And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy (Lev. 19:1-2). Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God. And ye shall keep My statutes, and do them: I am the Lord which sanctify you(Lev. 20:7-8).
For 16 chapters, we have read primarily of God’s expectations for His people regarding their interactions with Him. In today’s reading, the focus changes. Instead of detailing the intricacies of worship, God begins to lay out His expectations for His people’s interactions with each other and the world. God had chosen the nation of Israel to live in the world as His representatives; therefore, how they lived their lives had to reflect the holiness of their Creator.
Chapter 19 of the Book of Leviticus offers us great insight into the love God has, not just for those that already belong to Him, but for all of creation. And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him. But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God (Lev. 19:34-35). With these statutes and commandments, the Lord endeavored to teach all those who lived by His name the true nature of that love as it applied to them and everyone they came into contact with.
If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from Him, That he who loveth God love his brother also (I John 4:20-21). There are many people in the world today who stand up and proudly proclaim their hate in the name of God. They confidently divide the world into two groups: those they deem to be ‘proper’ members of God's family and those they don’t. For those in the first category, they offer love and compassion, but for those that do not meet the criteria they have established, they have nothing but contempt. They are incapable of viewing the sinner as separate from the sin. Thus, their hatred is directed at the person. Their self-righteous prejudices fill their hearts, leaving no room for Godly love to dwell.
And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance (Luke 5:31-32). It is love of the sinner that brought Jesus to earth. It is His love for the lost that keeps us here now. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come (Matt. 24:14). If we truly belong to Him, then our hearts will be so full of His love that hatred and prejudice will not have space inside to take root.
If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love. These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is My commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you (John 15:10-12).
Thought for Today: As fallen creatures, we can feel hatred as acutely and all-consumingly as we feel love; there is no place for it in a heart that loves God.
Christ Revealed: As the source of true guidance, in contrast to evil guidance (Lev. 20:6-8). Jesus, who is The Truth (John 14:6) also sent us the Spirit of Truth who guides us into all truth (16:13).
Word Studies:19:3 fear = reverential, heartfelt submission; 19:4 molten gods = metal images; 19:10 glean = gather leftovers after harvesters.
Pray For Staff:Jennifer Palafox • Government Official: Gov. Maura Healey(MA) Rep. Gus Bilirakas (FL), Rep John Joyce (PA) • Country: St. Lucia (163,362) Caribbean • Major Languages: English, French Patois • Religious Freedom • 61.5% Roman Catholic; 25.5% Protestant; 3.4% Other Christian; 1.9% Rastafarian; 0.4% Other; 5.9% None; 1.4% Unspecified • Prayer Suggestion: Humble yourself and revere the Word of God; He will look upon you with affection (Is. 66:2).
Optional ReadingMark 11