April 8, 2020
What does it say?
Obedience to the Lord assured that Israel would be fruitful, victorious, and experience the presence of God. Disobedience meant punishment and required repentance.
What does it mean?
The nation of Israel has a special place in the heart of God. God described the tremendous blessings Israel would receive for obedience, especially the promise that He would walk among them and be their God. Then, He described the punishments for disobedience, punishments that seem extremely harsh. However, God disciplines in love to motivate His redeemed people to turn from sin and return to Him. In God’s sovereign will, He had established a nation through Abraham’s descendants – a nation “entrusted with the very words of God” (Romans 3:2). From that nation would come the Lord Jesus Christ. Israel experienced God’s miracles, provision, and revelation like no other nation on earth. God expects the best from those to whom He gives His best.
How should I respond?
All of the sacrifices, offerings and cleansings in Leviticus speak of the Lord Jesus Christ. God has provided everything we need to live godly lives in Him. In what area of your life have you continued to stubbornly disobey God? His purpose in discipline is to bring repentance so that we will live before Him in faith and godliness. What will you do this week to obey God’s specific instructions to you? In Jesus, God has given us His very best. Will you give your best to Him?