Consistency
Good Morning Friends,
I have been feeling a bit down the past couple of days. My energy has been lower than usual, but last night as I was reminding myself of all the things I am thankful for, I realized that it is a blessing to have these “lows”. I often struggle with slowing down and I pray for the strength to do so in order to be more fully present in my day to day life. This week my mind and body have slowed and now I can smile about it because God’s timing is perfect.
Usually when I feel this way I struggle to maintain consistency. I have fallen behind in my daily Bible reading, but know that I can pick up where I left off today and keep moving forward. Today I will start Numbers. Before moving on, I have some thoughts to share about Leviticus.
As I continued my reading through Leviticus I couldn’t help but wonder what place these Old Testament laws have today in Christian Faith. In Bible School and Sunday School we were taught the ten commandments, but not the expansive list of rules contained within the Old Testament. I am wrestling with this today and trying to understand how to piece the old and new together. These rules had a most important purpose – Leviticus 11:44: “For I am the Lord your God. You must consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy.” This is repeated in the next verse, “Therefore, you must be holy because I am holy.”
The Israelites were never wholly “clean”, but if they followed the instructions provided they could be purified and declared ceremonially clean again. There are many ways an Israelite would be considered unclean or defiled, but some of these were temporary in nature if God’s instructions were followed.
Perhaps the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ replaces these old testament rituals. The animal sacrifices are no longer necessary because the Lamb of God was sacrificed so that we may not die.
Leviticus Chapter 15:31 – “This is how you will guard the people of Israel from ceremonial uncleanness. Otherwise they would die, for their impurity would defile my Tabernacle that stands among them.”
Friends, I have to say, Leviticus Chapter 26 stopped me in my tracks. It is so powerful. God knew His people would not obey and we would be “scattered among the nations”. There will be severe consequences, “But at last my people will confess their sins and the sins of their ancestors for betraying me and being hostile towards me. … then at last their stubborn hearts will be humbled, and they will pay for their sins.” Leviticus 26:40-41. The scripture goes on to read, “But despite all this, I will not utterly reject or despise them while they are in exile in the land of their enemies. I will not cancel my covenant with them by wiping them out, for I am the Lord their God.” Leviticus 26:44
Our God - all knowing and filled with love for us despite our failings. He knew what lay ahead, yet he still is faithful to us. Let us return to Him and confess our failings, and strive to live each day in His light.
My friends, please know I am but an ordinary working wife and mother of two seeking the abundance only God can provide. I am not a preacher or religious studies expert. I am referencing the website https://bibleproject.com/ for additional guidance and context as I continue my reading through the Bible. I highly recommend checking them out if you are struggling with understanding the narrative and themes. They publish a wealth of information from articles, videos, and podcasts.
Love,
-A
