Leviticus 11:43a Do not defile yourselves by any of these creatures….
Once again with this chapter I was struck with the thought that there are So. Many. Rules. Commentary, however, reminded me that “God was not making up new rules for Israel….God was simply codifying what was already in the traditions of Israel.” They had been slaves in Egypt for hundreds of years. He wanted to remind them of what to do so that He could be in relationship with them.
Leviticus 11:43b … Do not make yourselves unclean by means of them or be made unclean by them.
Leviticus 11:44-45 reminds them of the fact that God is holy, and for Him to be able to be in relationship with them, they have to be holy as well. Suddenly, all those rules and regulations become a loving reminder from their God, a God of relationship. He wants to be with them. Following these rules will allow them that opportunity.
Leviticus 11:44 I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy….
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for this reminder that You love us deeply and want to be in relationship with us. Help us to be ever mindful of Leviticus 10:3 in our relationship with You—to regard You as holy and to seek to glorify You when we come near. Draw us closer. Amen.
Leviticus 11:45 I am the LORD, who brought you out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.