Yesterday a smaller group of us met to discuss the Book of Numbers. We read about rules to follow if you suspect your spouse of being unfaithful. We took in the great blessing: May YHWH bless you and keep you. May YHWH's face shine upon and give you peace. We scratched our head at the story of Miriam and Aaron's challenge to Moses and Miriam's subsequent punishment. We also digested the story of Balaam and his talking donkey. Finally we marveled at the five daughters of Zelophehad who won the right as women to inherit property. We didn't read any of the numbering of the 600,000 plus 20 years and older men of Israel, however. Saving that for next time around.
There was lots to talk about. What a crazy book Numbers is!
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Peace like a river,
David

Last Monday our Bible Study continued as we read from the Book of Leviticus.
Leviticus is a challenging read for a number of reasons. For one many of its rules and prescriptions for worship and ethical living are very strange. Some are d

own right misogynist. One passage in particular has been used to exclude and condemn gay men and other sexual minorities.
But Leviticus also includes some beautiful advice and makes certain demands that are true and just. "Love the stranger as yourself." "Everyone, rich or poor, must be judged by the same standard." "The land requires a sabbath." "Children of God should not be owned as property." "People debts should be forgiven and no one should be perpetually homeless."
Again we see how ambiguous the Bible can be. Again we are called upon to exercise our own judgement and open ourselves to the leading of the Holy Spirit. The scriptures are not a dead letter when they point to the living Christ!
This Monday we are reading from Numbers.  Please come and join us.