May 6 -- "Be Holy for I am Holy"

Today's Reading: Leviticus 11 & 12 

"Be Holy for I am Holy"

♪ “Holiness, holiness is what I long for; Holiness is what I need; Holiness, holiness is what You want from me”♪ *

God's holiness is a central aspect of His nature, and it is one of the key attributes that sets Him apart from everything else in the universe. It is also something He wants to be an attribute of our lives.

The holiness we are to exhibit is not our own, but the holiness of Christ in us. We are not holy and no amount of human effort can make us so. We can no more make ourselves holy than a dead man can make himself alive. We need the work of Christ in us if we are to realize the challenge of being holy for He is holy. It is Christ in us Who will manifest His holiness if we will but yield our flesh to Him. This is not a human operation, it is a spiritual one brought about by the work of God deep within our soul.

Becoming holy is a two part process: God’s part and our part. Our part is to stay out of God’s way – to yield and surrender to Him. When we put ourselves under His care, we surrender our own ideas, will, and pride to Him. His part is to transform us into the holy image of Jesus Christ. This is not a once-and-for-all transaction, but a daily, moment-by-moment transition from reliance on our flesh to control by His Spirit.

If you and I want to be made holy, then we must willingly surrender ourselves to His care and actively seek the Spirit’s work of transformation. Holiness is God’s gracious work. Grace is God’s unmerited favor. It’s His loving posture toward all people. God does not make a person holy because they are worthy or good; God makes us holy because of His mercy and our faith in Him. This means that holiness is God’s free gift (Ephesians 2:8).

Making us holy is a work that the Holy Spirit initiates and sustains (Galatians 3:1–3; 5:16–18). And He won't stop this work until we are complete in Christ. Philippians 1:6 says, "And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns."

* Scott Underwood: “Take My Life (Holiness)” © Copyright 1994 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing (ASCAP)

May 5 -- "Making a Clear Distinction"

 Today's Reading: Leviticus 9 & 10

"Making a Clear Distinction"

Today’s verse is a command to differentiate between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean. This command was necessary because the Israelites were called to be a holy people, set apart and distinct from the nations around them, and the priests were responsible for maintaining the purity of the tabernacle and the offerings made there.

The principles contained in this verse still have relevance for us as modern-day Christ-followers. We too are called to live lives that are holy and set apart for God. The Apostle Peter writes in 1 Peter 1:16, "Be holy, because I am holy." We are called to reflect the holy character of God in our lives and to pursue holiness in all that we do.

One way we can do this is by making a distinction between what is holy and what is common. "Holy" refers to things that are set apart for God's service and have a special spiritual significance while "common" refers to things that are ordinary or commonplace, without any special spiritual connotation. This means that we need to be intentional about the things we allow into our lives, such as the media we consume, the people we spend time with, and the activities we engage in.

Similarly, we are called to make a distinction between what is clean and what is unclean. In the Old Testament, certain foods and activities were considered unclean, but in the New Testament, Jesus declared all foods clean (Mark 7:19). However, there are still things that can defile us, such as sexual immorality, greed, and anger (Mark 7:20-23). We need to avoid these things and pursue righteousness and purity.

Finally, we are called to make a distinction between what is “of God” and what is “of the world.” The Apostle John writes in 1 John 2:15-17, "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.” We need to be discerning and wise in our choices, seeking to follow God's will and live according to his commands.

Leviticus 10:10 reminds us of the importance of living a holy and set-apart life, of making a clear distinction between what is of God and what is of the world, and of pursuing righteousness and purity. As Christ-followers, we are called to reflect the character of God in our lives and to live in a way that honors Him and the holiness that is fundamental to His nature.

May 4 -- "Anointing Your Sacred Space"

Today's Reading: Leviticus 8 

"Anointing Your Sacred Space"

Leviticus 8:10 describes the anointing of the Tabernacle and all its furnishings. The anointing oil was poured over the Tabernacle and everything in it, symbolically setting it apart as holy and consecrated to God.

The Hebrew word for "anointed" is "mashach" (מָשַׁח). This word is derived from the root word "mashach" which means "to smear or drench with oil." In the Old Testament, the anointing with oil was a symbolic act of consecration, separating a person or object for a special purpose, such as the anointing of priests, prophets, and kings.

The anointing of the Tabernacle serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of dedicating our worship spaces to God. While we may or may not anoint our churches or other worship spaces with oil, we are called to recognize that these spaces are for the worship and service of God and to set them apart for that purpose. Setting worship spaces apart for God is important for a few reasons.

Firstly, it helps us to remember that we are entering into a sacred space, where we come to worship and honor God. By designating a particular space as a place of worship, we are creating a physical space where we can intentionally focus on God and tune out distractions. This allows us to be more fully present and engaged in worship, and can help us to connect with God more deeply.

Secondly, setting worship spaces apart for God reminds us that our worship is not just a personal, individual act, but is something that we do in community. By gathering together in a dedicated space, we can support and encourage one another in our worship, and experience the power of corporate worship as we lift our voices and hearts to God together.

Finally, setting worship spaces apart for God helps to create a sense of reverence and awe for God. When we come into a space that is set apart for worship, we are reminded that we are entering into the presence of the Almighty God, and we are called to approach Him with humility and reverence. This can help to deepen our sense of awe and wonder for God, and foster a deeper sense of respect and reverence for Him in all areas of our lives. 

May 3 -- "Ministering to the Ministers"

 Today's Reading: Leviticus 7

"Ministering to the Ministers"

While Leviticus 7:35 may seem like a specific instruction for a particular time and place and people, it does point to broader principles of worship and stewardship that are still relevant for modern-day Christ-followers. We are called to offer our resources to God with a heart of gratitude and worship, and to provide for those who are dedicated to serving Him.

In the context of the Old Testament, this meant providing for the priests and their families. In modern times, this may involve supporting missionaries, pastors, or other full-time ministers who have dedicated their lives to serving God and advancing his kingdom.

In Galatians 6:6, Paul says, "Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches." This verse encourages believers to share their resources with those who teach and minister to them, as a way of showing appreciation and support.

One way to provide for servants of God is through financial giving. This may involve giving to local churches, mission organizations, or other Christian ministries that support the work of full-time ministers. Financial support can help provide for the basic needs of those who serve, such as housing, food, and other necessities.

Another way to provide for servants of God is through prayer and encouragement. Full-time ministry can be a challenging and often isolating calling, and those who serve in this capacity can benefit greatly from the prayers and support of their fellow believers. Encouragement can also come in the form of words of affirmation and appreciation, which can help sustain and motivate those who serve.

In addition to financial support and encouragement, there are many practical ways to provide for the servants of God. This may involve volunteering time and skills to assist with ministry activities or projects, providing meals or transportation for those who serve, or offering other forms of practical support.

Ministering to God’s ministers (i.e. providing for those who serve God) is an important part of Christian discipleship and stewardship. As we seek to follow Christ and advance his kingdom, we should be mindful of the needs of those who are called to serve in full-time ministry and do our part to support and encourage them.

May 2 -- "Restitution for Wrongs: Making Things Right"

Today's Reading: Leviticus 6 

"Restitution for Wrongs: Making Things Right"

This verse refers to a situation where someone has committed fraud or deception, such as by lying about something they have sold or promising to do something and failing to follow through. The guilty party is instructed to make restitution by returning what they have taken or paying back the value, along with an additional fifth (20%) of the value as a penalty.

The principle of making restitution for wrongdoing is still relevant for modern-day Christ-followers. As Christians, we are called to live lives of honesty and integrity, and to treat others with fairness and respect. When we fail to do so, whether intentionally or unintentionally, we should seek to make things right.

This may involve apologizing and asking for forgiveness, making amends for any harm done, and working to rebuild trust and relationships that may have been damaged. It may also involve making financial restitution if appropriate. In all cases, our goal should be to act with humility, honesty, and a sincere desire to make things right in the eyes of both God and others.

Jesus spoke about the importance of making restitution and seeking reconciliation in several instances throughout the New Testament. For example, in Matthew 5:23-24, Jesus says, "So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift."

In this passage, Jesus emphasizes the importance of seeking reconciliation with others before offering our worship or service to God. He teaches that it is not enough to simply go through the motions of religious observance; we must also strive to live in harmony with those around us and make things right if we have wronged them.

May 1 -- "Unintentional Sins"

 Today's Reading: Leviticus 5

"Unintentional Sins"

Some sins are willful and deliberate. Other sins are unintentional and, at times, committed unknowingly. These are still sins and are no less important than our deliberate sins. In today’s passage, Moses outlines what to do when the Israelites were made aware of their unintentional sins.

Today’s verse outlines the requirements for making restitution when someone has unknowingly sinned against God's commandments. The idea is that when someone becomes aware of their sin, they are responsible for confessing and making amends for their actions.

For Christians today, this verse reminds us of the importance of being mindful of our actions and seeking to live according to God's commands. It also highlights the importance of confessing our sins and seeking forgiveness when we fall short. Even if we sin unintentionally or unknowingly, we are still responsible for making things right with God and with others. The moment we become aware of our sin and realize our guilt, we must turn to the Lord to make it right.

“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John1:8-9)

In a broader sense, this verse can be seen as a reminder of the importance of taking responsibility for our actions and seeking to make amends when we have done wrong. It encourages us to cultivate a humble and repentant heart, acknowledging our mistakes and seeking to live a life that honors God and others.

As followers of Christ, we must take responsibility for all of our sins, whether deliberate or unintentional. The Lord is waiting now for your confession and is willing to forgive you and cleanse you from all unrighteousness.

April 30 -- "Forgiven!"

Today's Reading: Leviticus 4 

"Forgiven!"

Forgiven. What a beautiful and powerful word. It means to release someone from the debt or obligation they owe you due to their wrongdoing or offense.

The Bible teaches that all of us have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Our sins create a barrier between us and God, who is holy and perfect. We need forgiveness because our sins separate us from God, and without His forgiveness, we cannot have a close and meaningful relationship with Him nor can we enter into eternal life.

In this particular verse, the focus is on the priest's actions in making atonement for the people's sins. The Hebrew word for atonement is "kaphar," which means "to cover or conceal." In the Old Testament, this word is used to refer to the process of offering sacrifices for sin through the shedding of blood. The blood of the sacrifice was seen as a covering or concealing of the sin, making it possible for the sinner to be forgiven by and reconciled to God.

The shedding of blood was an important element in the process of making a sin offering because blood was seen as the source of life. The life of an animal was understood to be in its blood, and the shedding of blood represented the giving of that life as a substitute for the life of the sinner. 

In the New Testament, the Greek word for atonement is "katallage," which means "reconciliation." This word is used to describe the process of making peace between God and humanity through the death of Jesus Christ, thereby releasing us from the guilt and penalty for our sin.

As Christians, we believe that Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate blood sacrifice that provides forgiveness for our sins. His death was a substitutionary sacrifice in which He gave His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). Through faith in Jesus, we can be reconciled to God and receive forgiveness for our sins, without the need for any further blood sacrifices.

Oh, what joy to be forgiven! Confess your sins and receive that forgiveness right now!