Highlights:
Blessings for obedience; judgment for disobedience; redeeming persons and property; tithes shall be holy to the Lord.
Verses for Today:
Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image . . . to bow down unto it: for I am the Lord your God. Ye shall keep My Sabbaths, and reverence My Sanctuary: I am the Lord. . . . keep My Commandments. . . . But if ye will not hearken unto (listen to and obey) Me, and . . . do all these Commandments. . . . I will set My face against you . . . ye shall be slain before your enemies. . . . I will scatter you among the heathen (Gentiles) (Lev. 26:1-33).The Israelites were commanded: Thou shalt have no other gods before Me (Ex. 20:1-17). This is the foundation for a right relationship with our Creator and for all true worship of Him.
Perhaps the most subtle, deceptive form of idolatry in our affluent society is covetousness of material things. For the Love of money (to purchase things) . . . which while some coveted after, they erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows (I Tim. 6:10-11).
Paul counted it a privilege to give up all material things (assets he once held to be) . . . gain. . . . (but now) count them but dung (worthless rubbish), that I may win Christ, And be found in Him . . . and the fellowship of His sufferings (Phil. 3:7-10). Barnabas had land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet (Acts 4:37). A spiritual principle is revealed in these men so greatly used of God. They followed the example of Jesus who did not seek worldly wealth: Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith? (James 2:5). Numerous blessings are recorded for obedience to the Word of God (Lev. 26:3-13) as well as clear warnings of judgment for disobedience to His Word (26:14-39). Leviticus was written to Israelites, but its basic truths apply to us today.
God foretold: Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new Covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah . . . I will put My Law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be My people (Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 11:19-20).
The marvelous compassion and love of God is seen in His desire to forgive and restore sinners to Himself. If we (anyone) confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (without exception). . . . Every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure (I John 1:9; 3:3).
Thought for Today:
The Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul (Ps. 19:7).
Christ Revealed:
As the Tabernacle to be sent to dwell among us (Lev. 26:11). The Word was made (became) flesh, and dwelt (tabernacled) among us (John 1:14; Rev. 21:3).
Word Studies:
26:6 neither shall the sword go =there will be no war; 26:10 store =food supply; 26:13 go upright =walk erect as free men; 26:15 abhor =disregard, reject; 26:25 avenge the quarrel =execute punishment.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Linda Kennon • Staff: Rita Guerra • Government Official: Rep. Tammy Baldwin (WI) • Country: Vanuatu (189,000) a group of 12 large islands southwest of the Solomon Islands in the southwestern Pacific • Major languages: English and French • Religious freedom • 78% Protestant; 17% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Seek the Lord in times of trouble (Matt. 8:24-25).
Optional Reading: Mark 14
Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:7-11