Feb.5 - Leviticus 18 - 20

Here are a few Power Points from today's reading:

1) God's people are to be distinctively different than those who are unbelievers! When you read these 3 chapters, you see how God offers advice and instruction to the nation of Israel on how to be different than the rest of the worldly crowd. He begins in 18:3 by saying, "So do not act like the people of Egypt (the world), where you used to live, or like the people of Canaan, where I am taking you." In 20:23, God says, "Do not live according to the customs of the people I am driving out before you. It is because they do these shameful things that I detest them." And again He says in 20:26, "I have set you apart from all other people to be my very own." Christians are to be different than the those who have not put their faith in Christ! Unfortunately, many Christians don't show much difference. They worry like the rest of the world. They crave material things like the rest of the world. They show very little interest in the things of God like the rest of the world. God want's us to be different! He wants to reflect Himself through us! I strongly believe that the most powerful testimony to reach the lost is showing God's nature in your life, His miracle-working power, His unconditional love, His forgiveness, His faithfulness, His endless mercy, etc. We may be the ONLY BIBLE our lost friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers may ever read! What are they reading in you?

2) Christianity is NOT about a bunch of rules! As we read the "Do nots.." in Leviticus 18 - 20 it might be easy for the casual reader to think that God is a rigid rule maker. Be He's not! He actually offers great freedom in the Christian life. If you read these "Do nots" carefully, it's simply practical advice! Notice how God offers His instruction - it's in detail. He starts off with sexual sins, and is very detailed about it in Leviticus 18. It would be no different than the advice you would offer someone else. Another reason He is going through these "Do nots" is because the land of Canaan (the future Promised Land for Israel) is full of sinful ways, and God is simply describing in detail those things that has infuriated Him over the years! He wants us to be holy! He says in 20:26, "You must be holy because I, the Lord, am holy. I have set you apart from all other people to be my very own." Life, without rules, is a dangerous game! And speaking of "game", there isn't a game in the world that isn't without some rules. Name one! Can you imagine a football game without rules? Rules offer order and structure so that everyone's on the same playing field. God is simply putting the nation of Israel on a proper structure in order to please Him.

3) God never wants us to forget that HE IS LORD! More than 20 times throughout these 3 chapters God reminds Israel that HE IS LORD. Go back and glance through chapter 19. After nearly every bit of instruction He offers a reminder by saying, "I am the Lord" or "I am the Lord your God." He says it 16 times in chapter 19 alone! Why? I think it's because we often forget who we're actually supposed to please in this world. We're not to be too overly concerned about pleasing anyone except God - the judge of all the earth! Who are you trying to please today? When your name passes through the mind of God, does He get a warm sensation about how holy you are? Are you doing everything you can to please Him?

4) God is for capital punishment! There are many people who hate the concept of capital punishment. They think it's cruel and unusual punishment. But, God doesn't feel that way! Even though He is a loving, generous, forgiving, merciful, and gracious God, His patience does wear out! In fact, He says in 18:27, "All these detestable activities are practiced by the people of the land...and this is how the land has become defiled. So do not defile the land and give it a reason to vomit you out, as it will vomit out the people who live there now." God's patience with the evil practices of the inhabitants of Canaan wore thin, and He decided to remove them and give the land to Israel - the very land He promised to Abraham. As you go through chapter 20, you'll see several causes for capital punishment. God is simply stating how He feels about such people who commit such acts and what He feels is the proper, most judicial act of punishment. Wow!

Is there anything that I didn't mention here that you find interesting? Please feel free to add your comments! I look forward to hearing from you. Have a great day in the Lord!