5.12.25 ~ 40 days past his resurrection (Pt. 17)
Good morning!
Welcome to the 30th day, the 4th week and the 2nd day of counting the omer.
Have you ever asked yourself the question, 'why does he break down the omer count into days and weeks?
"And you shall count for yourselves from the day after the Sabbath, from the day that you bring the sheaf of the wave offering: seven sabbaths shall be completed. Count fifty days to the day after the seventh sabbath; then you shall offer a new grain offering to the Lord. (Lev. 23:15,16)
We might ask, "well, which do you want me to count"? 7 complete weeks or 50 days? Doesn't that seem a little redundant to emphasize the count in two different ways? Enquiring minds want to know :-)
The seemingly simple instructions do create a little 'conflict' in perspective. On one hand, what if someone misses a day of counting? Then according to counting the 7 full weeks of Sabbaths, they can't fulfill the commandment. You’ve missed a day you’re out if a day is missed, that's it. On the other hand, by counting the days individually, each day stands alone as an opportunity for us to grow spiritually. And though this may seem like a small discrepancy among differing opinions, it does beg us to ask the question: "what's the solution"? Seeing from both perspectives.
By acknowledging both the integrity of the complete journey and the value of each individual day we maintain a 'long term' view of the process and a short term view of the process. In other words, we get to see the trees and the forest.
Similarly, if we break down the weekly sabbath there are also two perspectives. On the first day of the week the person is already saying 'shabbat shalom', because their mind is so focused on the end goal of that restful day. For another, they rely on God's daily provision, not worrying about the 7 days as a unit, but trusting the Lord for provisions each day (Psa. 68:19). Which is correct? Yes. Both.
By melting both together we don't become anxious for tomorrow (Matt. 6:22-33), yet we still keep our eyes focused on that prophetic 7th day (Ex. 31:13-18; 2 Pet. 3:8, 9).
Not being anxious for tomorrow doesn't mean I don't plan for the future. I need both.
Later in the book of Deuteronomy, Deuteronomy 30:19, Moses addresses a similar issue in a slightly different way.
"I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may life." (Deut. 30:19)
The contrast is obvious between life and death, but choose life and choose blessing? Huh? Aren't they the same thing? If I choose life, aren't I choosing blessings? The difference is found in perspective:time and purpose. There is the big picture of choosing life; the long arc of existence. It’s about making decisions that when woven together over time they create this big life of meaning and purpose. It's like our original big picture of the 7 weeks of 7 sabbaths; living with the end in mind. We’re going to make choices today that bare fruit tomorrow. It’s about legacy. It’s about a journey. It's about building something that will stand when we’re gone. Choose life (Matt. 6:33)!
By choosing blessing, we are focused on the day to day encounters. It's wisdom finding the sacred in each moment, making each day count for something regardless of what happened yesterday, regardless of what we fear could happen tomorrow; choosing blessing day by day is a mechanism. It’s a tactic. Choosing life is the destination. Choosing blessing is the step-by-step journey and both are essential :-).
As you head into your 30 day of counting the omer, I want to encourage you to keep your eyes on the big picture of what the Lord will do in and through you on the upcoming Pentecost, while living each day dependent on His provision and blessing. By doing so, you'll get the fullness of both perspectives and the joy will be in the journey, not just the final destination.
Shabbat shalom! Enjoy your day!
Alan
Have you ever asked yourself the question, 'why does he break down the omer count into days and weeks?
"And you shall count for yourselves from the day after the Sabbath, from the day that you bring the sheaf of the wave offering: seven sabbaths shall be completed. Count fifty days to the day after the seventh sabbath; then you shall offer a new grain offering to the Lord. (Lev. 23:15,16)
We might ask, "well, which do you want me to count"? 7 complete weeks or 50 days? Doesn't that seem a little redundant to emphasize the count in two different ways? Enquiring minds want to know :-)
The seemingly simple instructions do create a little 'conflict' in perspective. On one hand, what if someone misses a day of counting? Then according to counting the 7 full weeks of Sabbaths, they can't fulfill the commandment. You’ve missed a day you’re out if a day is missed, that's it. On the other hand, by counting the days individually, each day stands alone as an opportunity for us to grow spiritually. And though this may seem like a small discrepancy among differing opinions, it does beg us to ask the question: "what's the solution"? Seeing from both perspectives.
By acknowledging both the integrity of the complete journey and the value of each individual day we maintain a 'long term' view of the process and a short term view of the process. In other words, we get to see the trees and the forest.
Similarly, if we break down the weekly sabbath there are also two perspectives. On the first day of the week the person is already saying 'shabbat shalom', because their mind is so focused on the end goal of that restful day. For another, they rely on God's daily provision, not worrying about the 7 days as a unit, but trusting the Lord for provisions each day (Psa. 68:19). Which is correct? Yes. Both.
By melting both together we don't become anxious for tomorrow (Matt. 6:22-33), yet we still keep our eyes focused on that prophetic 7th day (Ex. 31:13-18; 2 Pet. 3:8, 9).
Not being anxious for tomorrow doesn't mean I don't plan for the future. I need both.
Later in the book of Deuteronomy, Deuteronomy 30:19, Moses addresses a similar issue in a slightly different way.
"I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may life." (Deut. 30:19)
The contrast is obvious between life and death, but choose life and choose blessing? Huh? Aren't they the same thing? If I choose life, aren't I choosing blessings? The difference is found in perspective:time and purpose. There is the big picture of choosing life; the long arc of existence. It’s about making decisions that when woven together over time they create this big life of meaning and purpose. It's like our original big picture of the 7 weeks of 7 sabbaths; living with the end in mind. We’re going to make choices today that bare fruit tomorrow. It’s about legacy. It’s about a journey. It's about building something that will stand when we’re gone. Choose life (Matt. 6:33)!
By choosing blessing, we are focused on the day to day encounters. It's wisdom finding the sacred in each moment, making each day count for something regardless of what happened yesterday, regardless of what we fear could happen tomorrow; choosing blessing day by day is a mechanism. It’s a tactic. Choosing life is the destination. Choosing blessing is the step-by-step journey and both are essential :-).
As you head into your 30 day of counting the omer, I want to encourage you to keep your eyes on the big picture of what the Lord will do in and through you on the upcoming Pentecost, while living each day dependent on His provision and blessing. By doing so, you'll get the fullness of both perspectives and the joy will be in the journey, not just the final destination.
Shabbat shalom! Enjoy your day!
Alan
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