Day 53

Read: Leviticus 17:1 – 19:37

Today’s reading covers a lot of ground on how God’s expectations/laws for living a life of distinct holiness, separated from worldly practices and being consecrated to God. True worship demands both purity and righteousness. In a world full of shifting standards, then and now, God calls His people to be “set apart,” holy, reflecting His character. He calls us to adopt a lifestyle that honors Him.
In what areas of my life am I blending in with the world rather than standing out for God?

Leviticus 17:11 demonstrates that blood wasn’t just for nutrition. Blood is the price of atonement – a life given for a life. Life is sacred because it is the gift of God. Blood represents a creatures life, and all life belongs to God. The shedding of the blood of sacrificial animals foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who gave His life to cover our sins. We should honor that sacrifice by living in gratitude.
Do I treat the sacrifice of Jesus with reverence, recognizing the high cost of my forgiveness? 

God sets boundaries for sexual and social conduct in Leviticus 18 in order to protect the family and community from the “defilement” of surrounding cultures. Sexual activity was sacred because it resulted in procreation of life, the gift of God. Throughout Chapter 18, the words “I am the LORD,” convey the point that we are not to decide whether or not to obey, but rather that we are to trust God’s faithful intention to do what is best for His children.

Leviticus 19 contains a variety of commandments or expressions of God’s will of appropriate behavior toward God and with others. This chapter connects spiritual devotion with practical, daily ethics that complement the Ten Commandments. The basis for appropriate conduct is the covenant relationship with the LORD. Obedience is a proper response to God’s grace. Holiness or separateness is emphasized by the regulations found in today’s reading.  A person can “profane” God’s name by a lifestyle that is contradictory to holiness as well as by verbal profanity.
How can I practice loving my neighbor as myself this week in my work, home, or community?

Prayer:

Lord, You are holy and You have called me to be holy. Thank You for the blood of Jesus that covers my sins and gives me new life. Help me to live as a person set apart. May my actions be distinct. Help me to be loving in my relationships and obedient to Your commands. I want my life to bring glory to Your name. Amen.