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FEBRUARY 18, 2016
Why Should I Be Excited About Leviticus? |
"If the offering is a burnt offering from the herd, you are to offer a male without defect. You must present it at the entrance to the tent of meeting so that it will be acceptable to the LORD." Leviticus 1:3 (NIV)
Can I admit something to you about the book of Leviticus? I’ve never really been excited about studying it. I honor it as truth. I value it as part of the history for the children of Israel. But I always kind of skipped over that book when it came to choosing a book from God’s Word to personally study.
So when our ministry decided to study Leviticus for our First 5 app, I was skeptical. I got into the first chapter’s instructions about animal sacrifices and thought, How does this relate to my life?
But as I kept reading, I felt challenged to ask a different question.
It’s a question that gives me a much deeper appreciation for the teachings of Leviticus and my desperate need to read this book. And I want to share it with you — because I’m thinking I’m not the only woman who needs a fresh set of eyes when it comes to this book of the Bible.
The question is this: "What attitude shift is God asking His people to make here?"
The specific activities being described in chapter 1 of Leviticus may not apply to me, but the heart attitude about bringing an offering to God certainly does.
So, let’s read our key verse, Leviticus 1:3, and think more about the attitude shift than the activity itself: "If the offering is a burnt offering from the herd, you are to offer a male without defect. You must present it at the entrance to the tent of meeting so that it will be acceptable to the LORD."
There are three things that stand out to me from this verse regarding my attitude:
1. I am to return to God a portion of what He’s given me. He isn’t asking for the "whole herd," although He certainly could. But He does ask me to acknowledge Him with the provision I’ve been given. My attitude needs to be, "God, I acknowledge that what I have is a good gift from You. Therefore, I will gladly return the correct portion back to You with a grateful heart. I am compelled to do this not because of a rule but because this is a way to keep my heart in tune with Your best plan for me."
2. I should offer God my very best. God required them to bring a male without defect to Him. My attitude should be, "God, I don’t want to offer You something that costs me nothing. I want to intentionally set aside my very best offering for You. But I also want to apply this to other areas of my life as well. I want to offer You a portion of my day when my mind is the most sharp, so my best thoughts go to You. I want to offer You a portion of my best strength, so I can help someone in Your name today. And I want to offer my very best at my job today, so I truly bring You glory in my workplace."
3. I need to present my offering at the entrance. In other words, the attitude behind this action is, "I need to make giving to God the first thing I do, not the last thing I consider." When I get my paycheck, the first check written should be to the Lord. When I wake up to a new day, the first minutes and my first thoughts go to God. If I want God to be first in my life, I need to acknowledge Him with my firsts.
What rich truths.
Truths that redirect me and remind me to approach Leviticus with expectation instead of hesitation. Truths that encourage me to keep looking for the attitudes God was addressing in the midst of the actions He was requiring.
Yes. I think this is going to an incredible adventure toward experiencing God.
Dear Lord, thank You for reminding me that my attitude matters. I want to bring You my very best each and every day. Help me to keep You first in all of my life. And continue teaching me and shaping me through Your marvelous Word. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
TRUTH FOR TODAY:
2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (NIV)
Psalm 119:18, "Open my eyes [to spiritual truth] so that I may behold Wonderful things from Your law." (AMP)
RELATED RESOURCES:
Instead of feeling intimidated by Leviticus, we can actively look for heart-redirecting, attitude-shifting truths together! Join us as we journey through Leviticus and Hebrews on the First 5 app. Download First 5 today for free.
Don’t miss out on learning how Leviticus and Hebrews are closely intertwined! Get ready for the study by purchasing your Leviticus/Hebrews Experience Guide today.
REFLECT AND RESPOND:
Do you ever find the Bible intimidating? Pause and pray Psalm 119:18 before you read today, believing God wants to speak to you through His Word.
Are there any areas in your life where you need to start giving God your first or your best?
© 2016 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
630 Team Rd., Suite 100
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org