Sermon Reflection: Mindful of “Bodily Discharges”!!

Sermon Text: Levicitus Chapter 12-15

Those non-verbal gesticulations and facial expressions are more deadly than what we say!!

As I was listening to the sermon yesterday, of all the bodily discharges, why did God chose to call semen and menstruation as unclean? We all sweat, vomit, sneeze, cough, drip mucus, urine, and even pass motion. But these discharges are not considered unclean. (They sometime stink though).

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(Otherwise, we will be forever unclean right?)

Then it dawn on me that only semen and mensturation are live-giving fluid, just like blood. To be discharge from the body is to indicate death of life. And the offenders have to offer a sin-offering (Lev 15:15; 30). OK, maybe this bodily discharge is not refering to semen or mensturation, need to check this out.

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What then are some non-verbal discharges that we normally do to others that can kill or wound?

We all heard of staring instances between strangers which ended up killing one another. I am afraid of talking to people with aggressive body language. A cold shoulder and cold look are more deadly than arguing with someone you will have face up with everyday at home and at work.

A few weeks ago, I felt very down after talking to a relative. She had approached me numerous times asking for help which is beyond me. I explained it carefully to her. But her body language showed frustration and anger. It’s never gonna be the same again.

Thank you Lord,
For helping me to understand this difficult passage.
Help me to glow from inside out.
To be able to touch and show care by my non-verbal expressions.
Amen!

Body Language – bodily discharge are deadly. :)

Sermon Reflection: Beware! Unclean Food for the Soul

Sermon Text: Leviticus Chapter 11

How does clean and unclean food apply to me? I am not a Jew!!

Surely I can eat Chilli Crab and even pork! Jesus declared that all food are clean for consumption (Mark 7:19) when He was confronted by the Pharisee.

To generalize it as an OT Law and compare it as NT Grace is to broaden the discussion too far. The passage is not calling us to witness our faith to our unbelieving friends. That calling is found in other text.

Surely there must have bridging context and contemporary significance for us to apply. Otherwise today sermon would be quite meaningless?

As I meditate on the key verse in Leviticus Chapter 11:

For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. And you shall not make yourselves unclean with any of the swarming things that swarm on the earth. (Lev 11:44 NASB)

This verse makes me realize that indeed there are many unclean things swarming on this earth!! In this internet age that information are swarming on the earth, we often tune in to You Tube, listen to music, and even read one another’s blog. How often do I pause and ask, are these clean or unclean food for my soul?

Sometime ago, I have been idling away blog hopping randomly. On many occasions, I must confess I tumbled on unknown blogs that just vent frustration, vulgarity, and some even with sexual content. Sometimes, I do watch meaningless You Tube shows like body building contest, Michael Jackson’s dance moves and even Wonder Girls. As I reflect on Lev 11:44, my spirit is telling me that these are unclean for me.

No, I am not imposing on any of you who are reading this.

Just pause, each time we tune in to the internet and ask:
“Clean or unclean??”

(There are other unclean things you may be able to think of that are swarming on the earth, and even in your life. Take time to reflect on this verse, Lev 11:44)

This is my personal reflection. Thank God, I have set some goals for myself to work on clean food for my soul.

Agape :)