Suggested Bible Reading: Leviticus 11-15
Devotional Thought:
The book of Leviticus is divided into two main parts. The first of these deals with the worship of God’s people to God (ch 1-10) and the second with their walk with God. (ch 11-27) Chapter 11 marks the beginning of the second main section of the book. God insists that those who worship Him must be holy. In the Scriptures worship never makes an individual holy, but a lack of holiness disqualifies a person from true worship. Here in chapter 11 we find the laws regarding food. These laws help the reader to understand the existence of sin in the world. In chapter 12 we find the laws regarding childbirth. These laws help us to understand the extent of sin throughout the world. Chapters 13-14 teach us about the disease of leprosy and how people were to deal with it. These laws help us to understand the evil nature of sin in the world. Chapter 15 deals with the laws regarding the body and its functions. These laws teach us about the effects of sin throughout the world.
If we zero in on chapter 11, it has been suggested by various commentators that these laws are specifically designed to guide the people in such a way that through wise eating they would avoid medical problems. In addition, it is sometimes stated that the avoidance of contact with the corpses of these creatures was merely to protect the people from infection and disease. Scofield says, “The dietary regulations of the covenant people must be regarded primarily as sanitary.” While these health issues may, in some secondary sense, be applied to the laws, I see spiritual principles behind the guidelines given to God’s people. I believe holiness is the principle in view (vs. 44-47). The principle of holiness is therefore protected in the prohibitions and commands. Nevertheless, it is wise to take Scofield’s warning to heart: “To force upon every word of that legislation a typical meaning is to strain 1 Corinthians 10:1-11 and Hebrews 9:23-24 beyond all reasonable interpretation.” May we read and learn from these principles the expectation of our Heavenly Father to live holy before Him and before those who witness our testimony for Christ.
Prayer Requests:
• Lord, please help me to put a priority of holy living. I know my flesh justifies sin so easily and our world is tolerant of such living. Please help me to live holy, as you are holy.
• Lord, thank you for giving such clear teaching about the dangers of sin and its devastating affects. I sometimes think we are more fearful of cancer or other diseases than of the destruction sin causes. Help me to hate sin like you do.
• Lord, please help me to understand and implement the Biblical balance to these commands under the law and their spiritual application under grace.