Read Leviticus 22
Highlights:
A wealth of spiritual information is found in these two chapters which outline the holy days of Feasts and fasts God required. Every Christian should learn how they all foreshadowed our relationship with Christ who was crucified on Passover (Lev. 23:5; John 19:14).
On the annual Day of Atonement the high priest must offer sacrifices for himself and then for the sins of the nation. He was then prepared to offer incense (symbolic of prayer) before the Lord (see Ex. 6:3). He passed beyond the veil hidden from the people, including all other priests, and he was alone in the presence of our Creator. There shall be a Day of Atonement . . . ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord. And ye shall do no manner of work. . . . it shall be unto you a Sabbath of rest (Lev. 23:27-32).
The priests . . . shall come near to Me to minister unto Me, and they shall stand before Me . . . saith the Lord God. . . . when they enter in at the gates of the inner court, they shall be clothed with linen garments; and no wool shall come upon them while they minister. . . . they shall not gird themselves with anything that causeth sweat (Ezek. 44:15-18). Work that produces sweat was unacceptable in the inner court (44:17). Fleshly "sweat" in many of our activities causes the blessings of God to be withheld.
While individual Israelites under the Old Covenant did not have the privilege of coming into the presence of God, Jesus under the New Covenant has made a way for us to see Him visibly and to be with Him for eternity. Jesus will make all Christian believers His priests. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection . . . they shall be priests of God and of Christ (Rev. 20:6; see 1:6; 5:10). Seeing then that we have a Great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace (with our prayers), that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need (Heb. 4:14-16).
Only a few take time to pray and fast as did the early church. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost (Spirit) said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them (Acts 13:2).
Thought for Today:
It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God (Heb. 10:31).
Christ Revealed:
Leviticus 23 — in the seven great Feasts of the Lord: Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread, Feast of Firstfruits, Feast of Pentecost, Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, Feast of Tabernacles (Booths) — all of which typified Jesus Christ. Christ our Passover (I Cor. 5:7); Bread of Life (John 6:35); Christ . . . the Firstfruits of them that slept (died) (I Cor. 15:20).
Word Studies:
22:19 beeves beef cattle; 22:23 superfluous deformed; 22:27 dam other; 23:2 holy convocations sacred assemblies; 23:7 ye shall do no servile work you shall not work at your occupations; 23:27 afflict humble.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Radio Broadcasts sponsored by Inez Holliman • Staff: Beth Carlton • Government Officials: Rep. Jay Inslee (WA) and Sen. James Webb, Jr. (VA) • Country: Switzerland (7 million) in central Europe • Major languages: German and French • Religious freedom • 53% Roman Catholic; 41% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Ask that God's will be done in your life (Luke 22:42).
Optional Reading: Mark 12
Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:1-3