Leviticus 18:1-2 The LORD said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘I am the LORD your God.’”
Commentary states that at that time, Israel was “the only kingdom that specifically recognized Yahweh as their King and Covenant God.” They had just left hundreds of years of slavery in Egypt, and they were headed to Canaan, and God wanted to be sure they knew how to act as His people. The golden calf incident showed that they clearly needed a refresher.
Leviticus 18:3 ‘“You must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices.’”
At this point, I feel like a bit of a broken record, but the whole of Leviticus seems to be God saying to the Israelites, “This is who You are in me. You need to reclaim that identity. You need to live that truth. The world will try to pull You from me. You MUST know who you are in Me so that You don’t let that happen.” I know that I, personally, can definitely benefit from that same message today. Thank You, Jesus.
Leviticus 18:4 “‘You must obey my laws and be careful to follow my decrees. I am the LORD your God.’”
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for this reminder of my identity in You. Help me to never forget that I am Your deeply loved child. Draw me closer. Amen.
Leviticus 18:5 “‘Keep my decrees and laws, for the person who obeys them will live by them. I am the LORD.’”
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.