God Gets Personal

DAY 38
10-27-09
LEVITICUS 16-17-18


Good Morning!

The laws of God are starting to get really personal. God has already addressed even the most personal ailments and bodily functions. I can’t help but think that modern believer’s would scoff and reject this kind of intrusion. Yet, God is very clear why he is getting into their personal business – Lev. 18:2-3 “I am the Lord your God. You must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices.”

God’s purpose is to make a holy people and for that happen for sinful, defiled, and unholy people, three things stand out from today’s reading…

1. You can’t do as you please. God requires obedience; humility; and even fearful acceptance of his laws and decrees.

Lev. 16:2 “Tell your brother Aaron not to come whenever he chooses into the Most Holy Place behind the curtain in front of the atonement cover on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud over the atonement cover.”

2. Sins must be atoned for. God’s purpose is that Israel should know that sins must be paid for through the blood of the innocent. He also wants to remind them that their sins are taken away and forgotten.

Lev. 16: 21-22 “He is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the wickedness and rebellion of the Israelites — all their sins — and put them on the goat's head. He shall send the goat away into the desert in the care of a man appointed for the task. The goat will carry on itself all their sins to a solitary place; and the man shall release it in the desert.”

3. God demands sexual purity from his holy people. The pagan’s detestable sexual practices are not going to be tolerated.

Lev. 18:29-30 “Everyone who does any of these detestable things — such persons must be cut off from their people. Keep my requirements and do not follow any of the detestable customs that were practiced before you came and do not defile yourselves with them. I am the Lord your God.”

God’s expectations are always a great challenge. His blessings for his obedient children are even greater.

Barry