Thoughts from Mark "Hat" Rackley

The sword of the Lord is bathed in blood,
    it is covered with fat—
the blood of lambs and goats,
    fat from the kidneys of rams.
For the Lord has a sacrifice in Bozrah
    and a great slaughter in the land of Edom.

• Isaiah 34:6

Just a short note:  My wife’s kidney issues have not improved, but her overall energy level is drastically depleted.  With that combination, she is having a port inserted in her shoulder/neck area for dialysis.  This may be temporary.  They took a biopsy last week to determine if her kidney failure could be related to a variety of diseases that are treatable.  We are praying that her condition is treatable and the dialysis will be temporary, but we are preparing for the alternative.

As for the Scripture above, “kidney” is mentioned 13 times in the Old Testament.  Eleven times in strict procedures for the sacrifices on the altar.  This reference in Isaiah only makes sense in looking at the Exodus and Leviticus references.  The other reference is in Job, probably related to sacrifice preparation, but referring to Job’s own body.  The Job reference is kind of odd, but it is telling.  The experts think that Job was the first book written in the Bible.  Thus, it predates the giving of the law.  Yet, Job understood proper preparation of a sacrifice.  Then again, Abel understood the proper preparation of a sacrifice many centuries before Moses climbed Mount Sinai.

But let’s not think of any sacrifice involving kidneys – just kidney restoration.

Dear Lord, You have guided us thus far.  We would not be where we are without Your protection.  Please restore my wife to better health, where she can function normally.  Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria.  Only to God be the Glory.