Highlights:
Blessings for obedience; judgment for disobedience; redeeming persons and property; tithes shall be holy to the Lord
Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image . . . to bow down unto it: for I am the Lord your God. Ye shall keep My Sabbaths, and reverence My Sanctuary: I am the Lord. . . . keep My Commandments. . . . and ye shall be My people. . . . But if ye will not hearken unto (listen to and obey) Me, and will not do all these Commandments. . . . I will set My face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies. . . . And I will scatter you among the heathen (Gentiles) (Leviticus 26:1-33). The Israelites were commanded: Thou shalt have no other gods before Me (Exodus 20:1-17). This is the foundation of a right relationship with our Creator and for all true worship of Him.
Numerous blessings were recorded as benefits of obedience to the Word of God (Leviticus 26:3-13). Also recorded were clear warnings of the consequences of sin and disobedience to His Word, which later were fulfilled (26:14-39). Although the Book of Leviticus was written to Israelites, its basic truths are as relevant for us today, for the God of holiness is Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever (Hebrews 13:8).
Although the majority of Jews continue to reject Jesus as their Messiah, they will eventually recognize their spiritual blindness, re-pent, and worship their Messiah Jesus, the true source of eternal peace. God foretold: Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new Covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah . . . I will put My Law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be My people (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 11:19-20). Centuries later, through the Apostle Paul, God explained: I would not . . . that ye should be ignorant of this mystery . . . that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in (Romans 11:25).
The times of the Gentiles (Luke 21:24) began with King Nebuchadnezzar and will soon end when Jesus Christ, the King of kings, will rightfully rule the world from Jerusalem.
The marvelous compassion and love of God is seen in His desire to forgive and restore sinners to Himself. If we (anyone) confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9) without exception. But it is of utmost importance that we realize the eternal consequences of sin, For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23).
Thought For The Day: God promises rich rewards for those who walk in His ways and are obedient to Him.
Word Studies:
26:6 neither shall the sword go, there will be no war; 26:10 store, food supply; 26:13 go upright, walk erect as free men; 26:15 abhor, disregard, reject; 26:25 avenge the quarrel, execute punishment.
Christ Revealed:
As the Tabernacle to be sent to dwell among us (Leviticus 26:11). The Word was made (became) flesh, and dwelt (tabernacled) among us (John 1:14; Revelation 21:3).
Prayer Suggestion: Pray with a heart of righteousness, keeping the truth of God, and know He will hear your prayers (Isaiah 26:2).
Optional Reading: Mark 14
Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 4:14
