I think part of the challenge for believers in Jesus today is that since we relate to God under the New Covenant, we assume that there is nothing in the detailed descriptions of Old Covenant worship forms, sacrificial prescriptions, and the like, that has any relevance for our own lives. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. The Apostle Paul made it very plain in his Second Epistle to Timothy that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable, i.e., “beneficial” for each one of us. That includes Leviticus.
When we read it with an open heart, there are at least five themes in the Book of Leviticus that have the power to profoundly impact each one of us who reflects upon its contents:
1. God is absolutely holy.
2. We are called to be as holy as He is in every area of life.
3. In His grace, God provides a means for cleansing from our all our sins.
4. Forgiveness requires a sacrificial substitute.
5. Sacrifices “worked” through faith and a repentant heart – the same way salvation “works” today.
Keep these five things in mind as you read through this book, as alien as some of its emphases may seem to you in your own life context and you will be blessed!
When you finish reading this devotional, I encourage you to pray this prayer,
Heavenly Father, Help me to have a tender heart before you. Your prophets in the Old Testament pointed out repeatedly how sacrifices and offerings alone could not bring one into a right relationship to you. Thank you for providing a way through the death of Jesus in my place for me to receive forgiveness for my sins and eternal life through Him. Help me to share that Good News with other as often and in as many different ways as I can. In the name of Jesus, Amen!
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