Leviticus 19 -- Just As Important Today

My commentary entitles this chapter “The Sanctity of Law” and says, “God expects His people to take His law seriously,” and several things mentioned here deal directly with our relationship with Him.  Over and over He says, “I am the Lord your God,” and that alone should cause us to want to obey.  “The law brings sinful people into the presence of a sovereign God who has every right to tell us what is right and wrong.”  I know that during my first years away from home I struggled mightily with that truth.  Satan first starts to attack us there, trying to make us believe that God is being overbearing in His demand to be worshipped.  But we must never forget that He created us and wants us to have His very best.  Our job is to respect Him and obey.

My commentary also mentioned the importance of following God’s instructions for worship.  We’re told to “offer it in such a way that it will be accepted.”  That doesn’t just apply to their fellowship (peace) offering back then, but to our monetary offerings today and even our praise and worship to God during our worship.  He expects us to worship Him in spirit and in truth, not simply because it’s on the order of service.

His Name “is sacred and must never be used blasphemously or in an oath that the person has no intention of keeping … If we fear the Lord, we’ll respect His name.”

There’s a part of this chapter that also deals with our relationships with others.  Particularly mentioned are respect for one’s parents and the aged, and concern for those with handicaps.  God also wants both rich and poor to stand equally before Him and before the law, with neither being favored if all are treated equally.  We therefore shouldn’t seek out only the people who can benefit us the most – who have the most to offer us in return for our kindness.  True religion, in James 1:27, calls for sacrificially caring for those who can benefit us the least, who have the least to offer us in return for our kindness, according to David Platt.

Father, restore the respect that Your law requires.  It’s what is so missing in our country today.  These aren’t just old Jewish laws, but wise words from You that cause us to rejoice in living.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford