword or someone who died naturally, verse 16.
Anyone who touched a human bone or a grave became unclean, verse 16.
Death as represented by a dead body was defiling. Since we all die, isn't death just a natural thing? Why would a normal aspect to life (death) cause defilement? The answer to me is that death is not natural at all. God did not create us for death. Death was something we brought on ourselves: it is God's judgment of all of us because of the fall of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden.
God created us for life. Had mankind not rebelled against God, death would not be a feature of our lives. We would live forever. This is why I feel the loss of a loved one is so traumatic for us, it is why we grieve so. It should be a reminder to each of us of the horrific nature of sin and God's judgment of us for it.
The red heifer water of cleansing provided the opportunity for the community of Israel to live in a covenant relationship with God in spite of the reality of the results of God's judgment of sin.
Jesus Christ came to give life, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10b. Following our death, we look forward to the resurrection of life where things will be completely different for those who embrace him in faith, "God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 'He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:3-4.
How wonderful is that?!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
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