Leviticus 21:1-24 - Leviticus should be called "Rules for Holiness." Perhaps the toughest section for us comes at the very end. It describes all kinds of people with "blemishes" who cannot approach the altar of God. What's difficult for me in this section is that many of the blemishes described would not be the result of some decision made by the individual. For us, it is one thing if a person misbehaves and suffers for it, but the person born blind is a different matter. Jesus dealt with this very specific issue, and in effect encouraged all such "blemished" people to come to him. How are we to understand this passage, for its own day, and in light of Jesus?
Luke 12:1-12 - "Do not fear those who kill the body." "Fear him who, [...], has authority to cast into hell." "Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows." Fear is a strange thing. It causes us to avoid certain things. Some of us seek it as a thrill. It often comes as a result of powerlessness. In this short section, Jesus says, "fear not, fear, fear not." Don't bother being afraid of other people, they are essentially powerless. Fear Satan, and avoid him, because he has real, though limited, power. But even in that case, do not remain afraid, because you are in God's hands. Do you have it all figured out? Fear can be a powerful motivator, but ultimately Jesus is pointing his disciples, you and I, toward faith.
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