Leviticus is a continuation of a love story. In this chapter of the story God instructs Israel with an in depth view of the 10 Commandments that He gave to Moses in Exodus 20. My view on the book of Leviticus was challenged and changed through my slow reading of it. My initial perspective was that Leviticus was a book of bloody sacrifice and my only route to get through it was using a ‘blitzkrieg’ method for reading it quickly. There are a lot of laws and sacrifices presented in the book but it is just the opening paragraph to God’s redemption of man. The Israelites were worshiping and following God by obeying Him.
As a christian living today Leviticus is a standing reminder of how inadequate I am to obtain any favor from God. All the laws point to the need for a lasting sacrifice. When Jesus Christ died on the cross for mankind it was God working to restore the fellowship mankind lost when Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden. In Leviticus there are blessings given to the Israelites when they obey God but when they disobey and follow their own way there were consequences and loss of blessing. Even when His people are disobedient God remains faithful remembering the covenant He made and He promised to restore Israel when they turned back to Him and away from their disobedience. In the same way everyone today has a choice to make to follow God or reject God. Jesus Christ died for everyone but all we need to do is believe in Him and place are trust in Him. I know when the way seems unclear that my faith in Jesus Christ is what enables me to make it through the toughest moments.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
Take heart because God loves you.
