This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing chapter seventeen - Holiness and Love - covering Leviticus 19-20, looking specifically at the fifth and final theme for the chapter - Our Holiness Requires Living by Distinctions. Here, the commentary looks at ways in which God seeks for us to be unique and set apart from the world. We are referred to the many passages in Leviticus that contrast acceptable versus unacceptable sacrifices, clean versus unclean food, and ways of life and behaviors that are designed to express our holiness - see also my post yesterday as an example of the latter. The commentary highlights several scriptural examples in Leviticus 19-20 that reinforce how we are to be set apart (and holy).
First, the commentary looks at how we are to see the distinction between sacred and secular. Leviticus 19:19 is used to point out how God used "mixing of fabrics in the priestly garments and the mixing of spices in tabernacle incense" in the tabernacle, but did not allow similar mixing in secular life (see also Deuteronomy 22:9-11). The commentary points out God allowed mixing in the tabernacle because it was special. We must see how "[s]ome things are special and holy...so we treat [them] with respect", including God's Word and worship. Although the ceremonial laws do not apply with the New Covenant with Jesus, the sacred nature of of certain aspects of our journey with Christ still apply such as the Bible, and worship.
Second, the commentary points out a distinction between marriage and singleness, including "the sanctity of marriage." God paid special attention to this here in Leviticus 19-20 as the Israelites were about to enter the promised land that was surrounded by sexual behavior God did not want for the Israel. He sought for the Israelites to be set apart, and He still has this desire today.
Third, and finally, the commentary points out how our holiness "is defined by the distinction between falsehood and truth. Looking at Leviticus 19:23-31 and v26-31, God sought for the Israelites to praise the One True God and to avoid the falsehood of "pagan religions" common at the time, particularly in Canaan and the neighboring lands.
We are encouraged to explore a book entitled My Heart-Christ's Home, where Robert Munger provides a great analogy of a house to demonstrate how God seeks for believers to surrender all aspects of our lives over to Jesus. See a short summary of this book here. This is how we are to become set apart as God sought for the Israelites (and all believers).
Comment and discuss this post here.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who and who has come to live in the house of my heart and I am so thrilled that You have - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of how You have entered my life. 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.
