Making Sense out of Leviticus #11

Today's reading: Leviticus 20-21.

Chapter 20 continues much in the same vein as chapter 18. I think a good summary of the true emphasis of the text is verses 7-8, "Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the LORD your God. Keep my decrees and follow them. I am the LORD, who makes you holy." Also the last part of verse 24, "...I am the LORD your God, who has set you apart from the nations." NIV

The word "holy" means "set apart." So we understand the laws given here were to empower the people, who had made YHWH their god, to be like Him. It was always for fellowship's sake. He wanted them to know the difference between Him and other so called, "gods." He wanted them to be as He is. His laws were to inform them about His nature, and make a pathway for them to be the same.

In the New Covenant, we have God Himself living in us through the Holy Spirit to accomplish that "likeness" and "image." So, therefore, the things written here, for the most part, will be our joy to express in ways of life. We are not under law and we are not instructed to "keep" or "guard" the law. However, these words from the Holy Spirit through Paul in Romans speak volumes, "For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. Do we, then, nullify the law, by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law." (Romans 7:28-31 NIV) Other translations say we "confirm' the law.

Since Jesus is the Word, and the Law is in the Word, once fulfilled in His flesh it remains fulfilled. It no longer needs me to do that. However, since He lives in me, my life will live it out in His grace and provision. We, as New Testament people, will live out this likeness and fellowship in His love.

Chapter 21 is filled with instructions for the Leviticual priesthood. They were to reflect the nature and purity of life of God Himself. There were not to dress, be stylish in the trend of the day or any such thing with their outward appearance as they were to reflect the nature of the God they were serving. He is always the same, and He is clean. These were very specific instructions regarding their lives.

We also live out His nature. We have instructions drawn off of these. We are the priesthood (2 Peter 2) and as such are to reflect the one we serve. Again, I refer you to the last part of Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians for similar instructions for us.

Tomorrow's reading: Leviticus 22-23. Only three more days and we have finished Leviticus!