“…godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”
1 Timothy 4:8
Leviticus connects godly conduct to blessed well-being as closely as any passage in the bible. Perhaps Paul had this text in mind as he wrote the above encouragement to his young ministry partner Timothy. As we consider this chapter the following two principles present themselves.
1) The necessity of obedience
This chapter follows the pattern of ancient treaties between a king and his people through which consequences for actions (blessings or curses) are detailed. The chapter begins with God’s reminder that “I am the Lord your God” and therefore the only object of proper worship. As such, he makes an undeniable, irresistible claim upon our obedience. He is Creator, Lord, Sustainer, Provider, Comforter, Deliverer and Refuge. We who are so very unfit to guide ourselves, ruled such as we are by passions, self-service, short-sightedness, and fallible judgments, need a “lamp unto our feet and light upon our path (Ps. 119:105)”.
2) The Reward of Obedience
The blessings of God are comprehensive: covering natural and spiritual life, in this life and the life to come. Though enemies and dangers abound, the way of God brings peace, rest, security, and fruitful living. Above all is God’s promise to reside with his people, to walk among them, and be their God as they are his people. Leviticus 26 displays a generous and wise God in making obedience so obviously beneficial to our interests! “Taste and see that the Lord is good, happy is he who takes his refuge in him. (Ps. 34:8)”
Something to See:
It is natural for us to allow ourselves to be influenced by the promise of rewards. Humans are compelled to anticipate, and prudence is a biblical virtue. God’s good favour does not cater to wanton lust, but rather those things that elevate our thoughts and actions, and truly minister to us and others. The hope of receiving God’s blessings is something to be cherished, not checked. This week think upon consequences of following and not following God and as you do I trust that any sober reflection on our part will commend the Lord’s wisdom such that we say with David:
“The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
making wise the simple;
the precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is clean,
enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true,
and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
Ps. 19:7-11