Bible Pathway - Feb. 8, 2011
Read Leviticus 19
Highlights:
Amazingly, again the Creator instructs Moses: Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel (Lev. 19:2). Try counting how many times, just in today's reading, God reminds us: I am the Lord.
The Law and all the Ordinances were given to the nation of Israel as a means of revealing to the world the wisdom and loving-kindness of our Heavenly Father. I am the Lord your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt. . . . Therefore shall ye observe all My Statutes . . . and do them: I am the Lord. . . . Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy (Lev. 19:36-37; 20:7).
The instructions against fraud, hatred, an unforgiving attitude, and immorality, are summed up in one Commandment: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself (19:18). Other Commandments call for reverence for parents and the aged and compassion for the suffering and the weak. All these reveal the loving concern of the Creator God who cares for all His people.
Love in the heart of God is the source of everything that is good (see Gen. 1:10,12,18,21,25). God saw every thing that He had made, and, behold, it was very good (1:31). His character of loving-kindness should be expressed through His people. We are the means that God has chosen to express His love to the world. By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another (John 13:35).
Most of us, somewhere along the way, have at times thought: "How can I possibly love some people I know — that rude egotist down at the office who deliberately puts me down, or that smooth liar who has deceived me, or that onetime friend who took advantage of my trust?" And the list continues.
Any pagan can say: "I will do good to the person who is good to me." To love those we consider "unloveable," it takes a Christian who, from his heart, seeks to manifest the nature of Christ his Savior who has forgiven his sins. Jesus said: Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you . . . For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect (Matt. 5:44-48). It is of utmost importance that we sincerely express His love and compassion without exception.
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another (Rom. 12:10).
Thought for Today:
So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou has found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off (Prov. 24:14).
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 everentially regard; 19:4 molten past metal; 19:26 enchantment fortune-telling or witchcraft; observe times astrology; 19:28 print any marks upon you tattoo yourself or cut yourself as the pagans do; 19:31 them that have familiar spirits mediums, fortune-tellers; wizards a form of witchcraft of those who profess to communicate with the dead.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Radio Broadcasts in honor of Bonnie Wilhite • Staff: Clarence Rathbone • Government Official: Rep. Gus Bilirakas (FL) • Country: Sweden (8.09 million) in northern Europe • Major language: Swedish • Religious freedom • 90% Evangelical Lutheran; 1.5% Roman Catholic; 1% Pentecostal; 4% Muslim; 3.5% Other (Orthodox, Protestant, Muslim, Jewish, Mormon, Buddhist) • Prayer Suggestion: Intercede in prayer for others by name (Luke 22:31-32).
Optional Reading: Mark 11
Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:1-3
