Devotionary

In these two chapters, we are introduced to the substitutionary role the Levites played in the lives of the Israelites. They took the place of the firstborns, serving in their place and fulfilling God’s claim that these individuals belonged to Him.

The closer the people got to the land of Canaan, there was a growing need for structure and order. God had a plan, and they would play an important role in it. But first, they would have to be organized and under strong leadership.

It seems that God would have us understand that He takes our vows seriously, even if we don’t. He wants us to be people of integrity, especially when it involves commitments made to Him. So, He provides His people with an escape clause.

How easy it is to forget that God is our sole source of sustenance. So, God reminds the people of Israel that He is their provider and protector. He will meet all their needs. But they will have to learn to rest in and rely upon Him.

There is so much symbolism in this passage and it points to a future date when the Holy Spirit would come upon the apostles and the church would begin. From that day forward, the body of Christ would be made up of a surprising blend of Jews and Gentiles.

Too often, we define holiness on our terms, rather than God’s. We determine the least amount of effort required to keep God happy with us, but it usually doesn’t reflect God’s outlook. And in doing so, our lives become an unacceptable sacrifice to God.

The life God has called us to is one of radical distinctiveness. But, like the people of Israel, we can find it so easy to compromise our convictions, downplay God’s calling, and blend in with the world. We would rather fit in than stand out.

This is about far more than religious rule-keeping and behavior modification. What God is interested in is heart change. He wanted His people to be different on the inside, not just the outside.

The shedding of blood is what made it possible for sinful men to restore their relationship with a holy God. And God did not want them to take this matter lightly. So, He placed some strong conditions on their attitude toward blood.

God had created the Day of Atonement, a single day on the calendar when the people could have their sins forgiven. But it required that they humble their souls before Him in recognition of their sinful condition and their need for His cleansing.

Just as the people of Israel were to take leprosy seriously, so we should take sin seriously. Leprosy was a threat to the whole corporate community. So is sin. And while its symptoms are not always as evident, it is not to be taken lightly.

The whole sacrificial system was designed to take those who were separated from God because of their impurity and provide a means by which their sins could be atoned for and their relationship with God restored.

Our sin always results in death. It kills our joy, robs us of our intimacy with God, destroys our witness and brings God’s discipline. But the amazing thing is, that if we will simply confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us. Just like that.

In Leviticus 8-9, the entire nation of Israel sees the glory of God. As a result of their faithful obedience to His commands regarding the sacrifices, He appeared before them in all His glory, just as He had promised to do.

God, in His generosity, allowed His people to join Him in the enjoyment of the peace offering. Their willingness to make this voluntary offering to God was met with God’s gracious willingness to share it with them.