This morning, I was wondering why the third book of the Bible is called Leviticus. As it turns out, it simply refers to the priestly tribe of the Levites. So the book is concerned with the duties of those people. All good.
Then I was thinking about an article by Mary Trammell in the November 2013 issue of The Christian Science Journal. It's called "The 'eternal version' of the Bible". The article discusses Mary Baker Eddy's own journey with the Bible.
Trammell writes: It was "misinterpretation of the Word" that had cost her decades of invalidism. But with her discovery of Christian Science came the "right interpretation" of the Bible, restoring her health and awakening her to a whole new life as a religious leader. What lay at the root of the misinterpretation that had so buried the inspired meaning of Scripture? Basically, it was a matter-based, literal reading of the Bible..."
I recommend the article and will be happy to send a copy to anyone who may not have access to it via JSH-Online.com.
In the meantime, A.J. Kiser's article A lesson on sacrifice (Christian Science Sentinel July 18, 2013) gives a wonderfully helpful view of the book of Leviticus! The writer shares his own journey of Bible study, about being at first daunted by the literal demands described in Leviticus, and of finding the spiritual substance of those demands e.g. "Imbibing the spirit of the message in Leviticus, I've been practicing my own sacrifices to God by letting go of things that seem to hold a great human value..."
This brings to mind a passage from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy (p. 55: 22):
The time for the reappearing of the divine healing is throughout all time; and whosoever layeth his earthly all on the altar of divine Science, drinketh of Christ's cup now, and is endued with the spirit and power of Christian healing.
I'm sure this will lead us all to a rewarding study of Leviticus.
Julie Swannell
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