#251 Silly Rabbit

The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, 2 “Say to the Israelites: ‘Of all the animals that live on land, these are the ones you may eat: 3 You may eat any animal that has a divided hoof and that chews the cud.

4 “‘There are some that only chew the cud or only have a divided hoof, but you must not eat them. The camel, though it chews the cud, does not have a divided hoof; it is ceremonially unclean for you. 5 The hyrax, though it chews the cud, does not have a divided hoof; it is unclean for you. 6 The rabbit, though it chews the cud, does not have a divided hoof; it is unclean for you.7 And the pig, though it has a divided hoof, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you. 8 You must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses; they are unclean for you. Leviticus 11: 1-8 NIV

The Hyrax is a small creature with interesting vocalizations. It is also referred to as a rock rabbit, but has smaller ears and reminds me of a guinea pig.

Because a thing is there, available in abundance or generally acceptable, is it good? Because my ancestors are ok with it, society encourages it, or it is my heritage, does that make it clean? Because  I, myself, have partaken of it without apparent ill effect, connected to it an emotional bond, or associated it with my understanding of freedom or individuality, is it so prudent? It is legal to all the rest of humanity, but not to the people of the book, so which should I choose? The ceremonial laws further separated this people from all around, and for those becoming fixed on the words of the Creator, another layer of the gospel would unfold. While we were yet sinners, unclean, arrogant, and unthankful, God sent His Son to save such that should not be associated with, unless these things can be made clean.

1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.[a] 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.

8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,

rise from the dead,

and Christ will shine on you.”

15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord,20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5: 1-20

There is much more to be said on this, I know, but I will try to cover it in parts, since there is a very worldly perspective and interpretation of Leviticus that prevails today. It is easy for us to be shallow and unfortunately just as easy to think we are being deep at the same time. I pray for wisdom here instead of sarcasm, and I am thankful for all that God has given me.