Jonathan Moore
Leviticus 17:3-7
“If any native Israelite sacrifices a bull or a lamb or a goat anywhere inside or outside the camp instead of bringing it to the entrance of the Tabernacle to present it as an offering to the Lord, that person will be as guilty as a murderer. Such a person has shed blood and will be cut off from the community. The purpose of this rule is to stop the Israelites from sacrificing animals in the open fields. It will ensure that they bring their sacrifices to the priest at the entrance of the Tabernacle, so he can present them to the Lord as peace offerings. Then the priest will be able to splatter the blood against the Lord’s altar at the entrance of the Tabernacle, and he will burn the fat as a pleasing aroma to the Lord. The people must no longer be unfaithful to the Lord by offering sacrifices to the goat idols. This is a permanent law for them, to be observed from generation to generation.
This is one of those irrelevant Scriptures right? Not so fast! It's a reminder that our worship of God should be pleasing to Him and not just fit our personal preferences. It guards us against 'doing our own thing' and calling it godly or religious. The time, talent, and treasure of our lives should be 'sacrificed' to Him alone and as part of a worshipping faith community rather than 'lone ranger style' that lacks corporateness and accountability. (John 4:24) "For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”
The goat idols were pagan deities that were worshipped in Egypt and unfortunately we still battle that same tendency called syncretism today - the ungodly sprinkled with 'a little bit of Jesus' is everywhere! Watch out!
Prayer from First Presbyterian Church Grenada Heavenly Father, we know that wind, water, rain , sleet and snow àre yours. This Sabbath we come before You with humble hearts, seeking Your protection and grace.
We pray you will place Your mighty hand over this storm and calm its force. Shield us from the fury of the wind, rain, snow and ice. Care for those in the grip of the storm and keep them from harm. We pray for the safety of every person, home, and community at risk. We lift up all rescue workers, police, firefighters, and utility crews, asking for clear minds, steady hands, and safe passage as they heroically assist others in dangerous situations. Calm the anxious thoughts and steady the restless hearts of those filled with fear. Remind them of Your constant presence, that even when life seems dark and stormy, You are with us, guiding us to safety. In the wake of the storm, we pray for swift recovery and restoration. Provide essentials like water, food, and adequate shelter, and inspire communities to come together in support and care for one another.
We trust in Your unfailing love and mercy, knowing You are our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. We pray in Jesus Name. Amen
🌾 Weekend Parable — The Carpenter’s Bench
A carpenter kept an old wooden bench in his workshop. It was scarred, scratched, and worn from years of work. Visitors often asked why he didn’t replace it with something new. He would smile and say, “This bench has held every project I’ve ever built. It’s steady, even when I’m not. It doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to hold me while I work.”
One day, a young apprentice came in discouraged. He felt overwhelmed by mistakes and setbacks. The carpenter sat him on the old bench and said, “Life is like this. You don’t need to be perfect to be useful. You just need a place strong enough to hold you while God shapes you.”
The lesson: God is the steady bench beneath us — holding us, supporting us, and shaping us, even when we feel worn or imperfect.