Pastor's Blog

Surviving Leviticus

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Pastor Tom

Okay, I admit it. Leviticus, at first glance, can be a tough read. It starts with regulations concerning offerings, continues with forbidden foods and then has all this stuff about leprosy. What does this have to do with our lives today?

Well, it might seem like little at first. Yet hidden within the pages of Leviticus are all kinds of pearls and insights that reveal God’s character and inform later parts of Scripture. So here’s some pearls that might enhance your read through Leviticus.

1) The first seven chapters contain regulations for different kinds of offerings. Why would God tell them this? Because He wanted to show them how to relate to Him without killing themselves! Remember God is a holy God and cannot be in the presence of sin. So these regulations would teach them and enable them to approach Him with a right attitude. In a way, these regulations are an act of love – the Holy God lays out very specific instructions to protect His people on how to approach Him. Don’t we always want the will of God laid out to us in clear steps? Here’s an example where God actually does that.

2) Chapters 8–9 set apart Aaron and his sons for service. It could be considered the first ordination service. Chapter 10 reveals how seriously God viewed the commitment of the priests to their office.

3) Remember all of this comes within the bigger picture of the Old Testament. God is preparing a people for Himself. So don’t read this as some obscure legal code. Read it as God helping His people relate to Him.

4) Chapter 11 contains the forbidden foods chapter. But in verse 44 you find the theme verse of Leviticus – Be holy because I am holy. To be holy means to be set apart unto God. Many have speculated about why some animals were forbidden and others accepted. I think the best explanation is that God wanted to teach the people about holiness with their diet. So he prohibited animals that blurred distinct lines. If an animal parted the hoof and chewed the cud, it could be eaten. If animals did one but not the other, they couldn’t be eaten. Only those that were separated – those that were distinct from those that blurred these lines of separation – could be eaten. It’s another example of God wanting their faith to be lived out at home.

5) Chapter 18 contains God’s view on holy sexual relations. It is from this passage that we discover the heart of God on all these things.

6) Jesus quotes Leviticus 19:18 when asked about the greatest commandment. This verse contains the “second.” You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

7) The Jewish feasts are described in 23–25. How does Jesus fulfill each of these?

8) 26 contains the reality of consequences for behavior. Good consequences or bad ones.

Leviticus must be read as part of the great story of God setting apart a people for Himself. As you go through it, ask God to reveal Himself to you. You might be surprised where you’ll discover Him.

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