Hans and I have each taught our first Pentateuch books. I taught on Leviticus last week, and this week, Hans taught on Numbers. It was a challenge for both of us, but so rewarding to be able to spend time looking more in depth at such important books of the Bible. Of course all books are important, but there's something about studying one book for an extended period of time that makes you realize just how crucial it is to the overall message of the Bible and to our lives as Christians. I can tell you that Leviticus came alive for me as I studied it. Who knew! I loved studying it in my SBS, primarily because I came in with such a lack of knowledge... and I really enjoyed bringing that same experience to my students. So much of the NT actually rests on the information we receive from Leviticus. We wouldn't fully understand what it means that Jesus was our ultimate sacrifice, the Lamb of God, without Leviticus. We wouldn't realize how amazing it is that he is our Great High Priest and that because of him we have access to God. Seeing everything that the early Israelites had to go through in order for God's presence to dwell with them makes it so much more incredible that we have God's presence with us now... without all the sacrifices and the tabernacle and the priesthood. Jesus accomplished so much more through his death and resurrection than we often realize. Or we do realize it and take it for granted. Studying the Pentateuch gives us a renewed appreciation for what he accomplished for us!
Hans promises to write soon about his trip to Swaziland. I will actually be making the same trip in a few weeks. Their Hebrews teacher had to back out, and since I taught Hebrews in November, I am going to fill in. Hans had such a wonderful experience, so I'm really looking forward to getting to experience it as well. More info on that soon.
Hope this finds you well!
Much love from Africa...
