Podcast Summary: Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry Episode: February 23, 2025
Passages Covered: Leviticus 10–11; Psalm 50; Luke 14

Introduction

In this episode of Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry, hosted by Crossway, listeners embark on a profound journey through selected scriptures. The episode delves into the intricate laws of the Old Testament, the profound declarations of God's righteousness in the Psalms, and the transformative teachings of Jesus in the New Testament. This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and thematic elements presented in the readings of Leviticus 10–11, Psalm 50, and Luke 14.

Old Testament Reading: Leviticus 10–11

Narrative Overview: The episode begins with a dramatic recounting of the tragic event involving Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, who offer "unauthorized fire" before the Lord, resulting in their immediate demise (Leviticus 10:1-2). This stark narrative sets the tone for the ensuing discussions on holiness, obedience, and the serious consequences of deviating from divine instructions.

Key Themes and Insights:

1. Holiness and Obedience:

   • The narrative underscores the paramount importance of adhering strictly to God's commandments. Nadab and Abihu's presumptuous act serves as a solemn reminder that holiness is non-negotiable.
   • Notable Quote: Moses emphasizes the need for sanctification and glorification before the people, stating, "Will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified" ([00:26]).

2. Consequences of Disobedience:

   • The severe punishment of Nadab and Abihu highlights that unauthorized worship disrupts the sanctity of the sanctuary and endangers the entire congregation.
   • Notable Quote: Aaron, in a moment of accountability, laments, "If I had eaten the sin offering...” leading Moses to assert, "Today, would the Lord have approved?" ([02:35]-[03:12]).

3. Dietary Laws and Purity:

   • Leviticus 11 is meticulously detailed, outlining clean and unclean animals, emphasizing purity in consumption and daily life.
   • Notable Quote: God instructs Moses and Aaron, "You are to distinguish between the holy and the common and between the unclean and the clean" ([01:30]).

4. Maintaining Community Sanctity:

   • The instructions extend beyond individual actions to communal practices, ensuring that the entire house of Israel remains pure and devout.
   • Notable Quote: "Conserve yourselves, therefore, and be holy, for I am holy" reinforces the collective responsibility towards holiness ([07:55]-[08:12]).

Psalms Reading: Psalm 50

Narrative Overview: Transitioning to the Psalms, Psalm 50 is presented as a divine proclamation from God, emphasizing His sovereignty and the true essence of worship. This passage serves as both a warning and a call to genuine devotion.

Key Themes and Insights:

1. God's Sovereignty and Judgment:

   • The Psalm portrays God as the ultimate judge who commands the earth, asserting His authority over all creation.
   • Notable Quote: "Out of Zion the perfection of beauty. God shines forth. Our God comes. He does not keep silence" ([08:39]-[08:54]).

2. True Worship vs. Ritual Sacrifice:

   • God critiques the superficiality of mere sacrifices, emphasizing that heartfelt thanksgiving and righteous living are what He truly desires.
   • Notable Quote: "Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you... Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving and perform your vows to the Most High" ([09:10]-[10:00]).

3. Call to Righteousness and Integrity:

   • The Psalm highlights the importance of ethical conduct, condemning deceit, slander, and moral decay among the people.
   • Notable Quote: "You who forget God, lest I tear you apart and there be none to deliver... I will show the salvation of God" ([10:22]-[10:38]).

4. Accountability and Repentance:

   • There's a strong emphasis on accountability, urging listeners to reflect on their actions and return to genuine faith.
   • Notable Quote: "I rebuke you and lay the charge before you" serves as a direct call to self-examination and repentance ([10:00]-[10:22]).

New Testament Reading: Luke 14

Narrative Overview: The episode culminates with a reading from Luke 14, where Jesus imparts critical lessons on humility, generosity, and the cost of discipleship. Through parables and direct teachings, Jesus challenges conventional mindsets and calls for profound personal commitment.

Key Themes and Insights:

1. Healing on the Sabbath and Compassion:

   • Jesus addresses the legality of performing good deeds on the Sabbath, prioritizing compassion over rigid adherence to rules.
   • Notable Quote: Jesus questions the Pharisees, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?" ([10:38]-[10:41]).

2. Humility in Social Interactions:

   • Using the parable of choosing the lowest place at a banquet, Jesus teaches that true honor comes through humility rather than self-promotion.
   • Notable Quote: "Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted" ([10:55]-[11:32]).

3. Generosity and Selflessness:

   • The teaching encourages inviting those who cannot repay, such as the poor and marginalized, to establish a foundation of unmerited generosity.
   • Notable Quote: "When you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed" ([12:01]-[12:26]).

4. Commitment and the Cost of Discipleship:

   • Jesus emphasizes that following Him requires total commitment, even to the point of prioritizing Him over personal and familial ties.
   • Notable Quote: "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple" ([12:49]-[12:55]).

5. Counting the Cost:

   • The analogy of building a tower and a king preparing for war illustrates the necessity of deliberate consideration before undertaking the journey of discipleship.
   • Notable Quote: "Whether he has enough to complete it... he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace" ([13:05]-[13:22]).

6. Being the "Salt of the Earth":

   • Jesus concludes by highlighting the importance of preserving one's distinctiveness and value, warning against losing one's inherent 'saltiness.'
   • Notable Quote: "Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored" ([13:23]-[13:38]).

Conclusion

This episode intricately weaves together the solemn laws of Leviticus, the righteous declarations of Psalm 50, and the provocative teachings of Luke 14 to present a cohesive narrative on holiness, genuine worship, humility, and unwavering commitment. Jackie Hill Perry, through the readings, invites listeners to reflect deeply on their spiritual walk, challenging them to embody the principles of faith, integrity, and selfless devotion. By bridging the Old and New Testaments, the episode underscores the timeless relevance of these scriptures in guiding believers towards a life of sanctity and purposeful discipleship.

Notable Quotes:

• Leviticus 10:26 – "Will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified" ([00:26]).
• Leviticus 11:30 – "You are to distinguish between the holy and the common and between the unclean and the clean" ([01:30]).
• Psalm 50:1 – "Out of Zion the perfection of beauty. God shines forth. Our God comes. He does not keep silence" ([08:39]-[08:54]).
• Psalm 50:16-17 – "Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving and perform your vows to the Most High" ([09:10]-[10:00]).
• Luke 14:11 – "Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted" ([10:55]-[11:32]).
• Luke 14:27 – "Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple" ([12:49]-[12:55]).
• Luke 14:34-35 – "Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored" ([13:23]-[13:38]).

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the February 23 episode, providing listeners and non-listeners alike with a clear understanding of the key messages and themes explored through the sacred scriptures.