SEXUAL PURITY

Today’s Reading: Leviticus 17-18

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).

An Ibex on the run in Ein Gedi, Israel.  First Samuel 1:1-2 tells us of David hiding from King Saul here at Ein Gedi, the place of “the rocks of the wild goats.”

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.

Key Verse: Leviticus 18:5

You shall therefore keep My statutes and My judgments, which if a man does, he shall live by them: I am the Lord.

The words “I am the Lord” appear 18 times in today’s and tomorrow’s readings. God is establishing His infinitely high moral standards in the minds of a people who have just come out from Egypt, where they practised the abominations mentioned here. Let me point out again that persons were not called “abominable”…their acts were. There is nothing new here. The very things that today corrupt society and destroy people and families are described in Moses’ writings. In our key verse, just before a long list of immoral acts, God promises, once again, that just as sin leads to death, obedience leads to life. It’s clear that God hates sexual sin, and it is also clear that He has made provision for the forgiveness of all sin. The words “cut off” could be understood, for example, as the imprisonment of a convicted pedophile. The sacrifices we read so much about were pictures of the final and complete Sacrifice for sin offered by our Lord Jesus.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, give me a loathing for sin and, at the same time, an intense practical love for the sinner. That includes my sin and myself. As the man of whom Jesus spoke prayed, “Lord, be merciful to me a sinner,” and was made righteous before You, so I pray this prayer often. Thank You for this prayer that You guarantee, from the mouth of Jesus, will restore and maintain my relationship with You, O Holy God. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Those words, “I am the Lord,” remind me of standing beside the Sea of Galilee with my Middle-Eastern son-in-law. He told me of the significance of the 153 fish the disciples caught in John 21:11. His first language is Arabic, his second is Hebrew, and his third is English. He explained how in Hebrew, each letter has a numerical value, and “Ana Elohim” (“I am the Lord”) comes to 100, 50, and 3. Peter and the other disciples, who would have attended synagogue schools, knew exactly what the risen Christ was communicating. My son-in-law is an ordained minister in the Nazareth Baptist Church, and I’ve checked this out with Hebrew scholars. We’ll be moving to the Gospel of John in nine days. Don’t get discouraged in Leviticus! How about you and I click right now and read that portion about the 153 fish…John 21:1-14. A lady told me the other day that it was not Leviticus where she got bogged down in her reading; it was Numbers. Something to look forward to, right?

Yours for the blessing of going back and forth between the Old and the New Testaments,

David

P.S. [Originally written October 9, 2016]  Below is a photo of Norma-Jean and me at Thanksgiving a few years ago. We were about to partake of a delicious turkey dinner with some of our family. Also our granddaughter, Hannah Jean Shaheen, M.D., was married recently to a fine young businessman Dan Fuller. I’m rejoicing in God’s goodness that He allowed me to be released from the hospital in time to participate in their wedding ceremony. The second photo below is of Grandpa serving them communion. Rev. Ron Mainse officiated the ceremony.

ATONEMENT (“AT ONE” with GOD)

Today’s Reading: Leviticus 16

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).

A wandering goat on the hillside by the Sea of Galilee. This is obviously a nanny goat. The male of the the species was an acceptable offering for sacrifice.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.

Key Verses: Leviticus 16:15, 34

“Then he shall kill the goat of the sin offering, which is for the people, bring its blood inside the veil…and sprinkle it on the mercy seat and before the mercy seat…

This shall be an everlasting statute for you, to make atonement for the children of Israel, for all their sins, once a year.” And he did as the Lord commanded Moses.

Yom Kippur, the annual Day of Atonement in the Jewish calendar, has just passed. Here, this most holy day is established. On this day, observant Jews confess their sins to God and ask forgiveness. Last week we presented a video regarding Yom Kippur that everyone should see (click here). Please watch it again. Please pass it on to others.

As believers in Jesus, we have confidence (or boldness) to enter the Most Holy Place every day (Hebrews 10:19-25). Please don’t miss reading from Hebrews!!! When we listen to God as we read His Word and pray, there is an increase in our awareness of His Presence. This blog can help us do this every day. Then, as that passage in Hebrews reminds us, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.” We need the ministry gifts that God has provided in our local congregation. We need each other in greater depth than the Internet can provide.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, every day I ask for the Divine Teacher, the Holy Spirit, to teach me so that I may teach Your Word correctly and with inspiration. Thank You, Father, that Your Son, our High Priest has, by the Sacrifice of Himself, opened the way into the most Holy Place. May I cherish this most sacred privilege daily. I pray this through the Person and work of Jesus. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS (plus a few more):

I’ve committed to doing “100words” daily. This is something that I believe the Lord clearly asked me to do. Following a week of fasting and prayer in our church, I was awakened at 4 a.m. to hear that still small Voice say, “David, you will awaken at this time every day and you will prepare and write a daily blog.” If you’re new to my blog and would like to read more about it, you can visit the “About 100words.ca” by clicking here. The very best place to get answers is when you assemble “yourselves together” in your local church in a class or listening to the Pastor. The Crossroads/100 Huntley Street prayer lines are available toll free across the continent 24/7 at 1-866-273-4444. Our prayer partners will do their best to answer questions and they can recommend a local congregation in your area. Also, be sure to watch 100 Huntley Street daily. You can watch it on TV or online (click here).

Yours for communicating daily,

David

CLEANSING

Today’s Reading: Leviticus 15

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).

Among the ruins of the 2,000-year-old Qumran community are small pools which were used for ceremonial bathing. The steps leading down to the baths were each divided to ensure that the impure people descending did not touch the cleansed ones returning up the stairs. Believers in Jesus know that we are cleansed by His precious blood (1 John 1:7).

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.

Key Verse: Leviticus 15:31

Thus you shall separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness, lest they die in their uncleanness when they defile My tabernacle that is among them.

One of the physical conditions described in our reading is found in Mark 5:25-34. The woman touched the hem of Jesus’ garment and was immediately healed of a 12-year constant discharge of blood. Jesus, our High Priest, changes everything. These ceremonial laws were for a specific purpose and a specific time. They taught certain health lessons which were important to a great multitude of former slaves who were wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. These laws seem to have the purpose of honouring God’s dwelling place, the Tabernacle. We are not under the authority of these ordinances today, nor are observant Jews. The denomination within Judaism known as Pharisees were burdened down with intricate rules and regulations. The Apostle Paul, a one-time Pharisee, wrote, when confronted with teachers who sought to turn believers in Jesus back to some of these ceremonial laws, “Stand fast, therefore, in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, Your servant, Paul, taught us, as You had taught him, that the Law is fulfilled in loving my neighbour as myself (Galatians 5:14). Grant me grace, I pray, to do this constantly. Deliver me from being self-centred. Thank You, Jesus! Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Recently I watched a TV show called “The West Wing.” In it the producers and writers put Scripture into the mouth of an actor who played the part of the U.S. President. The quotes were from the most sacred Jewish writings, the Torah. He quoted from Exodus and Leviticus. These verses were never intended to be used in this way as a put down of those who stand for biblical moral standards. When confronted with a woman taken in adultery, Jesus confronted her accusers, who were more intent on discrediting Jesus than in carrying out the ceremonial law. They dropped their stones when Jesus said, “Let him that is without sin among you cast the first stone.” I have a stone on which I wrote this in large letters. It’s a reminder that, along with the laws, the word “forgiveness” is written over and over in the Jewish laws. Jesus exemplified this when He said to the woman, “Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more.” Hollywood, in most cases, gets it wrong. I’m constantly on guard when I watch something like “The West Wing.” God is holy, loving and forgiving. I’m a sinner (1 John 1:8-10) and I deserve death, but God gives me life. I feel the need to worship God. I’m going to search Google and join in singing, “Amazing Grace.” I worship You, Almighty God. I am the object of God’s love.

Yours for a thorough understanding of Scripture, understanding the reason for the Law and for the “Amazing Grace that saved a wretch like me,”

David

CLEAN

Today’s Reading: Leviticus 14

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).

In the area of Caesarea Philippi in Northern Israel, clean cool water from Mount Herman runs swiftly through these waterfalls at Banias.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.

Key Verse: Leviticus 14:8

He who is to be cleansed shall wash his clothes, shave off all his hair, and wash himself in water, that he may be clean. After that he shall come into the camp, and shall stay outside his tent seven days.

Please click on this Scripture passage: 2 Corinthians 3:14-18. When reading the Old Testament we must read through God’s prescription glasses. He has provided that when we read Scripture, looking through the Person of Jesus Christ, we are able to see with insight and understanding. In yesterday’s reading, the priests were given instruction in the detection of leprosy. Today’s chapter deals with the procedures for cleansing and restoration into the community. Our cleansing is by the Blood of Christ (1 John 1:7). Restoration into the full fellowship of the Church, after spiritual leprosy is cleansed, is described in Galatians 6:1-10. Please click that link and we’ll be blessed to read together.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, Please help me to receive those who turn to You in repentance as You have received me. I need Your cleansing every day, and I thank You and my fellow believers for receiving me into Your Church. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Today’s photo is a magnificent demonstration of the intricate beauty of God’s creation for the cleansing and productivity of the land. I stepped outside a few minutes ago and gazed at the sky. The stars were so very bright and the moon was front and centre. A racoon scampered away from his breakfast on the seeds the birds had dropped from the feeder. How do I think about these things? The human brain is the most complicated organization of matter in the universe. One of our cells is more complicated than the entire man-made electric power system of Toronto. I’m not surprised that, in reading Leviticus, sometimes my eyes glaze over with incomprehension and I feel like going back to bed. The detail in Leviticus is tough for us to handle. God is a God of infinite detail. I know that I will stick with my reading and with this blog because of the grace God has given me. Lots of people give up their reading at this point. I know I’m stubborn enough to keep on keeping on.

Yours for persistent and consistent reading of God’s Word,

David

DIAGNOSIS

Today’s Reading: Leviticus 13

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).

The ancient Caesarea Maritima city and harbour was built by Herod the Great about 25-13 BC. It served as an administrative centre of Judaea Province of the Roman Empire. You can read in Acts chapter 10 about the story of Cornelius, who lived in Caesarea. Cornelius, his family, and neighbours were cleansed from the leprosy of sin as the Holy Spirit came upon them.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.

Key Verse: Leviticus 13:44

…he is a leprous man. He is unclean. The priest shall surely pronounce him unclean; his sore is on his head.

When Jesus healed the 10 lepers, as recorded in Luke 17, He said to them, “Go show yourselves to the priest.” The priests were the medical doctors of the day. Jesus’ miracles will always stand the test of medical scrutiny. The word “leprosy” is found 28 times in Leviticus alone. Obviously, God and Moses treated this disease most seriously. There are two purposes for the instructions concerning leprosy. First, the health of those suffering from this dreaded disease, as well as the protection of others from the disease, and second, the spiritual lesson that leprosy illustrates. Leprosy illustrated for Moses the spiritual corruption that will infect God’s people if left untreated, and if there is no separation from sin.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord, please bless those that serve us in the medical profession. You care about every detail concerning our health and the treatment of our diseases. You are our Healer, Lord Jesus. Please help me to keep clean spiritually. Give me a heart that yearns to honour You always in all I do, say, and think. I pray these blessings through the Person of the One who healed many lepers, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

From time to time Norma-Jean and I have sent offerings to the Leprosy Mission of Canada. A pill has been developed which can halt and reverse the spread of this disease, particularly if taken regularly at an early stage. Thousands have been helped. In the early 1970’s I travelled to Calcutta. There I spent time with missionary Mark Buntain, who established a wonderful Christian congregation and built a great hospital. In a Sunday morning service we were together at the altar laying hands on the sick, praying for their healing. Before me stood a lady with an obvious leprous sore on her head. To my shame, I drew my hand back, but not Mark. He laid his hand upon her forehead, and prayed. The following Wednesday she appeared at the church. The leprous sore on her head was gone. She was pregnant at the time. Norma-Jean and I took on the support of the Avatoon family (the husband and father had left them). She named the new baby, David, after me. I have never felt so unworthy. Today, the three children are professionals in various fields. Reynold, our son, met the eldest daughter in Calcutta a few years back and took a picture (below). What a joy to receive his first-hand report! Reynold and his wife Kathy were there dedicating a school building project on behalf of Crossroads Missions. Many of you supported this project that helped to get young children away for a few hours each day from the city dump and into school. Reynold called this missions project, “Treasures in the Trash.”

Yours because of God’s concern for every person,

David

Below is the picture of Rita Avatoon. I first met this person when she was a little girl living in a Calcutta slum with her leprous pregnant mother and another sister. A baby boy soon arrived. Mother named him David. Norma-Jean and I had a part in supporting this family until all three children graduated from University.

BE HOLY

Today’s Reading: Leviticus 11-12

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).

This Desert Horned Viper can be found in Africa, the Sinai Peninsula, Israel and Arabia. Satan, Lucifer, once one of the most beautiful angels in Heaven, the enemy of all that is holy, is called “That Old Serpent” in the book of Revelation (Revelation 12:9 and 20:2).

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.

Key Verse: Leviticus 11:44a

For I am the Lord your God. You shall therefore consecrate yourselves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy.

God is holy! The four living creatures in Revelation 4:8 worship God by saying, “Holy, holy, holy.” God’s Word to us is, “be holy.” Self righteousness is as “filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6); therefore, in God’s eyes, being holy is not attained by keeping the food regulations found in these chapters. These requirements may be good for your health, but keeping them does not make one holy. Romans chapter 4 is an important New Testament reading in order to understand the holiness God provides for us. Please do as I have done this morning and read 1 Peter 1:13-16. You’ll discover that God’s Word makes it clear that we are to live holy lives. We are holy before God and are to consistently conduct ourselves in a godly way.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

I realize, Lord God, that, like Abraham, I am righteous before You by faith, and like Abraham I am to demonstrate righteousness by obedience. Grant me grace to conduct myself in a righteous way, doing what is right before You and before people. In Jesus’ Name. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

At a gathering of Pork Producers of Ontario, I was asked to say the blessing over a feast which featured, what else, roasted pork. I thought about my late Father-in-law, Godfrey Rutledge, who prayed over one meal at our dinner table, “Lord, if You can bless under grace what You cursed under Law, bless this food.” Needless to say, he did not partake, but the rest of us enjoyed our meal, pork included. I thought of my own Dad, who spent over 20 years in Egypt. He said that the pigs ate the garbage and so he would not eat pork there, but here he enjoyed it greatly. As I prayed about my blessing for the Pork Producers, I saw in my mind’s eye the vision of Peter with the unclean animals in the sheet let down from Heaven. There, in my imagination, I saw a pig front and centre on the sheet. I blessed the meal with a clear conscience. I’ve just read again Acts 10:9-16.

Yours for holy living,

David

AN ACCEPTABLE OFFERING

Today’s Reading: Leviticus 9-10

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).

The Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in these caves in the region known as Qumran. These scrolls are a collection of 972 texts consisting of Biblical manuscripts from the Hebrew Bible as well as other documents. They were discovered almost 70 years ago in clay jars hidden in the caves which are located in the mountainsides on the northwest shore of the Dead Sea, from which they derive their name. These are the most ancient scrolls in existence. The scroll with the book of Isaiah, the “Gospel” of the Old Testament, is exactly as we have it in our Bibles today. Portions of every other Old Testament book except for Esther are in the scrolls. The Bible is reliable!!!

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.

Key Verse: Leviticus 10:11

…and that you may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the Lord has spoken to them by the hand of Moses.

In today’s reading, we learn about the conduct of the priests and the judgment of God on misconduct. There are most serious consequences to the failure to follow God’s instructions, particularly for those whose calling is in leadership. The priests were not to drink any intoxicating beverages. Why? They must be fully aware at all times in order to distinguish right from wrong, the holy from the unholy, and the clean from the unclean, so that they could, by example as well as words, teach the people God’s ways. How often have God’s leaders and followers alike, lost our ability to discern what is right and then do it. The book of James should be regular reading for us, not just when our reading schedule requires it. It’s the New Testament book of Christian conduct. Consider the purpose of the Law for those who believe in Jesus… Read Galatians 3:23-27.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Thank You, Lord God, that I live in the time when I know Your grace, and I am justified by faith, not by the works of the Law. May I never take careless advantage of Your forgiveness, but may I live “With the smile of Your approval on my life.” In Jesus’ Name. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I had the honour of interviewing the Hon. Joseph R. Smallwood, Premier of Newfoundland, and one of our Fathers of Canadian Confederation. He said, “I don’t drink alcoholic beverages because I may be just one drink away from becoming an alcoholic, and I don’t wish to take the chance of destroying my life and hurting everyone around me.” At 15 years old in the United Church in Brockville, I went forward to the front and signed a pledge that I would not partake of intoxicating drinks throughout my life. It was at what was called, “a temperance service.” I’ve never been sorry I did this. Keeping that promise has enabled me to minister with integrity to many alcoholics and those who were chemically dependent. I had a great-great-grandfather who was an alcoholic. He lost the farm and simply disappeared. His only known son, my great-grandfather, Joseph Mainse, was converted to Christ at a Methodist Church, and that changed the entire direction of my family.

Yours for knowing right from wrong and the holy from the unholy,

David

CONSECRATION

Today’s Reading: Leviticus 8

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).

The High Priest washes his hands at the Brazen Laver. Behind him stands the replica of the Brazen Altar. During the Summers of 1997 and 2012 thousands visited the Crossroads Centre in Burlington, Ontario, to tour the replica of the Tabernacle which was created by Teen Missions International of Florida.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where my son, David Reynold, took the photo. click HERE.

Key Verse: Leviticus 8:5

And Moses said to the congregation, “This is what the Lord commanded to be done.”

The first seven chapters of Leviticus speak of the sacrifices. Chapter eight introduces the priesthood. As sinners we need a sacrifice. As believers we need a priest. We have both in Jesus Christ. He offered Himself as the final Sacrifice on the Cross, then He entered the heavenly sanctuary as our Priest. The ear, the thumb, and the big toe represented hearing the Word of God, doing the will of God, and going where God commands. Notice that Moses did not say, “This is expedient, agreeable, suitable or traditionally proper.” He did not lead by consensus. Seven times in this chapter the word “commanded” is used. In tomorrow’s reading, we’ll learn the results of obedience. Here’s a sneak peek…”The glory of the Lord shall appear to you” (Lev. 9:6).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, grant me the grace of strict adherence to Your Word. I find the symbols of Your Priesthood in the Old Testament and the fulfillment of those symbols in Your life and teachings, as described in the Gospels. Thank You that You established “Truth” in these ways. Finally, You confirmed the truth in practice, evident in the lives of believers in the Acts of the Apostles and in the detailed writings of those Apostles. Please sanctify anew my hearing, my doing, and my going. I pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

While still a teenager, I heard the Rector of a local Anglican (Episcopalion) Church say that it is absolutely essential to “Read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest the Word of God.” Some statements, such as this one, have been indelibly engraved on my mind. I’ve just read again Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Hebrews 8:7-13. You may want to click on those references and read them with me. I understand that God has put His laws in my mind and has written them on my heart. I make myself available to Him to do this every morning. What an amazing privilege to say, “I know Him,” and to be certain that He is merciful to my unrighteousness. My “sins and lawless deeds” He remembers no more!

Yours for putting equal portions of our minds and our hearts into a more thorough understanding of God’s Word,

David

OFFERINGS

Today’s Reading: Leviticus 7

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).

To celebrate 50 years of God’s faithfulness, Crossroads brought the life-sized Teen Missions replica of the Tabernacle of Moses and set it up in the back parking lot for the summer of 2012. In the foreground is our version of “Tent of Meeting,” where the message of the reality behind the symbolism of the Tabernacle was explained to visitors.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.

Key Verse: Leviticus 7:12

If he offers it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer, with the sacrifice of thanksgiving, unleavened cakes mixed with oil, unleavened wafers anointed with oil, or cakes of blended flour mixed with oil.

The sacrificial system was complex. It taught about the holiness of God, the sinfulness of the human family, and the need for sacrificial death in order to reconcile the perfect holiness of God and His forgiveness of sin. The system also made provision for joyful worship such as this thanksgiving offering and feast. Each offering had to include oil, the symbol of the Spirit of God. Let us welcome the Holy Spirit to our celebrations.

Last week we read Luke 24. We considered the reasons why thousands of Jerusalem’s Jews, including many Priests, believed in Jesus’ resurrection (click here to review that day’s blog). Recently I came across an amazing fact according to official Jewish records from that time. The sacrifices for Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, were not accepted by God from A.D. 30 until the destruction of the Temple by the Romans in A.D. 70. Check it out here. Jesus’ death and resurrection would have been at Passover A.D. 30, as He was born in 4 B.C, according to the best calculations.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Holy Spirit, please fill me for this new day so that I may bring with joy my offerings of thanksgiving. May I have the grace to celebrate well. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Recently around 6 a.m., I noticed that the sky was twinkling brightly with many stars. As our “day star” (the sun) rose in the east, the stars were less and less visible to my eyes. I decided to read 2 Peter. There I found in 1:19 these words, “We have the prophetic Word made more sure, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the Day Star [original King James Version] rises in your hearts.” I began to sing a song: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.” The Lord Jesus, our Day Star, shines so brightly that all the lesser lights become invisible. They are still there, but we see Jesus only. To complete my thanksgiving offering, I went into Google and found Michael W. Smith worshipping Jesus with this song (click here to view). Join Michael and me in singing this powerful chorus.

Yours for celebrating our Lord and Saviour,

David

HOLY

Today’s Reading: Leviticus 5-6

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).

Once a year the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies to worship and stand in God’s presence.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.

Key Verse: Leviticus 6:25

Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, “This is the law of the sin offering: In the place where the burnt offering is killed, the sin offering shall be killed before the Lord. It is most holy…”

Moses and Aaron, his brother, were descendants of Levi, the third son of Jacob and Leah. They were known as Levites. God chose this tribe to provide the priests who were to represent the people before God. This third book, Leviticus, is filled with details of sacrifices, priestly duties, rituals and elaborate symbols. It is sometimes perceived as the most tedious book, but when we see its place in the divine plan, Leviticus can become an exciting book. Here, for the first time, we see a detailed account of God’s prescription for sin: a sacrificial system using blood to cover sin. Here are pictures of the life, work and Person of our great High Priest, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 8). All seven offerings were made by Jesus, the most holy Son of God. Meditate on Jesus, the final Sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 10:10). We no longer bring sacrifices, but rather present our bodies “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is our reasonable service” (Romans 12:1).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, You bore the sin of all. You were sinless, though enduring the wrath of God against sin. You were the Father’s Delight. Though You were deprived of the light of Your Father’s countenance, You are “the Light of the world.” By Your Teacher, the Holy Spirit, I’ve discovered a great mystery accurately pictured in the offerings for sin. I pray for continued illumination of the “Truth” as I read Leviticus. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS (plus a few more):

It was September of 1945, and I was 9 years old. Teased by other boys as the minister’s son, I stole an apple from the crate in front Mr. Kincaid’s grocery store to prove I was not a sissy. I destroyed the evidence, threw away the core, and returned home. The moment I entered our home, Mother looked intently at me and said, “What’s wrong, David?” I was discovered. I started to cry. Mother led me into my bedroom where I knelt, confessing my sin. When we got up and sat on the bed, Mother said, “God has forgiven your sin,” and then I heard the dreaded words I knew were coming, “You must make restitution for the wrong you did to Mr. Kincaid. Take 10 cents out of your own money, go back to the store, give Mr. Kincaid the money and ask his forgiveness.” This was too much for me. I pleaded with Mother, and she agreed that I could write a letter asking forgiveness, and enclose the dime, giving it to the grocer. Actually, I slipped the letter under a big box of cornflakes that sat on the counter. Within an hour, our phone at home rang and Mr. Kincaid said, “David, that was the bravest thing that you have done, and I forgive you. Thanks for the dime to pay for the apple. Please come and see me.” He ended up giving me my first job, delivering groceries. He said, “I need someone I can trust to bring the money back from the customer.” Mother died when I was 12. Someday, I’ll check with her for her side of the story. She may have been reading Leviticus 5:16 about restitution.

Yours for the assurance of forgiveness of sin,

David