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Bible Pathways 02/08/2002


February 08

Read Leviticus 19 -- 21

In Today's Reading:

Again we hear the Lord tell Moses, Speak to all the congregation . . . you shall be holy for I the Lord your God am holy (Leviticus 19:2). Does "all" apply to us in 2002? Discern how God has set up social order for His people and the penalties for disobeying His Word. Why does God say; I am the Lord so many times in just these three chapters? It's so easy to forget that -- HE IS TO BE LORD OF OUR LIVES!

Verses for Today:

The soul that turns after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards . . . I . . . will cut him off from among his people. . . . If a man also lie with mankind, as he lies with a woman . . . they shall surely be put to death (Leviticus 20:6).

Highlights:

Laws of holiness and justice for the people and priests; penalties for idolatry and immorality; laws regarding defilement of priests.

If the people of God were to receive His blessings, they had to enforce the death penalty on anyone who was convicted of worshiping false gods or associating with familiar (demonic) spirits (through spirit mediums), or anyone who participated in homosexuality or other sexual perversions.

All who neglect to read the Word of God have no real basis for moral standards of what is right or wrong. Consequently, many have turned to astrology, palm readers, fortune-tellers, and spirit mediums. These counterfeit guides of Satan are still deceiving millions today.

The Israelite priests were to represent the Lord God at all times. They were to represent Him in their own personal lives and family relationships lest the sanctuary of God be profaned. The Lord said speak to the priests. . . . he shall not defile himself, being a chief man among his people. . . . They shall be holy to their God: and not profane the Name of their God: for the offerings of the Lord made by fire, and the bread of their God, they do offer: therefore they shall be holy. They shall not take a wife that is a whore . . . neither shall they take a woman put away (divorced) from her husband (Leviticus 21:1; Ezekiel 44:22).

The marriage status of the spiritual leaders was so important that God repeated three times: A widow, or a divorced woman, or profane, or a harlot, these he shall not take (Leviticus 21:14). The spiritual leader represented the will of the Most High God; therefore, they were required to meet a higher standard of conduct than others.

A spiritual leader in the church, a pastor, deacon, elder, minister, or bishop must set the example and abstain from any conduct that may influence others to have an excuse to violate the Word of God. Since God has never changed, His basic moral principles remain the same. A bishop (minister, pastor, elder) then must be blameless, the husband of one wife (married to only one living wife), vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt (able) to teach (1 Timothy 3:2).

Divorce destroys the sacred family relationship that God ordained. Jesus said: Have you not read, that He who made them at the beginning made them male and female . . . What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder (separate) (Matthew 19:4-6).

A Thought from Psalms: BLESSED are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the Law of the Lord (119:1).

Christ Revealed:

As the only Source of true guidance, in contrast to evil guidance through spiritualist mediums (Leviticus 20:6-8; see John 14:6).

Word Studies:

19:3 fear = reverential regard (obedience) to supreme authority; 19:4 molten = cast metal images; 19:17 in any wise rebuke your neighbor and not suffer sin upon him = reprove your neighbor so you will not share in his sin; 19:19 gender = breed (mate); 19:23 uncircumcised = ceremonially defiled consequently forbidden; 19:26 enchantment = the practice of witchcraft, fortune-telling; observe times = astrology; 19:27 round the corners = a rounding of the hair of your head, as the pagans do; 19:28 print any marks upon you = tatoo your skin; 19:31 familiar spirits = mediums, fortune-tellers; wizards = witchcraft; 19:32 rise up before the hoary head = show respect to the aged; 19:33 vex = mistreat; 20:2 sojourn = stay temporarily; 20:12 wrought confusion = committed perversion; 21:4 chief man = a priest.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for one more person to read through the Bible · Country: Sierra Leone (5 million) in western Africa · Major language: English · Increasing restrictions on Christian work in some areas · 50% belief in river spirits, medicine men, and witchcraft; 39% Muslim; 7% Protestant; 2% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart (Psalms 37:4).

Optional Reading: Mark 11

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:8



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