February 3, 2024 - Leviticus 17-21

Some selected (because there are so many) from today’s reading.  “They shall no more sacrifice their sacrifices to goat demons” (17:7).  It’s almost unbelievable that God would have to issue such a prohibition, especially after the golden calf debacle.  Well, unbelievable until we remember how we ourselves commit the same sins over and over again.

“For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life” (17:11).  My Old Testament professor, Dr. Thomas Delaughter, told us that this is the central verse for all of Leviticus.  I think he was correct.  It explains the necessity of a penalty for sin and points to the One who sheds his blood for his people.

“You shall not do as they do in the land of Egypt, where you lived, and you shall not do as they do in the land of Canaan, to which I am bringing you. You shall not walk in their statutes” (18:3).  As God’s people, we are to live differently than others, not in an arrogant manner but with a love for God and in obedience to him.  Someone should be able to look at our lives and immediately be able to say, “That person is different.”

“Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy’” (19:2).  See previous paragraph.

“If a person turns to mediums and necromancers, whoring after them, I will set my face against that person and will cut him off from among his people” (20:6).  Chapter 20 is filled with statements of “If a person . . . then I will,” all which warn Israel and us that God will judge and discipline and that sin has terrible consequences.  That’s why we need a Redeemer.

Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;

Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.

By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;

Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.   --William D. Longstaff (ca. 1882)