And the Lord called unto Moses, and spake unto him out of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man of you bring an offering unto the Lord, ye shall bring your offering of the cattle, even of the herd, and of the flock. If his offering be a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the Lord(Lev. 1:3-4).
The Book of Leviticus was invaluable to the Priests and the Levites as they endeavored to lead the early Israelites in the proper rituals of service and worship to the Lord. God’s Word was the guidebook that enabled them to meet the responsibilities of their calling. The chapters and verses of Leviticus provided them with the structure necessary to implement God’s required sacrifices. Modern readers are often tempted to skim through these readings, viewing Leviticus as little more than a museum-quality record of historical law. They believe that since the sacrificial law has been fulfilled once and for all time by the death and resurrection of Christ (Heb. 10:10-14), there is no longer any need to spend time studying the rules and regulations governing animal sacrifice.
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified (Gal. 2:16). It is true that legalized worship has been superseded by grace, but to use that fact to dismiss as irrelevant even one single syllable contained in the Word of God is to show one’s willful ignorance of that Word. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (II Tim. 3:16). Had God intended for the instructions of Leviticus to apply only to the ancient Israelites, then they would not be included in God’s Word today. That they are there is all the proof we need of their relevance to our lives. It is our responsibility, therefore, to read and study this Book with the same open-hearted diligence as we apply to any of the others. As we allow ourselves to be guided by the Holy Spirit, we will find ourselves drawing nourishment and strength from the Word before us.
One of the most important lessons the Book of Leviticus contains is the recognition of God's absolute and unchangeable holiness. It shows us that He is always there and that our lives are illuminated by His presence. All we do, right or wrong, is visible to Him. Leviticus teaches us unequivocally that God judges sin. Because He is holy, nothing unclean (sinful) can exist in His presence. The Book of Leviticus teaches us that before we can have an ongoing relationship with the Lord, we must repent and be cleansed of our sins. There is no other way. It has been this way since the first moment sin entered into creation, and it will be this way until God’s plan reaches fruition.
And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him: And they shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever(Rev. 22:3-5).
Thought For TodayEvery chapter and verse in the Bible is delivered straight to our ears from the mouth of God. Knowing this, how could we ever think any of it is beneath our notice?
Word Studies2:4 oblation = offering, sacrifice; 3:9 hard by = near.
Christ Revealed:Through the Meat (Meal, Grain) Offering which was made without leaven (symbolic of sin) (Lev. 2:11). Christ was without sin (Heb. 4:15).
Pray For Staff:Jennifer Palafox, Bible Pathway Ministries, President • Government Official: Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA) • Country: Qatar (2,123,160) Mid East • Major Languages: Arabic, English • Muslim conversion to Christ is forbidden • 77.5% Muslim; 8.5% Christian; 14% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Amidst uncertainty, seek the guidance of God (Is. 42:16).
Optional Reading:Mark 4