February 11
Leviticus 26 -- 27
Although chapter 26 of Leviticus was written to the people of God in the Old Testament (Covenant), its basic truths are just as relevant for us today. The God of Holiness is no respecter of persons and He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). He warns His people: You shall make no idols. . . . Keep My sabbaths, and reverence My sanctuary. . . . For I am the Lord your God, Keep My commandments, and do them. . . . I will give peace in the land. . . . I will walk among you. . . . But if you will not . . . do all these commandments . . . I will . . . cause sorrow of heart. . . . I will break the pride of your power. . . . and make you few in number (Leviticus 26:1-33). This chapter begins with a reminder of the first and fourth of the Ten Commandments. The foundation for a right relationship with our Creator and for all true worship is to recognize that He is the one true God (Exodus 20:3-4).
Numerous blessings were recorded as benefits of obedience to the Word of God (Leviticus 26:3-13). Also recorded were clear warnings regarding sin and disobedience to His Word which later were fulfilled. The northern 10 tribes were carried away by the Assyrians; Judah, Jerusalem, and the Temple were destroyed by the Babylonians. But the Lord, with patience and love, graciously extends His promise to restore fellowship: If they shall confess their iniquity, and . . . if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled. . . . Then will I remember My Covenant with Jacob . . . Isaac, and . . . Abraham . . . and I will remember the land (26:40-42; II Chronicles 7:14).
Instructions for the making of vows are given in Leviticus 27. When a man shall make a singular vow. . . . He shall not alter it, nor change it (Leviticus 27:2,10). Although no one was required to make a vow under the Mosaic Law, this warning is repeated to indicate the importance of fulfilling the vow once it has been made: When you shall vow a vow to the Lord your God, you shall not slack (slow) to pay it: for the Lord your God will surely require it of you; and it would be sin in you (to break it) (Deuteronomy 23:21).
Despite their continued rejection of Jesus as the Messiah, the Jews will eventually recognize their spiritual blindness, repent, and worship their Messiah Jesus, the True Source of eternal Peace. Just as God foretold: I will bring them again to this land. . . . for they shall return to Me with their whole heart (Jeremiah 24:6-7). The times of the Gentiles that began with King Nebuchadnezzar will soon end and Jesus Christ, the King of kings, will rightfully rule His world from Jerusalem.
The marvelous compassion and love of God is seen in His desire to forgive and restore the sinner to Himself. However, no one can escape God's law that whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap (Galatians 6:7). The tragic losses of a wasted lifetime cannot be relived or restored but they can be forgiven. Recognizing the eternal consequences of sin, it is of utmost importance that we also recognize that godly sorrow works repentance (II Corinthians 7:10) and that, if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:9).
Christ Revealed:
As the Tabernacle to be sent to dwell among us (Leviticus 26:11). The Word was made flesh, and dwelt (tabernacled) among us (John 1:14).
Word Studies:
26:6 neither shall the sword go means there will be no war; 26:10 store means food supply; 26:13 go upright means walk erect as free men; 26:15 abhor means disregard, reject; 26:25 avenge the quarrel means execute punishment.
Government Officials: Rep. Tammy Baldwin (WI), Gov. Jeb Bush (FL), Rep. Ernest Istook (OK), Gov. Mike Leavitt (UT), and Rep. Michael Oxley (OH) · Pray for Bible & Literature Missionary Foundation and Dr. Bob Lemmon, Director · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio broadcast in memory of Stasia B. Mikosz · Country: Trinidad and Tobago (1 million) two islands seven miles off the coast of Venezuela · Major languages: English and Hindi · Religious freedom · 34% Protestant; 29% Roman Catholic; 25% Hindu; 7% Muslim · Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to teach you His ways (Psalms 27:11).
Optional Reading:
Mark 14
Memory Verse for the Week:
Colossians 1:16