Leviticus 1
11 And
he shall kill it on the side of the altar northward before the LORD: and the
priests, Aaron's sons, shall sprinkle his blood round about upon the altar.
The wages of sin is death. Oh, how I wish this were not so. It would be so much easier if all we had to do was pay a little fine. Unfortunately, sin is the unholy corruption of a creation made for holy communion with God. It is imperfection, and it is unacceptable to a holy, pure, undefiled God. Trying to reconcile sin with holiness is like trying to cram darkness into a jar of light...the light will not have it. The two cannot abide in the same place. Light vanquishes any darkness that approaches its presence, not because it chooses too, but because light is what it is; there can be no darkness in it. That which is darkness can only know light when it dies to its very presence. The penalty of death is the only way the debt can be paid. In Leviticus, God provides a way for temporary atonement of the daily corruption of sin. A sin is committed, and a life is taken. It is brutal, but it is holy justice. It is also the model that God established for how He would atone for, once and for all time, the entirety of man's fallen state. When God required of Moses the blood sacrifice, He did so fully knowing it would be His own blood one day that would be shed on our behalf. Throughout the ages, doubters and the rebellious have scorned God by asking, "how could a loving God require blood sacrifice for the payment of sin?" They ask, "how could He condemn His own creation to eternal torment?" Many cite this very question as the reason they reject the gospel of Jesus Christ. But their argument falls tragically short. To rid us of the curse of sin, He stepped into, and took upon Himself, our darkness. Forsaken by the holy Light of the Father, He died on our behalf so that we could live in His light. The larger question is not why God requires death as the wage for sin; but rather, why would any man reject this precious pardon bought and paid for by the loving blood sacrifice of our Lord?
The wages of sin is death. Oh, how I wish this were not so. It would be so much easier if all we had to do was pay a little fine. Unfortunately, sin is the unholy corruption of a creation made for holy communion with God. It is imperfection, and it is unacceptable to a holy, pure, undefiled God. Trying to reconcile sin with holiness is like trying to cram darkness into a jar of light...the light will not have it. The two cannot abide in the same place. Light vanquishes any darkness that approaches its presence, not because it chooses too, but because light is what it is; there can be no darkness in it. That which is darkness can only know light when it dies to its very presence. The penalty of death is the only way the debt can be paid. In Leviticus, God provides a way for temporary atonement of the daily corruption of sin. A sin is committed, and a life is taken. It is brutal, but it is holy justice. It is also the model that God established for how He would atone for, once and for all time, the entirety of man's fallen state. When God required of Moses the blood sacrifice, He did so fully knowing it would be His own blood one day that would be shed on our behalf. Throughout the ages, doubters and the rebellious have scorned God by asking, "how could a loving God require blood sacrifice for the payment of sin?" They ask, "how could He condemn His own creation to eternal torment?" Many cite this very question as the reason they reject the gospel of Jesus Christ. But their argument falls tragically short. To rid us of the curse of sin, He stepped into, and took upon Himself, our darkness. Forsaken by the holy Light of the Father, He died on our behalf so that we could live in His light. The larger question is not why God requires death as the wage for sin; but rather, why would any man reject this precious pardon bought and paid for by the loving blood sacrifice of our Lord?
Leviticus 2
3 And
the remnant of the meat offering shall be Aaron's and his sons': it is a thing most holy of the offerings of
the LORD made by fire.
Instructions are given here to take a portion of the sacrifice and give it to the priests for their nourishment. This instruction is not given just in the name of frugality, or as a side note; it is deemed the most holy part of the offering. It is the centerpiece of the ritual. We are not told the reason for this instruction, but we are told that it is a very significant part of the offering. It would be easy to dismiss this as just a way of providing food for those who served in the temple, but I think the meaning goes far deeper, and points to an Offering yet to come. Still in the far distant future from the writing of this chapter came an evening where the Lord sat with His chosen disciples to dine. He broke the bread and blessed it. He then offered the bread to them explaining that they were eating more than a meal, they were eating a remnant of His flesh broken for them. He would become the most holy Offering, and to those who would be in His service, He would become their nourishment. Indeed, He sustains us with this Offering to this very day.
Instructions are given here to take a portion of the sacrifice and give it to the priests for their nourishment. This instruction is not given just in the name of frugality, or as a side note; it is deemed the most holy part of the offering. It is the centerpiece of the ritual. We are not told the reason for this instruction, but we are told that it is a very significant part of the offering. It would be easy to dismiss this as just a way of providing food for those who served in the temple, but I think the meaning goes far deeper, and points to an Offering yet to come. Still in the far distant future from the writing of this chapter came an evening where the Lord sat with His chosen disciples to dine. He broke the bread and blessed it. He then offered the bread to them explaining that they were eating more than a meal, they were eating a remnant of His flesh broken for them. He would become the most holy Offering, and to those who would be in His service, He would become their nourishment. Indeed, He sustains us with this Offering to this very day.
Leviticus 3
6 And
if his offering for a sacrifice of peace offering unto the LORD be of the flock; male or female, he shall
offer it without blemish.
Only the best will do. I remember once hearing a sermon about the tithe. The pastor was chiding members for what he called "tipping" the Lord. I was probably in my early 20's at the time, and had never really even thought about seriously dedicating a portion of my income to the tithe. When the offering plate was passed, I would feel quite generous if I took out a $5 and laid it in the plate. Truth is, I was tipping. I was giving the Lord what I thought I could spare, what I was likely not to miss, rather than making a true offering. In this verse, Moses instructs the children of Israel that they are to give something of true value to the Lord as an offering. When they gave of their livestock one that was unblemished, they were giving the very best of the flock to the Lord. It was an offering that would be missed; it was a sacrifice in more ways than one. To be sure, God needs money no more than he needed unblemished livestock. It is not God, but the giver who benefits by offering the very best of what he has to the Lord. The act of giving is a faith building exercise, and the reward is an even greater faith. The need for blood has passed with the shedding of Christ's blood on Calvary, but our need to give our best to the Lord will remain to the end, and beyond.
Only the best will do. I remember once hearing a sermon about the tithe. The pastor was chiding members for what he called "tipping" the Lord. I was probably in my early 20's at the time, and had never really even thought about seriously dedicating a portion of my income to the tithe. When the offering plate was passed, I would feel quite generous if I took out a $5 and laid it in the plate. Truth is, I was tipping. I was giving the Lord what I thought I could spare, what I was likely not to miss, rather than making a true offering. In this verse, Moses instructs the children of Israel that they are to give something of true value to the Lord as an offering. When they gave of their livestock one that was unblemished, they were giving the very best of the flock to the Lord. It was an offering that would be missed; it was a sacrifice in more ways than one. To be sure, God needs money no more than he needed unblemished livestock. It is not God, but the giver who benefits by offering the very best of what he has to the Lord. The act of giving is a faith building exercise, and the reward is an even greater faith. The need for blood has passed with the shedding of Christ's blood on Calvary, but our need to give our best to the Lord will remain to the end, and beyond.
Leviticus 4
28 Or
if his sin, which he hath sinned, come to his knowledge: then he shall bring
his offering, a kid of the goats, a female without blemish, for his sin which
he hath sinned.
Not too long ago, I was driving up Hwy 17 North to visit a friend at Surfside Beach. I had my guitar in the back seat, a change of clothes and some swim trunks. The radio was blasting out some tunes, and I didn't have a care in the world. That is, until I saw the blue lights flashing in my rear view mirror. The officer stepped up to the window and informed me that I was doing just over 70 in a 60 mph zone. My heart sank as he asked for my license and registration. I had not even noticed a speed limit sign all morning that I can remember, and I wasn't intentionally speeding. But ignorance of the limit, and my distracted state was no excuse; I was going to have to pay a penalty. This chapter is primarily comprised of instructions for paying the fine for ignorant or careless sin. I wish that once I received grace that I would be free from sinning ever again, but God knows I will continue to slip up until He has perfected me in the glory to come. Still, I have to expect consequences even when the sin is inadvertent. His Holy Spirit has a way of flashing the blue lights in my rear view mirror, and reminding me of the limits in place to keep me safe and steady in His will. He is kind and merciful even when He disciplines me, and for that I'm grateful, but I wouldn't want to push it. He has ways of bringing to mind those signs the next time I drive through town. The extent of my penalty probably has a lot to do with how easily I learn my lesson. With the Holy Spirit to guide me, though I will never be sinless in this life, I can sin less. I'm grateful for that too.
Not too long ago, I was driving up Hwy 17 North to visit a friend at Surfside Beach. I had my guitar in the back seat, a change of clothes and some swim trunks. The radio was blasting out some tunes, and I didn't have a care in the world. That is, until I saw the blue lights flashing in my rear view mirror. The officer stepped up to the window and informed me that I was doing just over 70 in a 60 mph zone. My heart sank as he asked for my license and registration. I had not even noticed a speed limit sign all morning that I can remember, and I wasn't intentionally speeding. But ignorance of the limit, and my distracted state was no excuse; I was going to have to pay a penalty. This chapter is primarily comprised of instructions for paying the fine for ignorant or careless sin. I wish that once I received grace that I would be free from sinning ever again, but God knows I will continue to slip up until He has perfected me in the glory to come. Still, I have to expect consequences even when the sin is inadvertent. His Holy Spirit has a way of flashing the blue lights in my rear view mirror, and reminding me of the limits in place to keep me safe and steady in His will. He is kind and merciful even when He disciplines me, and for that I'm grateful, but I wouldn't want to push it. He has ways of bringing to mind those signs the next time I drive through town. The extent of my penalty probably has a lot to do with how easily I learn my lesson. With the Holy Spirit to guide me, though I will never be sinless in this life, I can sin less. I'm grateful for that too.
Leviticus 5
4 Or if
a soul swear, pronouncing with his lips to do evil, or to do good,
whatsoever it be that a man shall pronounce with an
oath, and it be hid from him; when he knoweth of it, then he shall be guilty in
one of these.
Most of us have taken oaths in the course of our lives. As a husband, I took an oath to my wife. There's a list of things that I promised to do and be. As a scout, I took an oath. There are several responsibilities that I'm to pursue with my very best efforts. As an enlisted man, and later, as an officer in the U.S. Air Force I took oaths to defend the Constitution and to obey those appointed over me. When I took these oaths, I meant every word I said, but perhaps there were times when I didn't do my very best, or when I was less than obedient. We are held accountable for such times. This is yet another point of failure for many of us. It is kind of scary to think on all the ways that we sin and fall short of the glory of God, but it is helpful to our soul's well being to do so. The sincere pursuit of righteousness is a lot like the act of weeding a garden. It is not enough to shamefully admit that there are weeds in our garden; we must be good stewards, seek out the weeds, pull them root and all, and destroy them. Only then will we see the kind of harvest God intends for our lives. It's important to point out that we are saved by grace alone, not by the act of pulling weeds; nevertheless, we pull the weeds because that's what faithful gardeners do. If I discover I've fallen in my oaths, I am to faithfully tend my garden and set it right. Searching the gardens of our hearts for sinful weeds is hard and often unsettling, but it is necessary for a good harvest.
Most of us have taken oaths in the course of our lives. As a husband, I took an oath to my wife. There's a list of things that I promised to do and be. As a scout, I took an oath. There are several responsibilities that I'm to pursue with my very best efforts. As an enlisted man, and later, as an officer in the U.S. Air Force I took oaths to defend the Constitution and to obey those appointed over me. When I took these oaths, I meant every word I said, but perhaps there were times when I didn't do my very best, or when I was less than obedient. We are held accountable for such times. This is yet another point of failure for many of us. It is kind of scary to think on all the ways that we sin and fall short of the glory of God, but it is helpful to our soul's well being to do so. The sincere pursuit of righteousness is a lot like the act of weeding a garden. It is not enough to shamefully admit that there are weeds in our garden; we must be good stewards, seek out the weeds, pull them root and all, and destroy them. Only then will we see the kind of harvest God intends for our lives. It's important to point out that we are saved by grace alone, not by the act of pulling weeds; nevertheless, we pull the weeds because that's what faithful gardeners do. If I discover I've fallen in my oaths, I am to faithfully tend my garden and set it right. Searching the gardens of our hearts for sinful weeds is hard and often unsettling, but it is necessary for a good harvest.
Leviticus 6
5 Speak
unto Aaron and to his sons, saying, This is the law of the sin offering: In the
place where the burnt offering is killed shall the sin offering be killed
before the LORD: it is most holy.
Again we see that the offering to God made on man's behalf is a most precious thing in the eyes of the Lord. In this verse, it is made clear that the offering for the atonement of sin, even the very place where the offering is made, is counted as most holy. And, that is exactly who Christ is; the most holy offering atoning for our sin. Like the ram or the bullock sacrificed on the altar, Jesus paid the penalty for the sins He did not commit. His offering was accepted and honored most holy by the Father. And, now the pardon purchased is His gift to whosoever will believe on Him.
Again we see that the offering to God made on man's behalf is a most precious thing in the eyes of the Lord. In this verse, it is made clear that the offering for the atonement of sin, even the very place where the offering is made, is counted as most holy. And, that is exactly who Christ is; the most holy offering atoning for our sin. Like the ram or the bullock sacrificed on the altar, Jesus paid the penalty for the sins He did not commit. His offering was accepted and honored most holy by the Father. And, now the pardon purchased is His gift to whosoever will believe on Him.
Leviticus 7
12 If
he offer it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the sacrifice of
thanksgiving unleavened cakes mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed
with oil, and cakes mingled with oil, of fine flour, fried.
Most of the instructions in the book of Leviticus up to this point have dealt with the atonement of sin. The sacrifices made are a sad commentary on the destructive consequences of our fallen state. This verse stood apart to me because it spoke of an offering for a different purpose...giving thanks. I don't think it is coincidental that the description of the offering sounds quite appetizing to the pallet. One of my favorite holidays is Thanksgiving. It brings to mind a warmth of family, contentment, savory food, mingled with oil and fried. I don't think I'm rare at all in my glowing appreciation for this day of thanks and feasting. The sentiment of Thanksgiving is beautiful, and it very well may be one of the holidays we continue to observe in eternity. After all, to be forever thankful is to be eternally filled with a spirit of, and desire for, thanksgiving.
Most of the instructions in the book of Leviticus up to this point have dealt with the atonement of sin. The sacrifices made are a sad commentary on the destructive consequences of our fallen state. This verse stood apart to me because it spoke of an offering for a different purpose...giving thanks. I don't think it is coincidental that the description of the offering sounds quite appetizing to the pallet. One of my favorite holidays is Thanksgiving. It brings to mind a warmth of family, contentment, savory food, mingled with oil and fried. I don't think I'm rare at all in my glowing appreciation for this day of thanks and feasting. The sentiment of Thanksgiving is beautiful, and it very well may be one of the holidays we continue to observe in eternity. After all, to be forever thankful is to be eternally filled with a spirit of, and desire for, thanksgiving.
Leviticus 8
9 And
he put the mitre upon his head; also upon the mitre, even upon his forefront, did he put the
golden plate, the holy crown; as the LORD commanded Moses.
The recipient of this honor is none other than Aaron. When I read this, my mind immediately trailed back to Exodus 32 where Aaron oversaw the crafting, and worship of the golden calf. God was not pleased with this, and men lost their lives on that terrible day of reckoning.
The recipient of this honor is none other than Aaron. When I read this, my mind immediately trailed back to Exodus 32 where Aaron oversaw the crafting, and worship of the golden calf. God was not pleased with this, and men lost their lives on that terrible day of reckoning.
I've always been a little perplexed when I find only 16
chapters later, the exultation of Aaron complete with mitre and a golden
crown. I must admit that this always
bothered me a little until I stopped to consider that blessed day when I stand
before the Lord, and envision Him exalting me because of Christ.
Perhaps the honoring of Aaron here is a foreshadowing of
our own redemption. I'm sure I've produced
and worshipped my own share of golden idols in my day, and certainly I do not merit
exultation from the most high and holy God, but as I stand there, all of my
iniquity will have been long washed away by the atoning blood of my
Savior. Whatever crown I receive will be
because my Redeemer's righteousness is counted as my own. On that day, I will joyously lay that crown
at His feet.
Leviticus 9
23 And
Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of the congregation, and came out, and
blessed the people: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the people.
The sacrifice had been made, and the offering given to the Lord in payment for the sins of the people was now complete. For that fleeting moment, the people could now enjoy the forgiveness and blessings of almighty God. The sad part of the story is that the sin account for those very same people began to tally anew almost immediately. The blood offering made in payment was a temporary one. The alter would not be dry from the last sacrifice before the next one was due.
The sacrifice had been made, and the offering given to the Lord in payment for the sins of the people was now complete. For that fleeting moment, the people could now enjoy the forgiveness and blessings of almighty God. The sad part of the story is that the sin account for those very same people began to tally anew almost immediately. The blood offering made in payment was a temporary one. The alter would not be dry from the last sacrifice before the next one was due.
Too often I think we approach our relationship with God
in the same way as those of old who sought forgiveness before the redemption of
Christ came to man. We live in eternal
debt, enjoying only fleeting moments of freedom and forgiveness before the
weight of our sin reminds us of our hopelessness to live a truly holy life before
the Lord. But this hopelessness denies
the power and sufficiency of the blood of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
The debt is paid once and for all. Let us live in obedience, but also in freedom
knowing that, thanks to Jesus, it is His holiness that the Father sees when He
looks upon us, and that it is His blood that now covers our sin now and
forevermore.
Leviticus 10
1 And
Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put
fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the
LORD, which he commanded them not.
We live in an age filled with self styled, self professed men of the cloth. Pastors and flock are trading sound doctrine for fads, sensations, and cults of personality. Many are merging Eastern mysticism, paganism, and all sorts of self idolatry into what was sound doctrine, polluting it, and persuading others that they've found a way to keep an old, and outdated, gospel relevant in a changing world.
We live in an age filled with self styled, self professed men of the cloth. Pastors and flock are trading sound doctrine for fads, sensations, and cults of personality. Many are merging Eastern mysticism, paganism, and all sorts of self idolatry into what was sound doctrine, polluting it, and persuading others that they've found a way to keep an old, and outdated, gospel relevant in a changing world.
We're not given the details of the ritual that Nadab and
Abihu were trying to introduce. Perhaps
it was a pagan ritual they had observed while in bondage in Egypt; maybe they
just wanted to shake things up a little, and create a little excitement. Whatever their motivation, they were outside
the will of God, and by the hand of God, paid with their lives in the very next
verse.
God will not tolerate apostasy. It may look to prosper for a season, but He
will deal with it in His time. We do not
define God, we obey Him...if we belong to Him.
Leviticus 11
45 For
I am the LORD that bringeth you up out of
the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.
This chapter starts the list of those things that God forbade the children of Israel to eat. Many times I've read through this, and with a feeling of dread, have pondered whether or not I should eat shrimp. I've heard so many of the expositions on this: "God was talking to the nation of Israel, alone," "there were unknown medical reasons back then for these commands," "this all changed with Peter's dream in the New Testament," etc. These are all good arguments for why we can now eat shrimp, but the fact remains that the children of Israel had no such theological escape clauses; they had only the law.
This chapter starts the list of those things that God forbade the children of Israel to eat. Many times I've read through this, and with a feeling of dread, have pondered whether or not I should eat shrimp. I've heard so many of the expositions on this: "God was talking to the nation of Israel, alone," "there were unknown medical reasons back then for these commands," "this all changed with Peter's dream in the New Testament," etc. These are all good arguments for why we can now eat shrimp, but the fact remains that the children of Israel had no such theological escape clauses; they had only the law.
I'm thankful that I am free to eat whatever God blesses,
but I also know that sometimes to follow God means that without explanation or
understanding, and contrary to my appetites, I must simply obey.
Leviticus 12
3 And
in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.
To be sure, this was not my first choice for the verse to represent this chapter, but I kept being drawn back to it...not for the squeamish fascination for the unimaginable act of circumcision, but rather for what this act represents. When God created man, He saw that His creation was good. That means to me that as we are created is how God intended us to be. Unfortunately, our fall from grace in the garden meant that what was created in perfection was corrupted by man's choice to sin. Our own will covered our heart like a foreskin. When God saves us, a spiritual surgery takes place. He removes the self-centered barrier to our heart and covers it with His will. The death and removal of self will is a painful process, and one that the flesh bitterly rejects, but it is a procedure that must be carried out by our High Priest if we are to be remade in His image.
To be sure, this was not my first choice for the verse to represent this chapter, but I kept being drawn back to it...not for the squeamish fascination for the unimaginable act of circumcision, but rather for what this act represents. When God created man, He saw that His creation was good. That means to me that as we are created is how God intended us to be. Unfortunately, our fall from grace in the garden meant that what was created in perfection was corrupted by man's choice to sin. Our own will covered our heart like a foreskin. When God saves us, a spiritual surgery takes place. He removes the self-centered barrier to our heart and covers it with His will. The death and removal of self will is a painful process, and one that the flesh bitterly rejects, but it is a procedure that must be carried out by our High Priest if we are to be remade in His image.
Leviticus 13
9 When
the plague of leprosy is in a man, then he shall be brought unto the priest;
This whole chapter deals with the diagnosis and treatment of leprosy. It had to be one of the most dreadful of diseases not only because of the physical symptoms of the disease but also for the isolation that the diagnosis brought. It was a sickness with a sentence. The person stricken with leprosy was found unclean before the law, separated from family, friends, and thrown out of society on the whole. Their suffering was complete.
This whole chapter deals with the diagnosis and treatment of leprosy. It had to be one of the most dreadful of diseases not only because of the physical symptoms of the disease but also for the isolation that the diagnosis brought. It was a sickness with a sentence. The person stricken with leprosy was found unclean before the law, separated from family, friends, and thrown out of society on the whole. Their suffering was complete.
Such is the disease of sin. Our diagnosis brings with it not only
suffering and death, but also an unbearable separation from a holy God and all
that is good. It is the most dreadful
disease with the most dreadful sentence.
Enter the Great Physician. When
He touched the leper and sent Him to the Priest to be declared whole, our
Savior Jesus demonstrated His ability to take that which was unclean, and with
a touch, heal and restore him to his family and place in society. Greater than this even, He has healed the
curse of sin also. He touches us and
sends us to the Father where we are pronounced clean, and allowed to enter
in. Wherever the disease of sin is realized,
and the grave diagnosis is understood, gratitude for the Healer is sure to
follow.
Leviticus 14
20 And
the priest shall offer the burnt offering and the meat offering upon the altar:
and the priest shall make an atonement for him, and he shall be clean.
Healing came at a cost for the leper. Even in that day of rejoicing that must've been known when the leper was pronounced healed, a sacrifice had to be made in atonement for sin.
Healing came at a cost for the leper. Even in that day of rejoicing that must've been known when the leper was pronounced healed, a sacrifice had to be made in atonement for sin.
We must never forget that though we rejoice, our healing
came a great cost. We should ever worship
and adore the Lamb Who was slain for us.
Leviticus 15
27 And
whosoever toucheth those things shall be unclean, and shall wash his clothes,
and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the
even. We live in a fallen
world. Despite our very best efforts to
live a righteous life we will at some point soon become unclean either by what
we choose or by accidental contact. Our
need for cleansing is ever before us.
In this chapter, everyday situations are shown to bring a
risk of making us unclean. Like our recurring need for a bath, we need to
return frequently to Him Who makes us clean.
He knows well the filthy conditions than often envelope us in this life,
and it is His desire that we be made holy and kept clean. When we return to him on our knees confessing
our need for cleansing, He will not send us away unclean.
Leviticus 16
26 And
he that let go the goat for the scapegoat shall wash his clothes, and bathe his
flesh in water, and afterward come into the camp.
The ritual of the scapegoat is fascinating to me firstly because it is the source of an odd, yet commonly used term in the English language. We use it primarily to describe a person who has been unfairly assigned the blame for a wrong doing, but in context, it is actually a necessary part of redemption for God's children. The second reason I find it an interesting passage is because I see in it a parallel of our fallen condition and the measure of blame that belongs to the Deceiver. A creature unlike the children of Israel literally carries the blood stain of the innocent, and is cast out from his place among God's chosen. This would seem to represent the verdict and banishment of the Deceiver who has our blood, the blood of the innocent and the guilty upon his hands.
The ritual of the scapegoat is fascinating to me firstly because it is the source of an odd, yet commonly used term in the English language. We use it primarily to describe a person who has been unfairly assigned the blame for a wrong doing, but in context, it is actually a necessary part of redemption for God's children. The second reason I find it an interesting passage is because I see in it a parallel of our fallen condition and the measure of blame that belongs to the Deceiver. A creature unlike the children of Israel literally carries the blood stain of the innocent, and is cast out from his place among God's chosen. This would seem to represent the verdict and banishment of the Deceiver who has our blood, the blood of the innocent and the guilty upon his hands.
Leviticus 17
15 And
every soul that eateth that which died of itself, or that which was torn with beasts, whether it be one of your own country, or a
stranger, he shall both wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the
even: then shall he be clean.
There are so many detailed instructions in the law. When I read this, I think "well, that not only probably has some spiritual context, but it is also pretty helpful sanitation directions...God's own health code." As far as we know, Moses knew nothing of bacteria, and disease carrying germs. God didn't explain it to them, and He didn't have to. He simply gave the command and left it to man to hearken to His wisdom or disobey at his own peril. In my daily walk, I don't always understand the reasons behind God's directions or the promptings of His Holy Spirit, but I do know that they are wise, and that He can be trusted.
There are so many detailed instructions in the law. When I read this, I think "well, that not only probably has some spiritual context, but it is also pretty helpful sanitation directions...God's own health code." As far as we know, Moses knew nothing of bacteria, and disease carrying germs. God didn't explain it to them, and He didn't have to. He simply gave the command and left it to man to hearken to His wisdom or disobey at his own peril. In my daily walk, I don't always understand the reasons behind God's directions or the promptings of His Holy Spirit, but I do know that they are wise, and that He can be trusted.
Leviticus 18
26 Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my
judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your
own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you:
The preceding verses concern sexual sins, and I'm sure they have been wrought with controversy ever since the day they were written. So many of the laws given in Leviticus have to do with the specific renouncement of practices associated with Egyptian bondage such as marking your skin for the dead, or wearing your hair or beard according to Egyptian religious practices. The laws, which at times were quite specific and tedious, were given specifically to the children of Israel to set them apart from their former captors. These sexual prohibitions, on the other hand, are not the same. When God gave them to Moses, He distinguished them by expressing His personal offense to them, and by extending the prohibitions beyond the children of Israel to include even those who associated with them.
Sexual sins are offensive to God. He calls them abominations which means He
finds them intolerable. Probably every
man and woman who has grown into adulthood, save Christ, has at some point
committed such an offense to God, even if only by the errant desires of the
heart, so it is wise to approach these verses with great humility. Still, it is an act of love rather than
judgment to encourage one another to obey God's commands concerning these
verses rather than sitting idly by in the name of tolerance while God's wrath
is stored up against those we love.
Leviticus 19
14 Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a
stumblingblock before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I am the Lord.
Upon reading this, I had to ask, "why would anyone curse the deaf, or put a stumbling block before the blind?" What came to mind is the frustration that the believer feels when encountering the non-believer. The lost soul cannot hear from God because he lacks the Holy Spirit, and he cannot see the truth because it has not been revealed to him. They are, essentially, the spiritual equivalent of someone who is both deaf and blind. The old term "falling on deaf ears" comes to mind when I think of the well meaning believer trying to speak truth into deaf ears.
Upon reading this, I had to ask, "why would anyone curse the deaf, or put a stumbling block before the blind?" What came to mind is the frustration that the believer feels when encountering the non-believer. The lost soul cannot hear from God because he lacks the Holy Spirit, and he cannot see the truth because it has not been revealed to him. They are, essentially, the spiritual equivalent of someone who is both deaf and blind. The old term "falling on deaf ears" comes to mind when I think of the well meaning believer trying to speak truth into deaf ears.
When we try to
do the work in others that God alone can do, we run the risk of cursing the
deaf out of frustration, and placing before the blind an obstacle that they do
not have the ability to negotiate. Our
first job is to seek after God's wisdom, and then to pray that God will do the
work necessary to open the ears and eyes of the unbeliever. We have a part in His plan, but first we must
know our place.
Leviticus 20
24 But I have said unto you, Ye shall inherit
their land, and I will give it unto you to possess it, a land that floweth with
milk and honey: I am the Lord your God, which have separated you
from other people.
This chapter is full of very harsh judgments for any of the children of Israel who commit sexual sins, and/or return to the abominable religious practices associated with pagan gods.
This chapter is full of very harsh judgments for any of the children of Israel who commit sexual sins, and/or return to the abominable religious practices associated with pagan gods.
I've heard
arguments against God using some of these very statutes in an effort to portray
Him as unyielding, overbearing, if not sadistic. This approach is fairly effective in driving
away the uncommitted who are steeply entrenched in a man centered culture. The two adjectives that are not attributed to
God is that He is holy, and He is just.
The death sentences ordered by God for these unholy acts are righteous
judgments. They should inspire a healthy
dose of guilt and fear in the hearts of man, but even more, they should inspire immeasurable gratitude for the
patience, grace and mercy of our Lord.
It is His desire that we should not perish, but be made holy thereby inheriting
His land of promise. By paying our debt,
He has made a way to spare us from what we deserve, and present us with what
could never, without Him, merit.
Leviticus 21
5 They shall not make baldness upon their
head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any
cuttings in their flesh.
Such prohibitions have been the target of ridicule for non-believers, and a source of confusion for believers, for ages. Many have offered verses such as this in an effort to nullify other prohibitions given in the law. The unspoken message is implied; "forbidding sexual immorality is just as silly as forbidding someone to shave their head." Sadly, this conclusion is the product of specious reasoning that lacks context and an understanding of the intent of the law.
Such prohibitions have been the target of ridicule for non-believers, and a source of confusion for believers, for ages. Many have offered verses such as this in an effort to nullify other prohibitions given in the law. The unspoken message is implied; "forbidding sexual immorality is just as silly as forbidding someone to shave their head." Sadly, this conclusion is the product of specious reasoning that lacks context and an understanding of the intent of the law.
This statute,
which was given to the priesthood, was again intended to separate the priests
from the practices they had been exposed and party to while in Egypt, and in
the surrounding pagan nations. Some of
priests that served the pagan gods and goddesses shaved their heads as a form
of purification, and it was a mourning custom in Egypt to cut one's self for
the dead. God's desire was clear. He
expected His priests to leave their former life of bondage, and all of its
trappings, behind.
The same is
true for us today. When we are delivered
from sin, He wants to separate us from the former, and sanctify us for His
work. Once out of the bondage of sin, we
are to leave the practices of our slave masters behind.
Leviticus 22
24 Ye shall not offer unto the Lord that which is bruised, or crushed, or
broken, or cut; neither shall ye make any offering thereof in your land.
This chapter relays instructions to the priests for determining what is acceptable concerning interactions with the holy articles of the temple.
This chapter relays instructions to the priests for determining what is acceptable concerning interactions with the holy articles of the temple.
To me, it
illustrates the great gulf between the things of fallen man and a holy God, yet
it shows that even before God sent His Son, He desired to fellowship with His
creation. It is a great relief to know
that we now have a holy Priest in Jesus to make clean and acceptable what was
unclean and unfit for the things of God.
It is so
telling of His love how God Himself, by way of His Son, took on the form of all
that was unacceptable in us. He was
bruised, crushed and cut so that we might be made whole and acceptable in the
sight of the Father.
Leviticus 23
22 And when ye reap the harvest of your land,
thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of thy field when thou
reapest, neither shalt thou gather any gleaning of thy harvest: thou shalt
leave them unto the poor, and to the stranger: I am the Lord your God.
This verse is yet another reminder that we are indeed, our brother's keeper, and that God is our provider. The implication in the command is that we should be mindful of others, and not overly mindful of ourselves. He provides the harvest, and we are to bless others as He blesses us.
This verse is yet another reminder that we are indeed, our brother's keeper, and that God is our provider. The implication in the command is that we should be mindful of others, and not overly mindful of ourselves. He provides the harvest, and we are to bless others as He blesses us.
It should also
be noted that He does not command the farmer to reap the entire field, and donate
a percentage to the poor. This is
contrary to the modern school of thought on what it means to be
charitable. It is as if God is saying,
"don't be greedy, and let me provide to others as I have provided for
you." He directs a portion of the
harvest to stay in the field or fall to the ground, and wants to let those in
need to have the satisfaction of earning their subsistence.
Leviticus 24
4 He shall order the
lamps upon the pure candlestick before the Lord continually.
At Arlington National Cemetery, there is a famous "eternal flame" that keeps vigil over the grave of President Kennedy. The flame is iconic, and when folks see it, they are reminded of the fallen President. I imagine that there is a fairly low maintenance process for keeping a steady, and always ready, supply of gas to keep it lit. Keeping the statute in this verse, however, was not so easy. Candles had to be made and keepers of the lamps had to exercise personal discipline and vigilance in order to keep them burning.
At Arlington National Cemetery, there is a famous "eternal flame" that keeps vigil over the grave of President Kennedy. The flame is iconic, and when folks see it, they are reminded of the fallen President. I imagine that there is a fairly low maintenance process for keeping a steady, and always ready, supply of gas to keep it lit. Keeping the statute in this verse, however, was not so easy. Candles had to be made and keepers of the lamps had to exercise personal discipline and vigilance in order to keep them burning.
I suspect that
like so much that we do in our service for the Lord that the importance of the
service lies not in the product, candle light in this case, but more so in the
vigilance of the servant. God owns all, and
He can create a universe with a single word; He does not need any product or
service that we offer. That said, He
does want us to serve. Through our
vigilance, we are reminded of Him Whom we serve, and we provide a light to
others so that they also may bear witness of our service, and be reminded of
Him.
Leviticus 25
13 In the year of this jubile ye shall return
every man unto his possession.
This chapter talks about the observance of the seventh day, the seventh year, and the fiftieth year called jubile (pronounced 'jubilee'). Each of these are given to man with instruction that he should rest from his work, keep it holy for the Lord, and should sacrifice business for the sake of his fellow man.
This chapter talks about the observance of the seventh day, the seventh year, and the fiftieth year called jubile (pronounced 'jubilee'). Each of these are given to man with instruction that he should rest from his work, keep it holy for the Lord, and should sacrifice business for the sake of his fellow man.
God is
interested in our well being. He wants
us first and foremost to be holy, but he also wants us to take a break now and
then, trust in Him for our needs, and be free from a lifelong bondage to
debt.
It seems that
no one observes jubile any longer. Not
only is debt not forgiven after 50 years, it isn't even forgiven after death. We now live in a time when there is really no
set time to put business aside, show charity for others and think on the things
of God. As a result, we are trillions
in debt, and still not satisfied. I
think we do better to keep the spirit of the statutes given in this chapter in our
hearts; not necessarily in a legal sense, but in a way that puts God before
business, that schedules rest from labor, and places people before the
relentless pursuit of profit. A pure
mind, and a rested, satisfied heart is the reward for doing so. As Jesus said in Mark 2:27, "The sabbath
was made for man, and not man for the sabbath." He gave us the law because, like a wise
parent, He knows better than we the practices that lead to a fulfilled
life. He cares for us.
Leviticus 26
4 Then I will give you rain in due season,
and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield
their fruit.
Obedience is rewarded. This chapter is filled with blessings and curses. When the children of Israel are obedient, God promises mercy, protection, companionship and all manner of blessing, but when they are disobedient, He not only removes His hand of protection, He also sets His face against the rebellious. They are vexed at every turn.
Obedience is rewarded. This chapter is filled with blessings and curses. When the children of Israel are obedient, God promises mercy, protection, companionship and all manner of blessing, but when they are disobedient, He not only removes His hand of protection, He also sets His face against the rebellious. They are vexed at every turn.
I've known
both. I've seen the obedient maintain
joy even through disaster, and the disobedient despair even in triumph. The circumstances aren't the determining
factor for joy or lament, but rather the presence or absence of God. It is no more complicated than this...the obedient
remain in His presence, and the disobedient leave Him and all the peace that is
Him.
Leviticus 27
2 Speak
unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When a man shall make a
singular vow, the persons shall be for the Lord by
thy estimation.
Okay, this chapter is a little complicated because it talks of the practice of consecrating by vow a person, animal or possession to the service of the Lord. It also provides a legal way of redeeming, or getting back, what was given. I gather that it wasn't uncommon for circumstances to change in the lives of those who gave a vow to the Lord that cause them to reconsider. The law provided a way for such circumstances to be weighed, and a price exacted to exchange what was promised.
Okay, this chapter is a little complicated because it talks of the practice of consecrating by vow a person, animal or possession to the service of the Lord. It also provides a legal way of redeeming, or getting back, what was given. I gather that it wasn't uncommon for circumstances to change in the lives of those who gave a vow to the Lord that cause them to reconsider. The law provided a way for such circumstances to be weighed, and a price exacted to exchange what was promised.
We live in a
time where vows, oaths and promises are taken so lightly. Wedding vows, oaths of elected office, even the
pledge of allegiance is really seen as more ceremonial than substantive. It's sobering to think that God views vows as
a serious matter. He expects us to keep
what we vow. We have in Jesus a pardon
when we fall short, but perhaps it is warranted to revisit the vows we make and
have made, and seek mitigation, or full on forgiveness for the trivial nature
by which we enter into such vows in our times.
He will not cast us out for seeking to do what is right.
