Bible Pathway - February 8
Read Leviticus 19
Highlights:
Laws of holiness and justice for the people and priests; penalties for idolatry and immorality; laws regarding defilement of priests
And the Lord said unto Moses, Speak unto the priests the sons of Aaron, and say unto them, There shall none be defiled. . . . They shall be holy unto their God (Leviticus 21:1,6). The priests were to represent The Most High at all times, melding their spiritual and personal lives and family relationships. You can’t imagine a priest who would ignore his privilege to serve the Lord but choose to go fishing. Surely a similar high standard of conduct should motivate every physically-able Christian who loves His Savior to worship and serve the Lord every Lord’s Day in the Church that Christ also loved . . . and gave Himself for . . . That He might present it to Himself a glorious Church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy (Ephesians 5:25-27). Ye are a chosen . . . priesthood. . . . by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God (1 Peter 2:5,9,12; see Colossians 1:18-24).
As we read the Bible we learn that it matters enormously what or who actually controls or is Lord of our lives.
Even today, many are deceived and assume that they do not serve man-made gods (because they do not call them such) in their lives. But “gods” are objects of our hearts’ real desire and preoccupation. On the Lord’s day, golf, fishing, business, or other personal pleasures have taken the place of worshiping the Lord for many. The importance of worshiping the One True God above all else continues to diminish.
When you know what it is that takes first place in a person’s thoughts concerning material things and desires, what he looks forward to, and what or whom he is willing to sacrifice for above all others, then you know what his god is. A person’s real god is who or what he finds the most satisfaction in his heart thinking and talking about.
As Christians we must set the example and abstain from any conduct that may influence others to be less than their best for Christ. Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God (Leviticus 20:7). So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God (Romans 14:12).
Thought For The Day: What a joy and privilege to gather with other saints to praise and worship the Lord.
Word Studies:
19:3 fear, reverentially regard; 19:4 molten, cast metal; 19:26 enchantment, fortune-telling or witchcraft; observe times, astrology; 19:28 print any marks upon you, tattoo yourself or cut your-self 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.
Christ Revealed:
As the source of true guidance, in contrast to evil guidance (Leviticus 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).
Prayer Suggestion: When you pray, be brief and pray from your heart (Ecclesiastes 5:2).
Optional Reading: Mark 11
Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 4:12
