So I was looking at some pictures of Israel, found through a quick Google search, this evening. Ever since I began studying the Old Testament last year, I have really come to love the OT. I am not sure exactly what it is about the OT that I love. It may be the history there and seeing how the OT is absolutely relevant to us today. In any case, as I was looking at different pictures that people have taken, I paused for a moment as I looked at a large panoramic photo of the temple mount.
Right in the center of the photo is the Dome of the Rock. It is a Islamic building/mosque that was built in 691 and sits on the Foundation Stone, which many believe is where the Holy of Holies was located. Many disagree and do not believe this is the actual location of the Holy of Holies. In any case, to be certain as to not violate the law, many Orthodox Jews will not go on the Temple Mount because they are uncertain where exactly the Holy of Holies was located. Keep in mind the reason why this is of concern to them. Who was allowed to enter into the Holy of Holies? Who was not allowed to enter? What happened to those who entered, but where not permitted to enter? See how the OT starts to come alive?
Do not neglect the Old Testament. There is so much there that we gloss over and think is insignificant, at least I know that I have. Take for example the book of Leviticus. I think several people avoid this book for the simple reason that we are no longer under the law, but under grace, because salvation comes through Jesus alone. Therefore, they think that we do not need to know what God's law says.
If this is your opinion of Leviticus or the Old Testament in general, let me challenge you with something. I want to challenge you to read through at least Leviticus and Deuteronomy. If you do so with an open heart, mind and attitude toward these books, I think that you will come away from these books with a new look at God's holiness. At the same time, I think you will also come away with a renewed view of what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross.
The Old Testament is relevant to us today, and that includes the books of the law. I encourage you to read them, even though we are not under the law, but under grace.
1 comment:
I like the OT too. It took me years literally, before I would really spend anytime in it. I hate to admit that. Our ladies SS class just started a study in Joel. It is going to be very interesting. I'm always amazed that the message for the people during that time is relative to us still today. God's word is amazing!
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