Leviticus

Leviticus 1:1-3

"Now the Lord called to Moses, and spoke to him from the tabernacle of meeting, saying, 2 "Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: When any one of you brings an offering to the Lord, you shall bring your offering of the livestock-of the herd and of the flock. 3 If his offering is a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish; he shall offer it of his own free will at the door of the tabernacle of meeting before the Lord."

First, it is important to give some brief background to Leviticus chapter one. The Israelites have arrived safely at the foot of Mount Sinai, and the tabernacle has been completed. The people will spend a great deal of time here as God shows them a new way of life with clear instructions on how sinful people can relate to a holy God. These instructions can help us avoid taking our relationship with the same holy God too lightly. We learn about the holiness and majesty of the God with whom we are allowed to have a personal relationship.

So as we read Chapter 1 of Leviticus we will see that it contains certain laws and regulations concerning the sacrifices and offerings that were to be made by the Israelites. The laws that were given by God and delivered by Moses were to be observed by the persons that brought there offerings to the Lord and then by the priest that offered them. Orders are given on what actions should be done with whatever sacrifice was given. There are three different types of sacrifices, depending on ones economics, that are offered: First the bulls were offered by the richest Israelites; secondly sheep or goats were offered by most of the people; and thirdly the poorest were allowed to bring turtledoves or young pigeons.

One of the things that can be observed is that all of the sacrifices required the active participation of the worshiper. It is also clear that the different offerings were accepted by God without prejudice or favoritism. In other words, economic standings are not a measure of acceptance to the Lord.

God's desire for fellowship and His concern for His people becomes clearer to anyone who reads carefully through the Book of Leviticus. Every detailed regulation recorded in Leviticus is a revelation from God through Moses for His people. With these laws, God personally instructed the Israelites how to live before Him. Those who read the book of Leviticus sometimes get lost in all the regulations governing various types of sacrifices, what was clean or unclean, who was eligible to be a priest, and so on. However, when these details are placed within the context of God's desire to have fellowship with the Israelites, the seemingly "dead" Law can take on new life.

Let me give you an example of Leviticus coming alive for me. If you're anything like me, you may have wondered how Isaiah 53:10 could say, "It pleased the Lord to bruise Him". Well in the context of Leviticus we can see how the offering, when done according to the law, was a sweet aroma to the Lord. In other words when the sacrifice was done in faith and with a free will, it was accepted by the Lord as pleasing or "sweet". The same is true of the death of the Son of God. It was pleasing to the Lord to bruise Him because He was a male without blemish, who was offered at His own free will to bring salvation to the world. Wow! What a Savior!!! We have relationship with the Father, because of the sacrifice that was made for us.

I pray that you would have a fresh understanding of the sacrifice that was made for your sin. May your understanding cause you to worship in spirit and in truth. You and I have so much to be thankful for.

Forever Thankful,

Alan

Leviticus 2:13

"And every offering of your grain offering you shall season with salt; you shall not allow the salt of the covenant of your God to be lacking from your grain offering. With all your offerings you shall offer salt."

Chapter 2 of Leviticus contains the law of the grain offering, and gives an account of what is was made of. The grain offering accompanied all burnt offerings and was a gift of thanks to God. It reminded the people that their food came from God and that therefore they owed their lives to him. Three kinds of grain offerings are listed: #1 fine flour with oil and incense, #2 baked cakes or wafers of fine flour and oil, and #3 roasted kernels of grain (corn) with oil and incense. The absence of yeast symbolized the absence of sin, and the oil symbolized God's presence. Part of the grain offering was burned on the altar as a gift to God, and the rest was eaten by the priests. The offerings helped support them in their work.

What stands out to me in this chapter is verse 13, "The salt of the covenant of your God" was to be used in every grain offering. In other words, every such offering was a reminder of the covenant God had made with Israel at Sinai and of the worshiper's call to remain faithful to God and God's covenant. What is interesting to note here is that Jesus most likely had covenant faithfulness in mind when He told His followers, "You are the salt of the earth" (Matt. 5:13).

The offerings were seasoned with salt as a reminder of the people's covenant (contract) with God. Salt is a good symbol of God's activity in a person's life, because it penetrates, preserves, and aids in healing. The simple truth is that God wants to be active in our life. He wants to penetrate every aspect of your life, preserving you from the evil all around, and delivering you of your sins and shortcomings.

One last thing to note is how in Arab countries, an agreement was sealed with a gift of salt to show the strength and permanence of the contract. It is know wonder why believers are called "the salt of the earth." Let the salt you use today remind you that you are now one of God's covenant people who actively help preserve and purify the world.

I pray that your offerings would be pleasing to the Lord, and that you would be faithful to acknowledge the Creator for all your provision today. You are the salt of the earth!

Acknowledging Him,

Alan

Leviticus 3:1-5

When his offering is a sacrifice of a peace offering, if he offers it of the herd, whether male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the Lord. 2 And he shall lay his hand on the head of his offering, and kill it at the door of the tabernacle of meeting; and Aaron's sons, the priests, shall sprinkle the blood all around on the altar. 3 Then he shall offer from the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire to the Lord. The fat that covers the entrails and all the fat that is on the entrails, 4 the two kidneys and the fat that is on them by the flanks, and the fatty lobe attached to the liver above the kidneys, he shall remove; 5 and Aaron's sons shall burn it on the altar upon the burnt sacrifice, which is on the wood that is on the fire, as an offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to the Lord.

Chapter 3 of Leviticus contains the law concerning the peace-offering. Whether the offering was made with a bullock, a heifer, a lamb, or a goat, the ordinances were much the same. This chapter explains the care the Israelites ought to take that all their services were done according to God's pleasure. The chapter will conclude with a law forbidding the eating of fat and blood throughout their dwellings for ever.

A person gave a peace offering as an expression of gratitude and a means of establishing fellowship between himself and God. Because it symbolized peace with God, part of the offering could be eaten by the person presenting it. The word "peace" in Hebrew is the word shelem, (sheh'-lem); The Hebrew word means "wholeness, completeness, soundness, health." When a person has this, in all its dimensions, that person is at peace. The peace offerings were times of feasting, drinking, talking, singing, and enjoying salvation as a great gift from God (see 7:11). Paul describes Jesus Christ as our perfect peace offering (see Col. 1:20). Unlike the burnt sacrifice, the peace offering could be either male or female. Like the burnt sacrifice, it had to be without blemish because it was offered before the Lord. These sacrificial regulations consistently emphasize the theme of only the best for God.

I would also like to mention that as with the burnt sacrifice, the presenter was an active participant in the peace offering. He brought the animal, laid his hand on its head, and killed it. Then the priests sprinkled the blood all around on the altar. The blood, representing life, was the first sacrifice to God. The fat, the two kidneys, and the fatty lobe attached to the liver specifically belonged to God. The fat was the most prized portion of the meat. Again, this emphasized giving the best to God. The kidneys were viewed as the seat of the emotions; and most historian would agree that the liver was the essential organ for telling the future in the pagan cultures surrounding Israel (see Ezek. 21:21); such fortunetelling was strictly forbidden in Israel (Deut. 18:10). These portions, burned on the altar, were given to God as the best of the sacrificial animal. In addition, the offering of the fatty lobe attached to the liver demonstrated reliance on God for the future rather than on pagan gods. Burning the liver, or even a portion of it, meant that it could not be used for fortunetelling.

I pray that you would be reminded to give the Lord the best of your day. Rise up and bless His holy name. Dedicate your day to honor and worship Him. Give Him thanks and praise for what He has done, is doing, and will yet accomplish in and through you.

Forever Grateful,

Alan

Leviticus 4:6-7

⁶ The priest shall dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle some of the blood seven times before the Lord, in front of the veil of the sanctuary. ⁷ And the priest shall put some of the blood on the horns of the altar of sweet incense before the Lord, which is in the tabernacle of meeting; and he shall pour the remaining blood of the bull at the base of the altar of the burnt offering, which is at the door of the tabernacle of meeting.

Chapter 4 of Leviticus contains the law of the sin offering, which was offered for sins committed through ignorance, error, and or mistake. The sin-offering was to provide atonement for the priest himself, the whole congregation, a ruler, or by a private person.

The steps in offering different animals were similar, with small but important variations (vs. 14, 15, 22, 27, 33). Whether it was the bull for the anointed priest or the whole congregation, the male kid for the ruler, or the female kid or lamb for the common person, the worshiper brought the animal, laid a hand on its head, and killed it. These actions emphasized that the offering was to atone for the worshiper's sin. It is important to note that the sin offering was for those who committed a sin without realizing it or committed a sin out of weakness or negligence as opposed to outright rebellion against God.

For the priest and for the congregation, the high priest carried the blood of the sacrifice into the holy place of the tabernacle, sprinkled it seven times before the veil (vs. 5, 6, 16, 17) and on the horns of the golden altar of incense (vs. 7, 18). Then he poured the rest of the blood at the base of the altar of burnt offering (vs. 7, 18). For a ruler and for common people, a priest sprinkled the blood on the horns of the altar of burnt offering and poured the rest of the blood at the bottom of the altar (vs. 25, 30, 34). For all classes, he burned the fat, kidneys, fatty lobe above the liver, and fat tail on the altar of burnt offering (vs. 8, 19, 26, 31). In the case of the offering for the high priest or for the whole congregation, all the rest of the animal was taken outside the camp and burned (vs. 11, 12, 21).

The word for "blood" in Hebrew is the word dam, (dawm); Strong's 1818: This word is related to the Hebrew word 2adom, which means "red" (Gen. 25:30), and refers to the blood of animals (Ex. 23:18) or human beings (Gen. 4:10). In the Scriptures, blood may be a synonym for death (Judg. 9:24) or even murder (Jer. 19:4). The word blood may also represent a person's guilt, as in the phrase "his blood shall be upon him"-that is, he is responsible for his own guilt (20:9). The Old Testament equates life with blood (Gen. 9:4; Deut. 12:23), which vividly illustrates the sanctity of human life (Gen. 9:6). According to the New Testament, Hebrews 9:22, "without shedding of blood there is no remission" of sin. We are clearly able to see that the emphasis on blood in the Old Testament sacrifices pointed to the blood Christ which would be shed on our behalf (Rom. 5:9; 1 Cor. 11:25, 26).

The question can be asked, "why so much detail?" Again, we need to be reminded that all these details help us to see the very heart of God, which is to reveal the Son of God. For example, we can see from Leviticus 4 that the body of any sin offering whose blood was taken into the holy place was burned outside the camp. So our Lord, through His own blood, entered the holy place once for all (Heb. 9:12) after He had suffered outside the city of Jerusalem. We are admonished to "go forth to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach" (Heb. 13:13).

I pray that you would be reminded of the great sacrifice that has been made for you. Rejoice in HIS provision today. Thank HIM for HIS faithfulness, HIS mercy, and HIS grace!!!!

Acts 20:28 (KJV)

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Taking Heed,

Alan

Leviticus 5:5-6

And it shall be, when he is guilty in any of these matters, that he shall confess that he has sinned in that thing; ⁶ and he shall bring his trespass offering to the Lord for his sin which he has committed, a female from the flock, a lamb or a kid of the goats as a sin offering. So the priest shall make atonement for him concerning his sin.

Chapter 5 of Leviticus deals with the trespass-offering. The difference between this and the sin-offering is the occasion of the offering. Both the sin-offering and the trespass-offering intended to make atonement for sin but the trespass-offering gives some particular instances. For example if a man #1 sin in concealing his knowledge, #2 in touching an unclean thing, #3 in swearing. Some of the accepted offerings were a female from the flock, a lamb or a kid of the goats. For those who are poor provision is also made. They could bring for their offering two turtledoves, two young pigeons, or one-tenth of an ephah of fine flour.

It is important to bring out that the entire system of sacrifices could not help a sinner unless he brought his offering with an attitude of repentance and a willingness to confess sin. Today, because of Christ's death on the cross, we do not have to sacrifice animals. Let me remind you of two powerful scriptures in the book of Hebrews:

Hebrews 9:26 (KJV)

For then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

Hebrews 10:12 (KJV)

But this man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

Christ's work is contrasted with the work of the priests in Leviticus. The priests' work was never finished, so they always had to stand and offer sacrifices; Christ's sacrifice (dying in our place) is finished, so He is seated. The priests repeated the sacrifices often; Christ sacrificed once for all. The sacrifice system couldn't completely remove sin; Christ's sacrifice effectively cleansed us.

However we still learn from Leviticus that it is vital to confess sin, because confession shows realization of sin, awareness of God's holiness, humility before God, and willingness to turn from this sin (Psalm 51:16-17). Even Jesus' death will be of little value to us if we do not repent and follow him. It is like a vaccine for a dangerous disease?it won't help unless it enters the bloodstream.

I pray that you would continue to see the provision God has made for you. HE has always been your provider. Even in your mother's womb He has made provision for you. Rejoice today knowing that provision was made for your sin.

Forgiven,

Alan

Leviticus 6:1-7

And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: ² "If a person sins and commits a trespass against the Lord by lying to his neighbor about what was delivered to him for safekeeping, or about a pledge, or about a robbery, or if he has extorted from his neighbor, ³ or if he has found what was lost and lies concerning it, and swears falsely-in any one of these things that a man may do in which he sins: ⁴ then it shall be, because he has sinned and is guilty, that he shall restore what he has stolen, or the thing which he has extorted, or what was delivered to him for safekeeping, or the lost thing which he found, ⁵ or all that about which he has sworn falsely. He shall restore its full value, add one-fifth more to it, and give it to whomever it belongs, on the day of his trespass offering. ⁶ And he shall bring his trespass offering to the Lord, a ram without blemish from the flock, with your valuation, as a trespass offering, to the priest. ⁷ So the priest shall make atonement for him before the Lord, and he shall be forgiven for any one of these things that he may have done in which he trespasses."

Chapter 6 of Leviticus begins with a continuation of the previous chapter on the law of the trespass-offering. Again, whether the sins were committed knowingly or willfully they needed to be forgiven and God gives instruction on the several kinds of sacrifices that were to be offered. In this chapter we also have several rites and ceremonies concerning burning-offerings, meat-offerings and sin-offerings, which had not been mentioned before.

I find it interesting to note that though all the instances relate to our neighbor, yet it is called a trespass against the Lord. The word in Hebrew for "trespass" is the word: ma`al, (mah'-al); from Hebrew 4603 (ma`al); treachery, i.e. sin :- falsehood, grievously, sore, transgression, trespass, � very. Though the injury, offense, or damage be done immediately to our neighbor, yet the ultimate transgression is against his Maker and our Master. He that speaks evil of his brother is said to speak evil of the law, and consequently of the Law-maker, James 4:11. Remember the story of David: he said in Psalm 51:4 "Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight-that You may be found just when You speak, and blameless when You judge." The truth was David had sinned against Bathsheba, Uriah, and the nation he was called to rule. But none of these indictments were as serious as David's offense against God.

One last comment about this chapter is here we discover that stealing involves more than just taking from someone. Finding something and not returning it or refusing to return something borrowed are other forms of stealing. These are sins against God and not just your neighbor, a stranger, or a large business. If you have gotten something deceitfully, then confess your sin to God, apologize to the owner, and return the stolen items?with interest.

I thank God for instructions that can keep our conscience clear, but most of all I am thankful for the Holy Spirit that will guide us into all truth. I close with John 16:5-15: "But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, Where are You going? ⁶ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. ⁷ Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. ⁸ And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: ⁹ of sin, because they do not believe in Me; ¹⁰ of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; ¹¹ of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

¹² "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. ¹³ However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. ¹⁴ He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. ¹⁵ All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.

Learning to Lean,

Alan

Leviticus 8:31-36

And Moses said to Aaron and his sons, "Boil the flesh at the door of the tabernacle of meeting, and eat it there with the bread that is in the basket of consecration offerings, as I commanded, saying, Aaron and his sons shall eat it. 32 What remains of the flesh and of the bread you shall burn with fire. 33 And you shall not go outside the door of the tabernacle of meeting for seven days, until the days of your consecration are ended. For seven days he shall consecrate you. 34 As he has done this day, so the Lord has commanded to do, to make atonement for you. 35 Therefore you shall stay at the door of the tabernacle of meeting day and night for seven days, and keep the charge of the Lord, so that you may not die; for so I have been commanded." 36 So Aaron and his sons did all the things that the Lord had commanded by the hand of Moses.

Chapter 8 of Leviticus gives us an account of the consecration of Aaron and his sons to the priesthood. This event was also none as a ordination service. The call to this office was done publicly and the congregation was gathered together to witness this solemn event. Aaron and his sons were washed with water and clothed with special garments by Moses as God had commanded. Moses then began to anoint the tabernacle and the utensils that were in the tabernacle, and then the priests. After this Aaron and his sons placed their hands on a young bull as it was killed, and on two rams as they were killed. Moses slew the bullock for the sin-offering, and the rams for the burnt-offering. Again, every step of the offering was done as God had commanded Moses. The final instructions are given about boiling the flesh, burning the remainder of it, and keeping the charge of the Lord night and day for seven days.

We observe from the Old Testament that all of the men from the tribe of Levi were dedicated for service to God, but only Aaron's descendants were called to be priests. They alone had the honor and responsibility of performing the sacrifices. These priests had to cleanse and dedicate themselves before they could help the people do the same.

The question can be asked however, "Why were priests needed in Israel?" What we learn is that when the Israelites left Egypt, the descendants of Aaron were chosen to serve as priests for the nation. The function of the priests was to stand in the gap between God and man. They were the full-time spiritual leaders and overseers of offerings. The priestly system was a concession to people's inability, because of sin, to confront and relate to God individually and corporately. The good news is that in Christ, this imperfect system was transformed. Jesus Christ Himself is our High Priest. Now all believers can approach God through Him.

It is important that we see the example set before us today. Aaron and his sons did "everything the LORD commanded." Considering the many detailed lists of Leviticus, that was a remarkable accomplishment. They knew what God wanted, how he wanted it done, and with what attitude it was to be carried out. This really can serve as a model for us on how carefully we ought to listen to instruction and even more importantly how we need to obey what we are commanded.

I want to encourage you today that you can walk in obedience. The answer is found in HIS GRACE. Let me remind you of one of my favorite passages of scripture: "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age" (Titus 2:11).

Learning to walk in His provision,

Alan

Leviticus 7:19-27

The flesh that touches any unclean thing shall not be eaten. It shall be burned with fire. And as for the clean flesh, all who are clean may eat of it. 20 But the person who eats the flesh of the sacrifice of the peace offering that belongs to the Lord, while he is unclean, that person shall be cut off from his people. 21 Moreover the person who touches any unclean thing, such as human uncleanness, an unclean animal, or any abominable unclean thing, and who eats the flesh of the sacrifice of the peace offering that belongs to the Lord, that person shall be cut off from his people. "22 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 23 "Speak to the children of Israel, saying: You shall not eat any fat, of ox or sheep or goat. 24 And the fat of an animal that dies naturally, and the fat of what is torn by wild beasts, may be used in any other way; but you shall by no means eat it. 25 For whoever eats the fat of the animal of which men offer an offering made by fire to the Lord, the person who eats it shall be cut off from his people. 26 Moreover you shall not eat any blood in any of your dwellings, whether of bird or beast. 27 Whoever eats any blood, that person shall be cut off from his people. "

Chapter 7 of Leviticus contains further instructions on the trespass-offering, with some further directions concerning the portion the priest had in the burnt-offering and the meat offerings. This chapter will include the law of the peace-offering. The peace-offering, or sometimes referred to as the fellowship offering, was divided into three kinds according to purpose: thanksgiving offering, vow offering, and freewill offering. We also will find in this chapter the prohibition of eating fat or blood, and the parts the priest should have, which include the breast and right shoulder of the offering. The chapter concludes with a summary of the various things contained in this and the preceding chapters.

What stands out to me this morning is how the book of Leviticus gives such detail to various kinds of uncleanness in persons and things. "Shall be cut off from his people": In other words the person will be removed from membership in the covenant community. This meant either execution, banishment, or denial of citizenship privileges. The truth is this concern for approaching God's presence in a state of ritual purity is reflected in Paul's instructions about the reverence and self-examination the Christian should use in approaching the Lord's Supper (see 1 Corinthians 11:27).

It is important to be reminded that these sacrifices were prescribed by God Himself on Mount Sinai. What God commanded He made possible, by giving careful instruction regarding the proper way to bring the offerings before Him. God does not leave His people to wonder how they may approach Him and please Him. All these offerings foreshadow, in one way or another, the perfect sacrifice of Christ upon Calvary.

I conclude with one last thought from this chapter: It was God who told the people of Israel to bring their peace-offerings personally, with their own hands. They were to take time and effort to express thanks to God. The bottom line is you are the only person who can express your thankfulness to God. I encourage you to take time to express thanks to God for the many blessings in your life.

Be Blessed,

Alan

Leviticus 9:1-4

It came to pass on the eighth day that Moses called Aaron and his sons and the elders of Israel. 2 And he said to Aaron, "Take for yourself a young bull as a sin offering and a ram as a burnt offering, without blemish, and offer them before the Lord. 3 And to the children of Israel you shall speak, saying, Take a kid of the goats as a sin offering, and a calf and a lamb, both of the first year, without blemish, as a burnt offering, 4 also a bull and a ram as peace offerings, to sacrifice before the Lord, and a grain offering mixed with oil; for today the Lord will appear to you. "

Chapter 9 of Leviticus describes the consecration of Aaron and his sons into the priesthood. Moses calls for a special meeting of all the people to witness Aaron and his sons being consecrated to and invested with the priest's office. Soon after being consecrated to the office they are called upon to function in that priesthood by offering a sin-offering and a burnt-offering for themselves. After this execution they exercise all sorts of offerings: a sin-offering, a burnt-offering, a peace-offering, and a meat-offering for the people. We also learn in this chapter how God signifies his acceptance of the offerings by showing them His glory and by consuming them with fire from heaven.

What stands out to me this morning is how the young bull was prescribed as the sin offering for the high priest. Before he could offer the sacrifices of others, his own sin needed atonement. This is clear evidence of the imperfection of that priesthood, and of the necessity of a better. The Jewish writers suggest, that a calf was appointed, to remind him of his sin in making the golden calf. Thereby he had rendered himself for ever unworthy of the honor of the priesthood: on which he had reason to reflect with sorrow and shame, in all the atonements he made.

Here is the good news however; this imperfection of Aaron's priesthood does not extend to the gospel dispensation: for our great High Priest, Jesus Christ, who has entered for us into "the true tabernacle," "knew no sin". I will close with a New Testament passage that will reveal a latter glory that is great than what we see in Leviticus.

Previously saying, "Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them" (which are offered according to the law), 9 then He said, "Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God." He takes away the first that He may establish the second. 10 By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, 13 from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. 14 For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified (Hebrews 10:8-14).

I pray that you would experience the eternal hope that is found in knowing and receiving from the Great High Priest.

Forever Grateful,

Alan J. Schrader

Leviticus 10:1-7

Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them. 2 So fire went out from the Lord and devoured them, and they died before the Lord. 3 And Moses said to Aaron, "This is what the Lord spoke, saying: By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; and before all the people I must be glorified. " So Aaron held his peace. 4 Then Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said to them, "Come near, carry your brethren from before the sanctuary out of the camp." 5 So they went near and carried them by their tunics out of the camp, as Moses had said. 6 And Moses said to Aaron, and to Eleazar and Ithamar, his sons, "Do not uncover your heads nor tear your clothes, lest you die, and wrath come upon all the people. But let your brethren, the whole house of Israel, bewail the burning which the Lord has kindled. 7 You shall not go out from the door of the tabernacle of meeting, lest you die, for the anointing oil of the Lord is upon you." And they did according to the word of Moses.

Chapter 10 of Leviticus begins with a sad story about the sin and punishment of Aaron's two sons, Nadab and Abihu. After their death, Aaron and his sons are commanded not to mourn, nor to depart from the tabernacle while the funeral is going on. We also have in this chapter the command to the priest not to drink wine when they went in to the tabernacle to minister; and the sons of Aaron are blamed for not eating the sin-offering in a holy place. The chapter concludes with an apology from Aaron that seems to satisfy Moses.

The question has often been asked, "What was this strange fire that was offered before the Lord?" The simple answer is that we don't know for sure but whatever explanation is correct, the point is that Nadab and Abihu abused their office as priests in a disobedient and disrespectful way. God had just reviewed with them precisely how they were to conduct worship but they chose their own way. The word in Hebrew for "strange" is the word zuwr, (zoor). It is a primitive root; and it means to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active particaple) to commit adultery :- (come from) another (man, place), fanner, go away, (e-) strange (-r, thing, woman). This Hebrew word is used in many other scriptures. I will give you just a few for your further study: Exo_30:9, Lev_10:1, Num_3:4, Num_26:61, Deu_32:16, 2Ki_19:24, Job_19:17, Psa_44:20, Psa_81:9, Pro_2:16, Pro_5:3, Pro_5:20, Pro_7:5, Pro_21:8, Pro_22:14, Pro_23:33, Isa_17:10, Isa_28:21, Isa_43:12, Hos_5:7, Hos_8:12

As leaders Nadab and Abihu had special responsibility to obey God. In their position, they could easily lead many people astray. That is why Moses said to Aaron, "by those who come near Me (meaning God) I must be regarded as holy; and before all the people I must be glorified."

I pray that we would be stirred by God's desire for obedience. It is easy for us to grow careless about obeying God, and to live our own way instead of God's. We must remember that God always has good reasons for his commands, and we always place ourselves in danger when we consciously or carelessly disobey them.

I close with a New Testament passage found in I Peter 2:1-5:

"Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 4 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."

Continue to allow God's Word to build you up!

Desiring to be acceptable,

Alan J. Schrader

Leviticus 11:45-47

45 For I am the Lord who brings you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy. 46 This is the law of the animals and the birds and every living creature that moves in the waters, and of every creature that creeps on the earth, 47 to distinguish between the unclean and the clean, and between the animal that may be eaten and the animal that may not be eaten. "

Chapter 11 of Leviticus describes the laws concerning what creatures are clean or unclean. First God gives instruction to Moses and Aaron about the beasts, then of fishes, and after that the creeping things, which are distinguished into two sorts: flying creeping things and creeping things upon the earth. The chapter will conclude with the general rule of holiness, and the reason for it.

There is more to this chapter than what is clean and what is unclean. These verses provide a key to understanding all the laws and regulations in Leviticus. God wanted His people to be holy (set apart, different, unique), just as He is holy. He knew they had only two options: to be separate and holy, or to compromise with their pagan neighbors and become corrupt. That is why He called them out of idolatrous Egypt and set them apart as a unique nation, dedicated to worshiping Him alone. That is also why he designed laws and restrictions to help them remain separate?both socially and spiritually?from the wicked pagan nations they would encounter in Canaan.

As we have observed in this chapter, the terms clean and unclean were used to define the kind of animals the Israelites could and could not eat. There were several reasons for this restricted diet: #1 To ensure the health of the nation. The forbidden foods were usually scavenging animals that fed on dead animals; thus disease could be transmitted through them. #2 To visibly distinguish Israel from other nations. The pig, for example, was a common sacrifice of pagan religions. #3 To avoid objectionable associations. The creatures that move about on the ground, for example, were reminiscent of serpents, which often symbolized sin.

As believers we are called to be holy: 1 Peter 1:15-16 "but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy." Like the Israelites, we also should remain spiritually separate from the world's wickedness, even though unlike them, we rub shoulders with unbelievers every day. It is no easy task to be holy in an unholy world, but God doesn't ask you to accomplish this on your own. Through the death of his Son, he will "present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation" (Col. 1:22).

My conclusion at this time in my studies is that the law was to them a statute for ever, that is, as long as that economy lasted; but under the gospel we find a greater principle and understanding of the Old. Some examples:

Rom 14:14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.

1Co 8:8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.

Mat 15:11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.

We must remember that with these laws, God personally instructed the Israelites how to live before Him. Those who read the book of Leviticus can sometimes get lost in all the regulations governing various types of sacrifices and what was clean or unclean. However, when these details are placed within the context of God is Holy and wants to have fellowship with the Israelites, the seemingly "dead" Law can take on new life.

I pray that you would know God's invitation to walk and talk with you today. Take time to wait upon the LORD and receive the renewing of strength that is found in fellowship with HIM.

Living because of HIM,

Alan J. Schrader

Leviticus 12:1-8

Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 "Speak to the children of Israel, saying: If a woman has conceived, and borne a male child, then she shall be unclean seven days; as in the days of her customary impurity she shall be unclean. 3 And on the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised. 4 She shall then continue in the blood of her purification thirty-three days. She shall not touch any hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary until the days of her purification are fulfilled. 5 But if she bears a female child, then she shall be unclean two weeks, as in her customary impurity, and she shall continue in the blood of her purification sixty-six days. 6 When the days of her purification are fulfilled, whether for a son or a daughter, she shall bring to the priest a lamb of the first year as a burnt offering, and a young pigeon or a turtledove as a sin offering, to the door of the tabernacle of meeting. 7 Then he shall offer it before the Lord, and make atonement for her. And she shall be clean from the flow of her blood. This is the law for her who has borne a male or a female. 8 And if she is not able to bring a lamb, then she may bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons-one as a burnt offering and the other as a sin offering. So the priest shall make atonement for her, and she will be clean. "

Chapter 12 of Leviticus gives the laws concerning the purification of a new mother. The time of her purification was dependant on whether she had a boy or girl. For the male child the ceremonial uncleanness was forty days, and for a female child it was eighty days. At the close of this time she was to bring her offering to the priests, to make atonement for her.

The question may be asked, "Why was a woman considered "ceremonially unclean" after the wonderful miracle of birth? Most likely it was due to the blood and other fluids occurring during and after childbirth. These were considered unclean and made the woman unprepared to enter the pure surroundings of the tabernacle. It should be noted here that the uncleanness was not necessarily a moral judgment on the mother. Seven days of uncleanness for a male child was the same length of time as the uncleanness for the woman's menstrual period or customary impurity (15:19).

One thing we can glean from this chapter is the fact that man has a sinful nature. The need for atonement is loud and clear. The word that stands out to me this morning is the Hebrew word taher, (taw-hare'); It is a primitive root; which means to be bright; i.e. (by implication) to be pure (physically sound, clear, unadulterated; Levitical uncontaminated; moral innocent or holy) :- be (make, make self, pronounce) clean, cleanse (self), purge, purify (-ier, self). The truth is God wants His people to experience holiness. These ceremonial laws continue to reveal how important it was for the Great High Priest to come. Because Jesus Christ came to make atonement for us all, we can be taher.

I close with a beautiful scripture found in the New Testament:

Romans 5:11 (KJV) "And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement."

In Great Joy,

Alan J. Schrader

Leviticus 13:1-8

And the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying: 2 "When a man has on the skin of his body a swelling, a scab, or a bright spot, and it becomes on the skin of his body like a leprous sore, then he shall be brought to Aaron the priest or to one of his sons the priests. 3 The priest shall examine the sore on the skin of the body; and if the hair on the sore has turned white, and the sore appears to be deeper than the skin of his body, it is a leprous sore. Then the priest shall examine him, and pronounce him unclean. 4 But if the bright spot is white on the skin of his body, and does not appear to be deeper than the skin, and its hair has not turned white, then the priest shall isolate the one who has the sore seven days. 5 And the priest shall examine him on the seventh day; and indeed if the sore appears to be as it was, and the sore has not spread on the skin, then the priest shall isolate him another seven days. 6 Then the priest shall examine him again on the seventh day; and indeed if the sore has faded, and the sore has not spread on the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him clean; it is only a scab, and he shall wash his clothes and be clean. 7 But if the scab should at all spread over the skin, after he has been seen by the priest for his cleansing, he shall be seen by the priest again. 8 And if the priest sees that the scab has indeed spread on the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean. It is leprosy.

Chapter 13 of Leviticus deals with the laws concerning various sorts of leprosy. Rules are given by which the priest must judge whether the man had the leprosy or not. Instructions are given based on the symptoms that appeared. The chapter will conclude with laws concerning the leprosy found in clothing.

I believe it would be helpful to give a little background on the term leprosy. Leprosy (also called "infectious skin disease") is a name applied to several different diseases, and was greatly feared in Bible times. Some of these diseases, unlike the disease we call leprosy or Hansen's disease today, were highly contagious. The worst of them slowly ruined the body and, in most cases, were fatal. Lepers were separated from family and friends and confined outside the camp. Since priests were responsible for the health of the camp, it was their duty to put one with leprosy outside the camp. If someone's leprosy appeared to go away, only the priest could decide if that person was truly cured. Leprosy is often used in the Bible as an illustration of sin because sin is contagious and destructive and leads to separation.

The person with an infectious skin disease had to perform these strange ritual described in this chapter to protect others from coming too near. Because the disease described in Leviticus was often contagious, it was important that people stay away from those who had it.

Again, as we examine this chapter more closely you can see so many principles in the Gospels. First, we can thank God for a great High Priest that not only can examine but who can heal. Secondly, we can be reminded of the danger of fellowshipping with those who continue in there sin. It is know wonder that James 4:4 records: "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."

I pray that you would place yourself in the care of the Great High Priest. Allow Him to declare you cleansed, healed, and delivered.

Blessings,

Alan J. Schrader

Leviticus 14:54-57

54 "This is the law for any leprous sore and scale, 55 for the leprosy of a garment and of a house, 56 for a swelling and a scab and a bright spot, 57 to teach when it is unclean and when it is clean. This is the law of leprosy."

In Chapter 14 of Leviticus the priests are directed on how to cleanse the leper and leprosy. God gave Moses instruction on the law of the leper for the day of his cleansing; it involved two birds, with cedar wood, scarlet and hyssop. He was also instructed to shave off all his hair, and wash his flesh and clothes with water. Then he was to bring an offering of two lambs and one ewe lamb, and three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering, and one log of oil. Then the priest who make the leper clean was to present him before the Lord at the door of the tabernacle of meeting. The provision was also made for one who was poor and who could not afford what was required. The chapter will conclude with instruction regarding a house that has leprosy.

One major application we can receive from this chapter is how God told the Israelites to diagnose infectious skin diseases and mildew so they could avoid them or treat them. These laws were given for the people's health and protection. They helped the Israelites avoid diseases that were serious threats in that time and place. Although they wouldn't have understood the medical reasons for some of these laws, their obedience to them made them healthier.

Another clear application is how the Word of God still provides a pattern for physically, spiritually, and morally healthy living. We may not always understand the wisdom of God's laws, but if we obey them, we will thrive. It is important to note that some of these regulations were intended to mark the Israelites as different from the wicked people around them. Others were given to prevent God's people from becoming involved in pagan religious practices, one of the most serious problems of the day. Still others related to quarantines in a culture where exact medical diagnosis was impossible. Today, for example, physicians can diagnose the different forms of leprosy, and they know which ones are contagious. Treatment methods have greatly improved, and quarantine for leprosy is rarely necessary, but the real truth is that healing is found in the sacrifice made by Jesus Christ. When we look at the sacrifice that was required in Leviticus and then review the sacrifice Jesus Christ made (i.e. wood, scarlet, hyssop) for our sins, we cannot help but see the law can only be satisfied in HIM.

I pray that you would always take time to reflect on the cross. Remember the old hymn: "At cross, at the cross where I first saw the light, and the burden of my heart rolled away, it was there by faith, I received my sight, and now I am happy all the day"

Rejoicing in our Saviors Love,

Alan J. Schrader

Leviticus 15:25-33

If a woman has a discharge of blood for many days, other than at the time of her customary impurity, or if it runs beyond her usual time of impurity, all the days of her unclean discharge shall be as the days of her customary impurity. She shall be unclean. ²⁶ Every bed on which she lies all the days of her discharge shall be to her as the bed of her impurity; and whatever she sits on shall be unclean, as the uncleanness of her impurity. ²⁷ Whoever touches those things shall be unclean; he shall wash his clothes and bathe in water, and be unclean until evening. ²⁸ But if she is cleansed of her discharge, then she shall count for herself seven days, and after that she shall be clean. ²⁹ And on the eighth day she shall take for herself two turtledoves or two young pigeons, and bring them to the priest, to the door of the tabernacle of meeting. ³⁰ Then the priest shall offer the one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering, and the priest shall make atonement for her before the Lord for the discharge of her uncleanness. 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. ³² This is the law for one who has a discharge, and for him who emits semen and is unclean thereby, ³³ and for her who is indisposed because of her customary impurity, and for one who has a discharge, either man or woman, and for him who lies with her who is unclean. "

Chapter 15 of Leviticus deals with laws concerning ceremonial uncleanness from bodily discharge. This running issue would defile men or women and everything he or she touches, or that touches them, and they would have to be cleansed.

One thing we can observe from this chapter is that God is concerned about health, the dignity of the person, the dignity of the body, and the dignity of the sexual experience. His commands call the people to avoid unhealthy practices and promote healthy ones. To wash was the physical health response; to be purified or cleansed was the spiritual dignity response. This shows God's high regard for sex and sexuality. Unfortunately, in our day, sex has been degraded by publicity; it has become public domain, and not a private celebration. We are called to have a high regard for sex, both in good health and purity.

Again, hygiene and health were important byproducts, but the focus of these regulations concerning uncleanness was on keeping God's tabernacle undefiled so that Israel would have a place to come for the atonement of sin and the privilege of meeting with God.

When you put this passage along side of Matthew 9:18-22, Mark 5:21-34, and Luke 8:41-48, we can see that Jesus is not limited by ceremonial law, because He is God. Instead of Jesus receiving defilement from this woman, with the issue of blood, He released power to one who exercised faith. It is loud and clear, Jesus cannot be defiled by sin because He is God.

The more I read through the book of Leviticus the more I want to worship Jesus. He is everything you and I need. His provision makes us clean, healed and set free.

I am praying 1 Thes. 5:23 over you:

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Love In Christ,

Alan J. Schrader

Leviticus 16:20-22

"And when he has made an end of atoning for the Holy Place, the tabernacle of meeting, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat. ²¹ Aaron shall lay both his hands on the head of the live goat, confess over it all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions, concerning all their sins, putting them on the head of the goat, and shall send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a suitable man. ²² The goat shall bear on itself all their iniquities to an uninhabited land; and he shall release the goat in the wilderness.

Chapter 16 of Leviticus gives us the institution of the annual Day of Atonement. The whole service of the day is committed to the high priest. First he must never come into the most holy place just any time or arrogantly. But upon the appointed day he must come dressed in linen garments and bring a sin-offering and a burnt-offering for himself. Then two goats must be provided for the people, and after lots are cast, one of the goats must be a sin-offering for the people. The blood of one of the goats is sprinkled before the mercy-seat and then some of the blood of both sin-offerings must be sprinkled upon the altar. Having done this, the priest was to take the second goat, lay his hands on it, confess over it, and put upon it all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and then send it way by a fit man into the wilderness. The burnt-offerings were then to be offered; the fat of the sin-offerings burnt on the altar, and their flesh was to be burnt outside the camp. The people were to observe this day, one a year, which was the tenth of the seventh month, as a day of affliction and atonement.

The Day of Atonement was the greatest day of the year for Israel. The Hebrew word for atone means "to cover." Old Testament sacrifices could not actually remove sins, only cover them. On this day, the people confessed their sins as a nation, and the high priest went into the Most Holy Place to make atonement for them.

This event with the two goats occurred on the Day of Atonement. The two goats represented the two ways God was dealing with the Israelites' sin: #1 He was forgiving their sin through the first goat, which was sacrificed, and #2 He was removing their guilt through the second goat, the scapegoat that was sent into the desert. The same ritual had to be repeated every year.

What stands out to me this morning is how sending the goat into the wilderness was a public ceremony. Everyone could see Aaron symbolically place the sins of the people on the goat's head. Iniquities, transgressions and, sins cover all of the ways in which people could offend God. All of these offenses were placed on the head of the goat, which took them away from the camp, away from the people, and away from God.

"The goat shall bear on itself all their iniquities to an uninhabited land; and he shall release the goat in the wilderness" This is the origin of the common expression "scapegoat." This goat was not guilty of the sins he bore, but he bore them anyway, allowing the guilty to escape the consequences of their sins. In Jesus' bearing the sins of the human race, and in His death outside the city (outside the camp), He fulfilled this annual ritual of the Day of Atonement. Not only was Jesus the perfect High Priest; He was the perfect Sacrifice. Jesus Christ's death replaced this system once and for all. We can have our sins forgiven and guilt removed by placing our trust in Christ (Hebrews 10:1-18).

I pray that you would rejoice in the hope you and I have today. Let me remind you of Hebrews 9:28 (KJV) "So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation."

Until He Comes,

Alan J. Schrader

Leviticus 17:10-16

And whatever man of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who dwell among you, who eats any blood, I will set My face against that person who eats blood, and will cut him off from among his people. 11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul. 12 Therefore I said to the children of Israel, No one among you shall eat blood, nor shall any stranger who dwells among you eat blood. 13 "Whatever man of the children of Israel, or of the strangers who dwell among you, who hunts and catches any animal or bird that may be eaten, he shall pour out its blood and cover it with dust; 14 for it is the life of all flesh. Its blood sustains its life. Therefore I said to the children of Israel, You shall not eat the blood of any flesh, for the life of all flesh is its blood. Whoever eats it shall be cut off. 15 "And every person who eats what died naturally or what was torn by beasts, whether he is a native of your own country or a stranger, he shall both wash his clothes and bathe in water, and be unclean until evening. Then he shall be clean. 16 But if he does not wash them or bathe his body, then he shall bear his guilt."

Chapter 17 of Leviticus gives us the law that orders both Israelite and stranger to bring their sacrifices to the door of the tabernacle. More specifically, the blood of bulls and goats was commanded to be sacrificed by the priest at the door of the tabernacle. The eating of blood, and of everything that dies of natural cause, or is torn by beast, is forbidden under the promise to be cut off from among His people.

In this chapter we have the explanation of the basis of blood atonement. The life of animals and of humans is in the blood. If a animal or human loses its blood, it loses its life. A life may receive atonement only by the sacrifice of a life. The author of Hebrews emphasized the temporary nature of animal blood sacrifices. This type of sacrifice required constant renewal. However, Jesus' one-time sacrifice of Himself is effective eternally (Heb. 9:12, 25).

One question that may be asked is, "why were the Israelites prohibited from sacrificing outside the tabernacle area?" To answer this question we need to have some background. Many pagan religions allowed every individual priest to set his own rules; God's command helped the Israelites resist the temptation to follow the pagan pattern. When the Israelites slipped into idolatry, it was because "everyone did as he saw fit" (Judges 17:6). God had established specific times and places for sacrifices, and each occasion was filled with symbolism. If people sacrificed on their own, they might easily add to or subtract from God's laws to fit their own life-styles.

A second question that could be asked is, "why was eating or drinking blood prohibited?" The prohibition against eating blood can be traced all the way back to Noah (Genesis 9:4). God prohibited eating or drinking blood for several reasons: #1 To discourage pagan practices. Israel was to be separate and distinct from the foreign nations around them. Eating blood was a common pagan practice. #2 To preserve the symbolism of the sacrifice. Blood symbolized the life of the animal that was sacrificed in the sinner's place. To drink it would change the symbolism of the sacrificial penalty and destroy the evidence of the sacrifice. #3 To protect the people from infection because many deadly diseases are transmitted through the blood.

The Jews took this prohibition seriously, and that is why Jesus' hearers were so upset when Jesus told them to drink his blood (John 6:53-56). However, Jesus, as God himself and the last sacrifice ever needed for sins, was asking believers to identify with him completely. He wants us to take his life into us, and he wants to participate in our lives as well.

Again, I trust you are able to see the beauty of the whole of scripture. These Levitical laws point us to see the significance of Christ birth, life and sacrifice. I close with Hebrews 10:5-14

Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: "Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You have prepared for Me. 6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin

You had no pleasure. 7 Then I said, Behold, I have come- In the volume of the book it is written of Me- To do Your will, O God. " 8 Previously saying, "Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them" (which are offered according to the law), 9 then He said, "Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God." He takes away the first that He may establish the second. 10 By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, 13 from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. 14 For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.

Being sanctified,

Alan J. Schrader

Leviticus 18:1-5

Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 "Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: I am the Lord your God. 3 According to the doings of the land of Egypt, where you dwelt, you shall not do; and according to the doings of the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you, you shall not do; nor shall you walk in their ordinances. 4 You shall observe My judgments and keep My ordinances, to walk in them: I am the Lord your God. 5 You shall therefore keep My statutes and My judgments, which if a man does, he shall live by them: I am the Lord.

Chapter 18 of Leviticus gives the Israelites warnings about the customs and practices in the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan. The people of God are instructed to keep the ordinances, statues, and judgments of the Lord. This chapter gives particular laws against incest, adultery, sodomy, bestiality, and barbarism. It also explains how the land had become defiled and that the Israelites were called by God to be a holy people in the land or they too would be vomited out.

These practices were common in pagan religions and cultures, and it is easy to see why God dealt harshly with those who began to follow them. The truth is these practices lead to disease, deformity, and death. These practices plague family life and society and reveal a low regard for the value of oneself and of others. Unfortunately, society today takes some of these practices lightly, even trying to make them acceptable. But they are still sins in God's eyes.

Understanding that the Israelites were moving from one idolatress nation to another, we can see why God would warn them not to slip into the pagan culture of Canaan, where they were going. As this chapter reveals, Canaan's society and religions were caught up in worldly desires and more specifically, sexual immorality. God's people are admonished not to be absorbed into the surrounding culture and environment.

With this background in mind, it is know wonder why the Disciples of Christ (who were mainly Jewish) had the reaction they did in Matthew 15:22-23 "And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. [23] But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us." In other words, Matthew's Jewish audience would have immediately understood the significance of Jesus helping this woman.

Again, reading through the book of Leviticus has helped me to see the significance of the Gospel. All of us have fallen short of the glory of God. We have all gone astray and the wages of our sin is death.

I pray that you would forever be thankful for the sacrifice that was made for your sin. The fact that Jesus eventually acknowledge this Canaanite woman's request for her daughter (Matthew 15:28), gives you and I fresh insight into God's heart. I close with one of my favorite verses: 2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance."

Walking in His Forgiveness,

Alan J. Schrader

Leviticus 19:1-4

And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 "Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy. 3 Every one of you shall revere his mother and his father, and keep My Sabbaths: I am the Lord your God. 4 Do not turn to idols, nor make for yourselves molded gods: I am the Lord your God.

Chapter 19 of Leviticus contains various ceremonial laws, but most of them are considered moral laws. In this chapter we find that most of these precepts can be found in the Ten Commandments. Another interesting note is that fifteen times you will read the words, "I am the Lord" and another repeated phrase is, "You shall be holy". Moses is instructed by God to speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel about reverence for parents, about observing the Sabbaths, about idolatry, about offering and eating the peace offerings, and concerning harvest and gleaning fields and vineyards. We also find laws on treating our neighbor, on treating those who are deaf and blind, on injustices, on not being partial to the poor or the rich, and on not going about as a talebearer among your people. There are also laws concerning forbidding mixtures in the generation of cattle, sowing fields and clothing. There are also laws concerning the punishment of a man that lay with a concubine, and the offering his should bring for his atonement. Then follows certain laws concerning fruit trees, when the fruit of them should be eaten, and concerning eating with blood. Instructions are also given about the practice of divination or soothsaying, about managing the hair of the head and beard, and avoiding to make any marks, prints, and cuttings in the flesh for the dead. Lastly, we have instruction about not prostituting your daughter, about keeping the Sabbaths and reverence for the sanctuary, about not having regard for mediums and familiar spirits, about showing reverence for an old man, about treating a stranger with respect, and doing no injustice in weight and measure.

What stands out to me this morning is how loud and clear we can understand from this chapter that the basis of all holiness is found in the words "I the Lord your God am holy" The Hebrew word for "holy" is qadowsh, (kaw-doshe)'; or qadosh, kaw-doshe'; from Hebrew 6942 (qadash); sacred (ceremonial or moral); (as noun) God (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary :- holy (One), saint. Simply put, God's people are to be separated from the world and required to be holy, for His character, His laws, and His service. Let me remind you of the words found in 1 Peter 1:13-16 "Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy."

I close with this thought: Jesus neatly summarized all these rules when he said to love God with all your heart, and your neighbor as yourself. He called these the greatest commandments of all (Matthew 22:34-40). By carrying out Jesus' commands, we find ourselves following all of God's other laws as well and as a result we experience holiness in our conduct.

I pray this verse over you: Hebrews 12:14 "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:"

Love in Christ,

Alan J. Schrader

Leviticus 20:10-21

The man who commits adultery with another man's wife, he who commits adultery with his neighbor's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress, shall surely be put to death. 11 The man who lies with his father's wife has uncovered his father's nakedness; both of them shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them. 12 If a man lies with his daughter-in-law, both of them shall surely be put to death. They have committed perversion. Their blood shall be upon them. 13 If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them. 14 If a man marries a woman and her mother, it is wickedness. They shall be burned with fire, both he and they, that there may be no wickedness among you. 15 If a man mates with an animal, he shall surely be put to death, and you shall kill the animal. 16 If a woman approaches any animal and mates with it, you shall kill the woman and the animal. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood is upon them. 17 If a man takes his sister, his father's daughter or his mother's daughter, and sees her nakedness and she sees his nakedness, it is a wicked thing. And they shall be cut off in the sight of their people. He has uncovered his sister's nakedness. He shall bear his guilt. 18 If a man lies with a woman during her sickness and uncovers her nakedness, he has exposed her flow, and she has uncovered the flow of her blood. Both of them shall be cut off from their people. 19 You shall not uncover the nakedness of your mother's sister nor of your father's sister, for that would uncover his near of kin. They shall bear their guilt. 20 If a man lies with his uncle's wife, he has uncovered his uncle's nakedness. They shall bear their sin; they shall die childless. 21 If a man takes his brother's wife, it is an unclean thing. He has uncovered his brother's nakedness. They shall be childless.

Chapter 20 of Leviticus reinforces some of the laws found in previous chapters. It becomes clear in this chapter that those who would not adhere to God's instruction would face penalties. In this chapter we have many particular crimes that produced capital punishment. For example: Giving seed to Molech; Going after those who have a familiar spirit, or a wizard; Cursing your parents; Committing adultery, incest, sodomy, and bestiality. The chapter also concludes with general commands to be holy.

What stand out to me this morning are verses 10-21. The detestable acts listed here were very common in the pagan nations of Canaan; their religions were rampant with sex goddesses, temple prostitution, and other gross sins. The Canaanites' immoral religious practices reflected a culture that tended to corrupt whoever came in contact with it.

There are several reasons why the list of commands against sexual sins includes extremely harsh punishments. #1 they shatter the God ordained commitment of married partners; #2 they destroy the sanctity of the family; #3 they corrupt a society; #4 they spread disease. Sexual sin has always been widely available, but the glorification of sex between people who are not married to each other often hides deep tragedy and hurt behind the scenes (Something the devil never tells you). When society portrays sexual sins as attractive, it is easy to forget the dark side and evil consequences. The truth is God had good reasons for prohibiting sexual sins: He loves us and wants the very best for us.

The background of this chapter deepens the meaning of John 8:3-5 "And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, [4] They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. [5] Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?"

First I want to mention that the Jewish leaders had already disregarded the law by arresting the woman without the man. As we just read the law required that both parties to adultery be stoned (v.10). The gospel of John reveals that the leaders were using the woman as a trap so they could trick Jesus. If Jesus said the woman should not be stoned, they would accuse him of violating Moses' law. If he urged them to execute her, they would report him to the Romans, who did not permit the Jews to carry out their own executions (John 18:31). The reason the trap did not stick was not because the Law in Leviticus is wrong but because Jesus had power to forgive sin, for He came to be the sacrifice that would take the punishment for this one caught in adultery and for you and me.

I pray that as you continue to study the book of Leviticus you would grow deeper in your love and devotion to our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. Let me close with a chorus that comes to mind:

Jesus, lover of my soul, Jesus I will never let you go (truth is, He is holding me)

You've taken me from the miry clay, set my feet upon the Rock, and now I know

My Savior, my closest friend, I will worship you until the very day..

Singing His Praises,

Alan J. Schrader

Leviticus 21:1-4

And the Lord said to Moses, "Speak to the priests, the sons of Aaron, and say to them: None shall defile himself for the dead among his people, ² except for his relatives who are nearest to him: his mother, his father, his son, his daughter, and his brother; ³ also his virgin sister who is near to him, who has had no husband, for her he may defile himself. ⁴ Otherwise he shall not defile himself, being a chief man among his people, to profane himself.

Chapter 21 of Leviticus addresses the regulations and conduct of the priests. Such instruction included: forbidding their mourning of the dead (with some exception for the priest closest family members, but not the high priest), concerning their marriage (who they can and cannot marry), and the requirements of who may act as priest.

"None shall defile himself for the dead among his people" ? The obvious design of the regulations contained in this chapter was to keep the purity and dignity of the sacred office. Contact with a corpse in any way brought defilement (Numbers 19:14). We even learn that all the mourners were not allowed to enter the tabernacle for a week. I believe it is also interesting to note that those exceptional cases, which are specified, were strictly confined to the members of their own family, within the nearest degrees of kindred.

Another reason for this law is because by such pollution the priest were excluded from communication with men, to whom by their function they were to be serviceable upon all occasions, and from the handling of holy things. And God taught those who are called to service that they ought to entirely give themselves to the service of God. In other words they were to renounce all expressions of natural affection, and all worldly employments, so far as to be fully engaged into only their holy services.

One of the main things that I ask myself as I read through the book of Leviticus is, "what can I learn about the Son of God?" As I read this chapter, what comes to mind is the story about Jairus's daughter who is healed (Matthew 9:23-26; Mark 5:35-43; Luke 8:49-56). The daughter was pronounced dead and the mourners surrounded her. What is so beautiful to me is that Jesus came and took this dead body by the hand and said to her, "Talitha, cumi," which is translated, "Litter girl, I say to you, arise." The gospels record that the twelve year old girl arose and walked.

One question that can be asked is, "Why did Jesus not become defiled by touching the dead body?" The answer is simple; Jesus is the High Priest that cannot be defiled because what He touches becomes clean and whole. That should make you want to shout!

I close with this wonderful reminder from Hebrews 8:1-2

Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, 2 a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man.

I pray that you would know the Great High Priest. May you experience His provision for all that you have need of today.

In His Service,

Alan J. Schrader

Leviticus 22:19-25

"you shall offer of your own free will a male without blemish from the cattle, from the sheep, or from the goats. 20 Whatever has a defect, you shall not offer, for it shall not be acceptable on your behalf. 21 And whoever offers a sacrifice of a peace offering to the Lord, to fulfill his vow, or a freewill offering from the cattle or the sheep, it must be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no defect in it. 22 Those that are blind or broken or maimed, or have an ulcer or eczema or scabs, you shall not offer to the Lord, nor make an offering by fire of them on the altar to the Lord. 23 Either a bull or a lamb that has any limb too long or too short you may offer as a freewill offering, but for a vow it shall not be accepted. 24 You shall not offer to the Lord what is bruised or crushed, or torn or cut; nor shall you make any offering of them in your land. 25 Nor from a foreigner's hand shall you offer any of these as the bread of your God, because their corruption is in them, and defects are in them. They shall not be accepted on your behalf. "

In chapter 22 of Leviticus we have laws concerning the priests eating sacrifices. The priests were commanded not to eat the holy things in their uncleanness and not to allow any stranger, who did not belong to the priest family, to eat of the holy things. However, if a stranger ate an offering unintentionally, then he would be required to restore a holy offering to the priest. Another command in this chapter is that the sacrifices were to be offered without blemish, must be more than eight days old, and that the sacrifices of thanksgiving must be eaten the same day they were offered. The chapter concludes with an exhortation to observe the commands of God, perform them, guard against profaning them, and remembering what God has already done.

It is very clear from this chapter that God wanted his priests to be set apart to serve Him and the people. Their duties were to be holy and pure so as to help the people draw near to God and worship Him. They could not use their position to gain power because they were not allowed to own land or take money from anyone. All these guidelines would reassure the people and helped the priests accomplish their purpose.

What stands out to me this morning is how the animals with defects were not acceptable as sacrifices because they did not represent God's holy nature. The Hebrew word for "blemish" is tamiym, taw-meem'; It is from the Hebrew 8552 (tamam); entire (literal, figurative or moral); also (as noun) integrity, truth :- without blemish, complete, full, perfect, sincerely (-ity), sound, without spot, undefiled, upright (-ly), whole. The truth is the animal had to be without blemish in order to foreshadow the perfect, sinless life of Jesus Christ.

I close with this wonderful reminder from the scriptures: 1 Peter 1:18-19

"knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot."

I pray that you would be aware of the blessings of God upon your life today. Remember God did not hold back on sending anything but the very best for you and me. Remember today God's person, His name, His present action in sanctifying you, and His past action of shedding His blood at Calvary. Worship Him in spirit and in truth today.

Hopeful,

Alan J. Schrader

Leviticus 23:33-44

Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 34 "Speak to the children of Israel, saying: The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days to the Lord. 35 On the first day there shall be a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work on it. 36 For seven days you shall offer an offering made by fire to the Lord. On the eighth day you shall have a holy convocation, and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the Lord. It is a sacred assembly, and you shall do no customary work on it. 37 These are the feasts of the Lord which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire to the Lord, a burnt offering and a grain offering, a sacrifice and drink offerings, everything on its day- 38 besides the Sabbaths of the Lord, besides your gifts, besides all your vows, and besides all your freewill offerings which you give to the Lord. 39 Also on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the fruit of the land, you shall keep the feast of the Lord for seven days; on the first day there shall be a sabbath-rest, and on the eighth day a sabbath-rest. 40 And you shall take for yourselves on the first day the fruit of beautiful trees, branches of palm trees, the boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook; and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days. 41 You shall keep it as a feast to the Lord for seven days in the year. It shall be a statute forever in your generations. You shall celebrate it in the seventh month. 42 You shall dwell in booths for seven days. All who are native Israelites shall dwell in booths, 43 that your generations may know that I made the children of Israel dwell in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God. " 44 So Moses declared to the children of Israel the feasts of the Lord.

Chapter 23 of Leviticus reveals several holy days, times, and seasons appointed by God. They are called feasts and holy convocations. In this chapter we will read about the Sabbath, the Passover and feast of unleavened bread, to which is annexed the sheaf of the firstfruits. Next we learn of the feast of weeks or Pentecost, the feast of trumpets, the day of atonement, and of the feast of tabernacles.

As we study Israel's history we see that feasts played a major role in Israel's culture. Israel's feasts were different from those of any other nation because, being ordained by God, they were times of celebrating with Him, not times of moral depravity. God wanted to set aside special days for the people to come together for rest, refreshment, fellowship, worship, celebration, and remembering with thanksgiving all he had done for them.

What stands out to me this morning is The Feast of Tabernacles, also called the Feast of Ingathering. This was a special celebration involving the whole family (see Leviticus 23:34; Exodus 23:16; Deut. 16:13). Like Passover, this feast taught family members of all ages about God's nature and what he had done for them and was a time of renewed commitment to God. Our families also need rituals of celebration to renew our faith and to pass it on to our children. One of the Hebrew words that stands out to me this morning is the word, samach, saw-makh'; It is a primitive root; probably to brighten up, i.e. (figurative) be (causative make) blithe or gleesome :- cheer up, be (make) glad, (have, make) joy (-ful), be (make) merry, (cause to, make to) rejoice, � very.

How beautiful it is to witness how the God of the Bible encourages joy! God does not intend for our faith to be only meditation and introspection. He also wants us to celebrate. Serious reflection and immediate confession of sin is essential, of course. But this should be balanced by celebrating who God is and what he has done for his people. This is why we have feasts.

I pray that you would experience times of refreshing in the presence of the LORD. Be encouraged in knowing that God has always desired to bring HIS people into rest, fellowship, worship, thanksgiving, and celebration.

Celebrating His Goodness,

Alan J. Schrader

Leviticus 24:5-9

"And you shall take fine flour and bake twelve cakes with it. Two-tenths of an ephah shall be in each cake. 6 You shall set them in two rows, six in a row, on the pure gold table before the Lord. 7 And you shall put pure frankincense on each row, that it may be on the bread for a memorial, an offering made by fire to the Lord. 8 Every Sabbath he shall set it in order before the Lord continually, being taken from the children of Israel by an everlasting covenant. 9 And it shall be for Aaron and his sons, and they shall eat it in a holy place; for it is most holy to him from the offerings of the Lord made by fire, by a perpetual statute."

Chapter 24 of Leviticus has three main sections to it. The first deals with the laws concerning the oil for the lamps. Pure oil was needed for the lampstand because it stood within the tabernacle. Aaron was in charge of keeping the lamps burning from evening until morning. The second section deals with the laws concerning the making and placing of the show-bread. The Levites were to make twelve cakes, one for each tribe of Israel. Every Sabbath, new loaves would replace the ones that had been there for a week. The show-bread that been in the tabernacle would be eaten by the priest after the frankincense was burned off as a memorial to the Lord. The last section deals with the laws concerning blasphemy. Blaspheming the name of the Lord was forbidden. The offender, whether Israelite or Egyptian, was taken outside the camp as a sign that he had been cut off from the people of Israel, and so that his death would not defile the camp. The witnesses would lay their hands on the head of the blasphemer as a sign that his sin was witnessed and was his own responsibility.

What stands out to me this morning is how Jesus referred to the showbread when He called Himself "the bread of life" (see John 6:35). Let me remind you of a passage of scripture in 1 Samuel 21. David, even though he was not a priest, ate the showbread when he fled from Saul. However, in Luke 6 we read how Jesus is responding to the Pharisees' charges against His disciples. Even though David and his men broke the law and ate the showbread that only the priests could eat, God did not punish David for it. Jesus pointed out that if David and his men could violate the Law to satisfy their hunger, His disciples could do the same. The real reason behind this law is to reveal that God and God alone is the provision, power, and presence that is needed for the believer to live. In the Old Testament, without the priest standing in the gap for the Israelite there would be no atonement for sin. I believe the showbread eaten by the priests foreshadowed the bread of the Lord's Supper eaten by the believers in the New Testament.

It is important to note that the bread of life means "bread which supplies life." Manna satisfied physical needs for a while; Christ satisfies spiritual need forever. I close with John 6:35-40 And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. ³⁶ But I said to you that you have seen Me and yet do not believe. ³⁷ All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. ³⁸ For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. ³⁹ This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. ⁴⁰ And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day."

I pray that you would walk in His provision, power and presence today. Continue to receive your "daily bread".

Grateful,

Alan J. Schrader

Leviticus 25:8-17

And you shall count seven sabbaths of years for yourself, seven times seven years; and the time of the seven sabbaths of years shall be to you forty-nine years. 9 Then you shall cause the trumpet of the Jubilee to sound on the tenth day of the seventh month; on the Day of Atonement you shall make the trumpet to sound throughout all your land. 10 And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a Jubilee for you; and each of you shall return to his possession, and each of you shall return to his family. 11 That fiftieth year shall be a Jubilee to you; in it you shall neither sow nor reap what grows of its own accord, nor gather the grapes of your untended vine. 12 For it is the Jubilee; it shall be holy to you; you shall eat its produce from the field. 13 In this Year of Jubilee, each of you shall return to his possession. 14 And if you sell anything to your neighbor or buy from your neighbor's hand, you shall not oppress one another. 15 According to the number of years after the Jubilee you shall buy from your neighbor, and according to the number of years of crops he shall sell to you. 16 According to the multitude of years you shall increase its price, and according to the fewer number of years you shall diminish its price; for he sells to you according to the number of the years of the crops. 17 Therefore you shall not oppress one another, but you shall fear your God; for I am the Lord your God.

Chapter 25 of Leviticus gives us laws concerning the lands and possessions of the Israelites in the land of Canaan. The first law in this chapter is about observing the seventh year as a sabbatical year, in which no one was to work their land, and yet there would be a sufficiency for man and beast. Next is the year of jubilee which is observed every fiftieth year, in which also there was no work to be done on the land. Every man was able to return to his possessions and family if they had been bought by another. Several laws and ordinances are delivered out concerning the sale of lands, the redemption of them, and their return to their original owner in the year of jubilee. Also particular directions are given concerning the sale and redemption of lands, of houses in the cities and villages, and special provision for the Levites in the cities. Lastly we have laws concerning lending to the poor and a year of release of servants and bond-slaves.

What stands out to me this morning is the good news about the "Year of Jubilee". First I would like to give some background. An ancient Israelite was in desperate straits if he had to sell his family's land. Both food and income came from the proceeds of the land. Dispossessed family members would quickly become someone else's servants. Most people would work hard to avoid such a situation. However, illness, crop failure, or other misfortunes could force a person into debt to the point that his only alternative was to sell his land. Even in this distressing situation there was hope. A dispossessed family could be saved from poverty and hardship: First, a redeeming relative could redeem (or buy) the land. From the proceeds, the man could pay off his creditors. The land stayed in the extended family; the poor family stayed on their land; and eventually the redeemer was repaid. The redeemer was the nearest male relative. If he could not fulfill this privilege and obligation, it passed down the kinship line until someone could. This is the scenario of Ruth 4: Boaz acted as a kinsman-redeemer and bought Naomi's field.

If a man did not have any relative who would redeem his land, he could save enough to buy it back himself. The purchase price would be prorated according to the number of years left until the next Jubilee year, the fiftieth year. A man might have to wait until the Jubilee year to reclaim the land of his inheritance. However, even in this most desperate situation, there was the hope and promise that at the Jubilee year, the family would be able to return debt free to their land and make a fresh start.

What is so beautiful to witness here is that the law of redemption and the law of the Jubilee year are vivid symbols of what Jesus Christ did on the Cross for every person. What Adam and Eve lost in the Garden, we cannot retrieve by any means. We cannot go back to Eden. Yet Jesus Christ, our elder Brother, redeemed it for us. We have been evicted from our inheritance, but in the Year of Jubilee, we will be allowed to return. We will live with Jesus in the place He has prepared for us.

I close with this wonderful news: John 14:1-3

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. ² In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

Proclaiming His Jubilee,

Alan J. Schrader

Leviticus 26:3-13

If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments, and perform them, 4 then I will give you rain in its season, the land shall yield its produce, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. 5 Your threshing shall last till the time of vintage, and the vintage shall last till the time of sowing; you shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely. 6 I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none will make you afraid; I will rid the land of evil beasts, and the sword will not go through your land. 7 You will chase your enemies, and they shall fall by the sword before you. 8 Five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight; your enemies shall fall by the sword before you. 9 For I will look on you favorably and make you fruitful, multiply you and confirm My covenant with you. 10 You shall eat the old harvest, and clear out the old because of the new. 11 I will set My tabernacle among you, and My soul shall not abhor you. 12 I will walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people. 13 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, that you should not be their slaves; I have broken the bands of your yoke and made you walk upright.

Chapter 26 of Leviticus begins with some laws concerning idolatry, keeping the Sabbaths, and reverence toward the sanctuary. After the repetition of these laws (from previous chapters) the chapter contains a general enforcement of all those laws by promises of reward for obedience and threats of punishment for disobedience. Many promises are made of plenty, and peace, and safety from enemies, and of the presence of God with them. On the contrary, for those who despised and broke the commandments, there were promises of diseases, destruction by their enemies, barrenness and unfruitfulness of land, judgments of wild beasts, famine, sword and pestilence. However, despite the promises of punishment, if there was a confession of sins and a humbling of themselves, the Lord promised to remember the covenant he made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would deal kindly with them, and not cast them away, and utterly destroy them.

What stands out to me this morning is how God promises blessings for obedience. The blessings were in three areas of Israel's life. First, God promised the resources for abundant supplies of food, including rain whenever it would be needed. The second promise of God is security or peace in the land. Neither animal nor human adversaries would be successful against Israel. The bears and lions, which were dangerous to humans, would be neutralized. Any human enemy daring to attack Israel would be routed easily, even at odds of a hundred to one. Thirdly, God promised His presence in Israel's midst. He would set His tabernacle among them. In other words He would actively walk among them, looking out for their welfare, helping and protecting them. "I will be your God, and you shall be My people" is the covenant by which God bound Himself to Israel and Israel to Him. The major and minor prophets often reminded Israel of this when they called the nation back to faithfulness to God.

Can you imagine the joy of a prisoner set free? God reminds the children of Israel in verse 13 how He took them out of bitter slavery and gave them freedom and dignity. We too are set free when we accept Christ's payment that redeems us from sin's slavery. We no longer need to be bogged down in shame over our past sins; we can walk in freedom because God has forgiven us. But just as the Israelites were still in danger of returning to a slave mentality, we need to beware of the temptation to return to our former sinful patterns.

Remember what God has done and walk in HIS provision, power, and presence. He has good rewards for you and me.

In Remembrance,

Alan J. Schrader

Leviticus 27:28-33

Nevertheless no devoted offering that a man may devote to the Lord of all that he has, both man and beast, or the field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed; every devoted offering is most holy to the Lord. 29 No person under the ban, who may become doomed to destruction among men, shall be redeemed, but shall surely be put to death. 30 And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord's. It is holy to the Lord. 31 If a man wants at all to redeem any of his tithes, he shall add one-fifth to it. 32 And concerning the tithe of the herd or the flock, of whatever passes under the rod, the tenth one shall be holy to the Lord. 33 He shall not inquire whether it is good or bad, nor shall he exchange it; and if he exchanges it at all, then both it and the one exchanged for it shall be holy; it shall not be redeemed. "

Chapter 27 of Leviticus contains various laws concerning vows made unto the Lord, whether of persons or possessions. The Israelites were required to give or dedicate certain things to the Lord and to His service. For example: the firstfruits of their harvests, firstborn animals, their firstborn sons, a tithe of their increase. Many wished to go beyond this and dedicate themselves or another family member, additional animals, a house, or a field to God. In these cases, it was possible to donate money instead of the actual person, animal, or property. Some people made rash or unrealistic vows. To urge them to think about it first, a 20 percent penalty was put on those items redeemed (purchased back) by money. This chapter explains how valuations were to be made and what to do if a donor later wished to buy back what had been donated to God.

What stands out to me this morning is how God taught the Israelites that when they made a vow to him, they must not go back on their promise even if it turned out to cost more than expected. This applied to both animals and humans. In other words, God takes our promises seriously. If you vow to give 10 percent of your income and suddenly some unexpected bills come along, your faithful stewardship will be costly. God, however, expects you to fulfill your vow even if it is difficult to do so. The truth is many of the principles regarding sacrifices and tithes were intended to encourage inward attitudes as well as outward actions. If a person gives grudgingly, he shows that his heart is not in the right place. God wants us to be cheerful givers who give with gratitude to him.

(2 Cor. 9:7) "So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

I pray that this chapter would help remind you to give freely and cheerfully, not out of compulsion, and without regret. Be found faithful in your stewardship.

Blessings,

Alan J. Schrader