Leviticus 16 - 18 (18th Feb) - Ivy

I am always amazed how we can come before the Lord, as simple as we are and not be ‘zapped to death’. Therefore it’s always good to come in thanksgiving towards God every time we approach Him.

Chapter 16 is a very detail instruction to Moses on how to enter into the sanctuary and prepare for Atonement.

Verse 6 says ‘Aaron is to offer the bull for his own sin offering to make atonement for himself and his household.’ And verse 15 says : "He shall then slaughter the goat for the sin offering for the people’.

Notice that that Lord told Aaron to make atonement for his own sins and the household before atoning for the people. This reminds me that we have to ask God for forgiveness for sins of ourselves and our family before we can intercede or stand in the gap for others.

Verse 34 "This is to be a lasting ordinance for you: Atonement is to be made once a year for all the sins of the Israelites." This is contrasts Jesus’ ‘once and for all atonement of our sins’.

Chapter 17

Sometimes called “Holiness Code”, this chapter deal with regulations for holy living and holy practice in various areas.

Verse 11: ‘For the life of a creature is in the blood…’ Blood shed in sacrifices was sacred. It epitomized the life of sacrificial victim. Since life was sacred, blood (a symbol of life) had to be treated with respect. Eating or drinking blood was therefore strictly forbidden.

Practically every sacrifice included the sprinkling and smearing of blood on the altar or within the tabernacle, thus teaching that atonement involves the substitution of life for life. The blood of the OT sacrifice pointed forward to the blood of the Lamb of God, who obtained for his people “eternal redemption” (Heb9:12). “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” – Heb 9:22

Conclusion: Dracula are detestable in God’s eyes? Okay, crap. =P

Chapter 18

In this chapter, God gave instructions to His people concerning interpersonal relations and morality reflecting God’s holiness. This also tells how sexually immoral people were in those times. Israel was thereby prepared for a life different from the Canaanites, whose lifestyle was deplorably immoral. This chapter also marks the boundaries for marriage and sexual relations.

Basically verse 6 sums it all. 'No one is to approach any close relative to have sexual relations. I am the LORD.’ Not only God detest sexual relations with close relatives but also homosexual relationships.

Verse 19 concludes: 29 'Everyone who does any of these detestable things—such persons must be cut off from their people. 30 Keep my requirements and do not follow any of the detestable customs that were practiced before you came and do not defile yourselves with them. I am the LORD your God.' Pretty clear and strict hor?

I believe God is teaching us to honour our family and loved ones and also ultimately to Honour Him. May we honour the Lord, our God in our relationships with our love ones.