Read Leviticus 19
Highlights:
Again we hear the Lord speaking to Moses: Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel (Lev. 19:2). Discern how Almighty God set up a social order for His people that would make a perfect world to live in. It is overwhelming to realize what a wise God we serve! Have you counted how many times that God reminds us: I am the Lord (the Self-Existent Creator God) (19:3,4,10,12,14,16,18,25,28, 30-32,34,36-37) just in today's Bible reading? Hallelujah — HE IS THE LORD!
And ye shall be holy unto Me: for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be Mine (Lev. 20:26).
God chose Israel to be a special people unto Him. Within this nation, He chose the Levites; and within that tribe, there was only one family — the descendants of Aaron — that could be priests. If a priest broke a regulation of holiness, whether on purpose or through ignorance, he became defiled and could not serve in the Tabernacle worship.
Aaron's two sons, Nadab and Abihu, thought they could be disobedient to the Commands of God and still serve a Holy God. Since the presence of God could not dwell in the midst of sin, they were struck dead (10:1-2).
The death penalty was mandatory for many crimes. Among those mentioned that our society is accepting today include: worshiping false gods, Molech worship, association with familiar spirits (spirit mediums), and sexual perversions (homosexuality and other sex deviations).
It is spiritually dangerous to participate in these sins today. It would be equally serious to find fault with God because He imposed the death sentence for their violation.
Millions of Americans have rejected Christ and His Word; consequently, they are confused. They have turned to astrology, palm readers, fortune-tellers, and spirit mediums to find answers to their questions about life, thereby rejecting Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. These counterfeit guides have caused millions of unstable persons to be deceived.
Christ foretold that the immorality which existed in Sodom during Lot's lifetime will become acceptable in society just preceding the second coming of Christ (Luke 17:26-32).
Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny Him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate (Titus 1:15-16).
Thought for Today:
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you (II Cor. 6:17).
Christ Revealed:
As the source of true guidance, in contrast to evil guidance (Lev. 20:6-8). Jesus, who is The Truth (John 14:6) also sent us the Spirit of Truth who guides us into all Truth (16:13).
Word Studies:
19:3 fear, reverential, heartfelt submission; 19:4 molten gods, metal images; 19:10 glean, gather leftovers after harvesters; 19:16 stand against the blood, fail to help when a neighbor's life is in danger; 19:17 rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him, rebuke your neighbor for his wrongdoings, thereby clearing yourself of his guilt; 19:20 carnally, sexually; 19:23 uncircumcised, ceremonially defiled; 19:26 enchantment, demonic witchcrafts; observe times, soothsaying; 19:28 print any marks upon you, tattoo; 19:31 them that have familiar spirits, mediums, fortune-tellers; 19:32 hoary head, aged, grey; 20:8 sanctify, dedicates; 21:7 put away, divorced; 21:8 sanctify him, consecrate him to God; 21:9 profane, defile, play the harlot.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts: Sponsored by Beverly Blowers • Staff: Clarence Rathbone • Government Official: Rep. Gus M. Bilirakas (FL) • Country: Samoa (190,000) in the South Pacific • Major languages: Samoan and English • Religious freedom • 68% Protestant; 21% Roman Catholic; 2% Baha'i; 1.1% non-Religious/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Pray diligently with other believers and God will answer (Acts 12:5-10).
Optional Reading: Mark 11
Memory Verse for the Week: Ephesians 3:17