Leviticus

Theme 1: The worship of God is focused on realizing that he is holy and set apart from us and that we must approach him with awe and reverence. Leviticus 1 described the burnt offering which was without blemish and this teaches me that worship is focused on being obedient to what God has taught us. Leviticus 2 describes the grain offering which teaches me that worship involves giving him the fruit of our labor. Leviticus 4 describes the offering of well being in which all the blood was consumed on the altar as life is in the blood. This reminds me that worship involves offering my life to the Lord. Leviticus 5 describes the guilt offering which reminds me that in Christ my sins our forgiven and that I am no longer guilty. Leviticus 6 describes making restitution for sins we have committed which reminds me that forgiveness involves making amends with others. Leviticus 7 discussed how the offerings were to be shared by the priests which reminded me that God provides for us and that we are to generously share with others . Leviticus 9 described how the high priest interceded for the people and reminds me that in Christ I can approach God and that the Holy Spirit intercedes for me in a way that I cannot understand. Leviticus 10 described the sins of Aaron sons who disobeyed the Lord and were killed. This reminds me that although I need to obey Christ that when I do not I am still forgiven by him.

Theme 2: It is our actions of obedience to the Lord that make us clean or unclean , Chapter 11 discussed clean and unclean animals of which the unclean were to be shunned . Chapter 12 discussed the uncleanness of a pregnant women. Chapter 13 describes the role of a priest as one who cures diseases. Chapter 14 discussed the rules of a priest and the healing of people with leprosy. In all these cases Christ is described as our healer and we are given the role of examining ourselves to make a correct decision.

Theme 3: Following the Lord involves being obedient to his commands and focusing on life from his perspective. Chapter 15 discusses being ceremonial unclean and reminds me of the need to examine my own life. Chapter 16 discussed the Day of Atonement which reminded me of my need to revere him and to praise him for the new covenant we have in Christ. Chapter 17 discussed the various rules the Israelites a re to follow and obey in order to please Christ. Chapter 18 continued to discuss the sacrifices and rituals which reminds me that worship involves being separate from the world and living in obedience to God. Chapter 19 discussed laws to keep in the community in order to function and reminds me that worshipping God involves caring for my neighbors. Chapter 20 discussed not worshipping idols, witchcraft or focusing on adultery which reminded me that worship involves focusing on God and his merciful deeds to us.

Theme 4 : Rituals and commands given by God are to be obeyed in order for our relationship with him to grow and for us to experience his blessings. Chapters 21-25 and chapter 27 describe rituals to follow as part of our worship of the Lord. Chapter 26 discussed how those who obey the Lord will be blessed and that those that disobeyed him would be cursed.