Leviticus is a book with which many Christians struggle. If they make it through the detailed (and bloody) accounts of the sacrificial system, they are then hit with five chapters of “clean” and “unclean” and the discomforting topics of skin diseases, death, and bodily discharges. We might be tempted to say, “Um, Moses, too much information.” Even in 2021, with heightened concern for cleaning protocols, we can wonder what place does this have in God’s Word and our lives as Christians. This is where you roll up our sleeves, sanitize your hands if you are due, and do the work of a good bible student. We trust what Paul says of scripture: that all is inspired by God, and profitable for us!

The many elements of life and worship outlined in Leviticus formed a significant portion of God’s instructions to Israel and, typically, such instructions have some sort of lasting significance and application for the church. This week, we will consider two elements of significance: practical and theological. On the practical side, there are obvious implications to general health. God’s community of people would be well served by certain elements of these laws with respect to curtailing the spreading of some diseases, and the careful handling of their food. Moreover, practically, God’s will was to set apart, or consecrate a people. One way he set them apart was in their daily habits and worship. The words of Moses in Deuteronomy 4:5,6 are helpful saying, “See, I have taught you statutes and rules, as the LORD my God commanded me, that you should do them in the land that you are entering to take possession of it. Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’”

Something to See:

2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” This truth is a critically important grounding for us as we read, study, and reflect upon God’s Word. Always keep this in mind when we come to challenging sections of Scripture – they are there for a reason. Ask God to help you find it!