devotion and identity

Posted on April 23, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

jd-at-beachLeviticus 19    

The Israelites followed strict codes of conduct that set them apart as holy, because the God they were to represent is holy.  That holiness was not merely ritualistic.  It included the concepts of justice, love and sexual purity.  It could be summed up with these words:

“You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.” (2)

We are learning in Leviticus what it means to live like believers.  The issue is never “how do I get saved?”  That question was answered by the exodus.  God rescued his people through the blood of the lamb: by his grace.  No, from then on, the Bible’s message is about how to live like someone redeemed.

LORD, help us to live like the rescued saints we are.

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devotion and sexuality

Posted on April 22, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

jd-at-beachLeviticus 18      Sexuality appears to be a temporary phenomenon for humanity.  Jesus said: 

“The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage” (Luke 20:34-35)

But sexuality is an important part of God’s kingdom.  It is a means of demonstrating one’s allegiance to the LORD by staying within the parameters he has set for physical relationships.  That is not a popular way of seeing things today, but its truth is clear. 

LORD, make us faithful to you in the area of our sexuality.

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singular devotion

Posted on April 21, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

jd-at-beachLeviticus 17  It was not enough for the Israelites to simply name the name of the LORD and go about their worship the same as in Egypt.  Neither would they be allowed to follow the Canaanite worship practices and just insert the name of YHVH in place of that of the Canaanite deities.  The God who rescued the Israelites demanded that there be no hint of pluralism or syncretism in their worship of him. It must be singular devotion.

“Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.”  (Rev. 15:4)

LORD,  remove from us those practices in our worship which do not point to you exclusively.

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Azazel devotion

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

jd-at-beachLeviticus 16    Each element of the Day of Atonement was profoundly significant.  The bull represented the high priest whose sins had to be atoned for because he was representing the Messianic high priest, who would be (and is) sinless.  The two goats represent a single sin-offering.  Christ’s death is depicted in the dying goat, and his resurrection in the released one.  Also, the act of releasing Azazel looked forward to the complete removal of sin from the planet. It was to encourage believers to look beyond sin to see the culmination of God’s plan for their complete sanctification.

LORD, help us to see the full significance of what Christ has accomplished for us.

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reproductive devotion

Posted on April 19, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

jd-at-beachLeviticus 15

Both types of bodily fluid discharges regulated here had to do with the reproductive system: the male discharge of semen and the female menstrual cycle.  This is the LORD’s way of highlighting the importance of purity and integrity with regard to sexuality.  Any culture which regards sex as merely recreational activity misses God’s point.  Sexual pleasure is a gift from God, but like God’s other gifts, it can be abused and must be enjoyed within the confines of God’s limits.  Even our pleasures belong to God.

LORD, we surrender our sexuality to your sovereignty.

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devoted families

Posted on April 18, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

jd-at-beachLeviticus 14:33-57  

The skin disease that can affect a person can also affect an entire household.  Likewise, sin can pass from person to person in a family.  Houses that became carriers of leprosy were to be either healed or destroyed.  They became a visible demonstration of God’s demands for holy families, as well as holy individuals.

LORD, we claim your restorative forgiveness for our households.

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restored devotion

Posted on April 17, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

jd-at-beachLeviticus 14:1-32   

The same sacrifices which atoned for sin and guilt were applied to cleansing of skin diseases.  The same Christ whose death on the cross saved you from hell can also clean up your life on earth today.

The LORD calls us to cleansing:

“Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18).

LORD, we surrender to you our today, as well as our eternal tomorrow.

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visible devotion

Posted on April 16, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

jd-at-beachLeviticus 13     Not all diseases are as noticeable as skin diseases.    The LORD commanded Israel:

“Take care, in a case of leprous disease, to be very careful to do according to all that the Levitical priests shall direct you. As I commanded them, so you shall be careful to do.” (Deut. 24:8).

The people were to remain spotless on the outside to indicate their commitment to purity on the inside.

LORD, make our devotion to you visible and noticeable.

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devotion and normal

Posted on April 15, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

jd-at-beachLeviticus 12    Giving birth is a natural process for women, yet it involves the flow of blood, and as such, was to be treated as an impurity.  Our “normal” lives are interrupted by God in a similar way.  He forces us to rethink normal.  Every aspect of life belongs to him, and should be controlled by him.

LORD, we surrender our normalcy to you.

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devotion that defers to the Savior

Posted on April 14, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

jd at beachLeviticus 11     The LORD of the Israelite’s salvation was also lord over their daily lives.  It was he who determined which animals were suitable for eating, and which were not.  It had nothing to do with hygiene or health.  Many of the animals were perfectly suitable for eating. I, myself, am quite partial to ostrich, which was unclean for the Israelites.

The point was that the God who delivered them was sovereign over their daily lives.  Without this kind of sanctification, deliverance is not complete. 

Jesus declared all foods clean for those who trust in him for salvation (Mark 7:19).   Sanctification in the new covenant has less to do with externals, and more to do with internals.

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17).

However, the principle that the Savior is the one who determines what sanctifies is still in effect.

LORD, we surrender our preferences to you. Sanctify us your way.

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