Leviticus - part 2

 Leviticus 15-27  (These are my notes from my reading.)

(15)Like the laws concerning leprosy, the laws concerning a discharge have a parallel for us today - hidden sin (see Search the Scriptures, edited by Alan Stibbs).  Discharge (hidden sin) must also be dealt with for the well being of God's children.  This chapter makes it sound like menstruation and sex are both "unclean" things.  Puzzlement . . . I know that the chapter is dealing with ceremonial uncleanness rather than something being "dirty", so that may be the answer.  These things made one ceremonially unclean and unable to come to the tabernacle.  Perhaps their very "humanness" was the issue??

(16)The Day of Atonement - once a year, the priest was to make atonement for himself, the place and articles of worship, and the people.  This had to be done every year with blood sacrifices - until Jesus.  Jesus is the only One to make perfect, permanent atonement for us.

(17)All meat was a sacrifice to gods during this time in history, so the Israelites needed to make sure they were only sacrificing to the One True God and that they were doing so correctly.  

(18)Sexual sin was rampant in the world (and still is), but God's people are called to a higher standard.  God's people are to live by God's design and worship Him His way.

(19-20)God's way is the best way.  To keep Israel separate, they must live His way.  Punishment for sin is death.  It was then and it is now.  That's why we need Jesus so badly.

(21-22)Anything that is part of worship is to be holy, including the priests.  Those who lead, especially in worship, are held to a higher standard.  This includes purity, life choices, behavior, etc.  Those who lead represent God to the people and must be careful not to cast any shadow on Him.  The offerings given to the Lord for the use of His servants must be used carefully and wisely, obeying the Lord, for they are holy.

(23)Israel is given weekly Sabbaths as well as feasts throughout the year.  These remind them Who they are working for, Who provides the seed and the harvest, and Who everything is really about.

(24-27)These are laws to govern society, including punishments.  Israel is to be a holy people, set apart.  The people and their land belong to God and should be treated as such.  The Sabbath for the land, the Jubilee year, redemption of gifts to God - all these point to God as the true "owner" of all.  He blesses His people tremendously, but He also expects them to act like His people should.  If they are unwilling to do so, then there are consequences, both for individuals and for the nation as a whole.

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