Day 26 – Leviticus: Living a Holy life

Reading: Leviticus 18:1 to Leviticus 27:34

“I will look favorably upon you, making you fertile and multiplying your people. And I will fulfill my covenant with you.” Leviticus 26:9 NLT

The latter part of Leviticus (chapter 18) centres around the standards of living a holy life. God chose Israel to be separate and distinct from the pagan nations around them. They had to talk, think, eat, dress, and behave according to the dedication set for holy living. The Israelites had to adapt to living in the wilderness for 40 years and these “life rules” were for their wellbeing. God outline specific rules for the priest for ministering to Him and to the nation. (Note that God placed the people first and then the priests – not the other way around.)

God designated seasons and festivals for religious and national holidays and were meant to be celebrated in family groups. Each of these teaches us about worshipping God in celebration and quiet dedication. These rules about worshipping sketch an orderly, regular pattern of fellowship with Him – allowing times of celebration, thanksgiving, reverence and redirection.

Unfortunately, we later see the twisting and manipulation of these laws by the priests to keep Israel “in check”, but God knew that no human born into this world of sin would ever be able to be blameless before Him. Jesus was tested and questioned (and even reprimanded by the rabbis) about keeping the laws. He came to fulfil and not replace the law opening a way for us to live a worshipped-filled, holy life through Him who paid our debt.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the depth in Leviticus about holy living and drawing closer to You in worship. Thank You for sending Jesus who came to fulfil the law and being blameless before You to be the perfect Lamb sacrificed for our sins. May Leviticus be a constant reminder for us to point our morality to Your Word. Amen.