This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - wrapping up chapter nineteen - Holiness and Leadership - covering Leviticus 21-22, looking specifically at the fifth and final theme for the chapter - God Calls Us to Know Him Through His New Covenant in Christ. Here, the commentary summarizes the key takeaways from Leviticus 21-22. It starts by stating that "God's commands about [the] worship practices and priests [as described in these books] are helpful since they symbolize the way God relates to His people. On the other hand, the old covenant sacrificial system and priesthood have been superseded by the new covenant in Jesus....However, the book of Leviticus is valuable because it is doubtful we will understand much of what the New Testament says about Jesus unless we know and understand Leviticus." We are encouraged to review how Jesus fulfills the laws in Leviticus 21-22.
- Jesus is our high priest: see Hebrews 7 and 1 Timothy 2:5
- Jesus is our perfect sacrifice: see Hebrews 9:26
- We worship through Jesus; how we worship matters; we are to be right with God so we must ask Him for forgiveness of sin before we worship: see Hebrews 10:29 and 13:15
- Jesus defines holiness - it not elitism as practiced by the Sadducees and Pharisees, but humble submission (including death on the cross!); it is also not externalism and a focus on ritual/ceremonial law, but on heart transformation: see Luke 18:9, John 7:49, Luke 12:48, Matthew 5:19-22, 27-28
Comment and discuss this post here.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who is so full of amazing grace for me - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such a God. My sin continues - worry, etc. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
