More Loving Guidance (Feb 21)

God continues with instruction that sets Him aside as holy and points toward Christ. 

We see instructions on how Aaron was to approach God, but one time a year.  How sacrifices were to be staged for that event; a bull for his own sin and a goat for the people's sin. The scapegoat is introduced here; the goat over which Aaron confesses the wickedness and rebellion of the Israelites with the laying on of both hands and then is released into the desert.  This atonement is to be made once a year. Think of Christ's sacrifice, one time for all the world's sin.

" Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men.  For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also throught the obedience of the one man, the many will be made righteous."  Romans 5:18-19-NIV

We read of the life of the creature being in its blood, and that anyone who eats the blood must be cut off; for it is the blood that makes atonement for one's life.  Again, for our sin, blood must be shed.  Will it be our own blood shed for our life; one sacrifice for one life, or through the Spirit, do we accept the substitutionary sacrifice of Chirst?

Here we also read of commands for sexual practices.  Again think of God's wisdom and care in giving us this guidance.  On many levels we can give thanks to God for this guidance.  One might niavely ask if these rules still apply. The answer is most resoundingly: YES!  We are called to be Christlike, a royal priesthood in the order of Melchezidek therefore on a spiritual note these rules apply.  Additionally, on a medical note, many genetic diseases surface in the case of offspring from close relations.

There are some things that turn your stomach.  Here actions defile the land which God in turn punishes, causing the land to vomit out its inhabitants.

We end our reading today with God again stating who He is:
"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."  Leviticus 18:30-NIV


Thoughts:

What do you do with Christ and His sacrifice of blood for you on a "moment by moment" basis in your life? 

How does that show?

How is your stomach doing?

What attributes of God do you consider upon reading today's reading? 

Start a list, you will see we serve an awesome God!


Pray that God will protect and guide our country's leaders; national, state and local and also for those serving in the military.


In Christ,

David P