Leviticus 1,2,3
Leviticus (my least favorite of all the books of the Bible) can be split into two sections: worshipping a holy God and living a holy life. These themes are summed up in Leviticus 19:2, "You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy." But how can unholy people approach a holy God? The answer--first the sin must be dealt with. And so the opening chapters give detailed instructions for offering sacrifices, which were the active symbols of repentance and obedience. Only by making the appropriate sacrifices to wipe away their sin could they then approach a holy God.
God's people were also to worship God with their lives. And so we read about purity laws, rules for daily living concerning family responsibilities, sexual conduct, relationships, and vows. These instructions involved one's holy walk with God. There was a vertical and a horizontal aspect to their lives. There worship went up to God, but also applied to their treatment of their neighbors. Something I think we forget...God is honored by the way in which we treat others.
The final emphasis in Leviticus is celebration. This is the book of the Israelites that gives instructions for the festivals. These were special and regular, corporate occasions for remembering what God had done, giving thanks and rededicating their lives to his service. As we read Leviticus, perhaps you might consider ways in which you might rededicate yourself to holiness, worshipping God in private confession, public service and group celebration.
Pastor Jane, I love the way you condense the message of the scripture as we go along, gleaning the important facts and truths to help us remember and your questions are a good challenge to take to heart and respond to with action..
Posted by: Helen Grandbouche | October 08, 2009 at 06:24 PM
Thank you Helen. I'm really enjoying writing with all of you in mind.
Posted by: Jane | October 09, 2009 at 07:19 AM