So they shall no more sacrifice their sacrifices to goat demons, after whom they whore. This shall be a statute forever for them throughout their generations. Leviticus 17:7 (ESV)
The cults of the near east at this time were noting short of witchcraft and satanism involving the direct worship of demons and satan himself (under various pseudo names). So the admonition against idolatry was a serious one, because when Gods people went astray it was not a momentary flirting with sin, it was full on adultery with Gods enemy.
For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life. Leviticus 17:11 (ESV)
When Jesus shed his blood, he gave his very life for us, it is by his blood that atonement is made for our sins
“Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, I am the LORD your God. Leviticus 18:2 (ESV)
God prepares to speak concerning sexual relationships by declaring that he is The Lord your God. It is in the light of our relationship with and worship of God that we should have and pursue godly and pure relationships in marriage, family and community.
You shall not uncover the nakedness of your brother’s wife; it is your brother’s nakedness. Leviticus 18:16 (ESV)
John the Baptist had to deal with this with Herod
You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination. Leviticus 18:22 (ESV)
Homosexuality is an abomination before God.
Every one of you shall revere his mother and his father, and you shall keep my Sabbaths: I am the LORD your God. Leviticus 19:3 (ESV)
Family is at the heart of society, this is why it is one of the first things God addresses and the first the devil attacks. Even today’s political agendas with same sex marriage etc are an attack on the heart of society… The family.
And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the LORD your God. Leviticus 19:10 (ESV)
We should remember the poor in all our relative wealth here in the west. Gods model for society and social care is best
“You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him. Leviticus 19:17 (ESV)
We are called to be open and honest
You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:18 (ESV)
This is the great command revived and emphasised by Jesus as being a summary of the law alongside the command to treasure God above all.
“You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:32 (ESV)
It is the opposite in today’s society, we can’t wait to get the old out of the way. We need God to chafe our hearts and minds
He answered, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” John 9:25 (ESV)
No one can take away your testimony of what you know Jesus has done for you
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