READING: Leviticus 17:1-19:37
The words are gripping and challenging. They are clear—few questions left unanswered: God’s people are to be holy because God is holy. Leviticus 19:2 makes this point, but this is neither the first time nor the last time the words appear in the book of Leviticus. A quick review of our reading thus far takes us here:
- “You must consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy.” (Lev 11:44)
- “Therefore, you must be holy because I am holy.” (11:45)
- “You must be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.” (19:2)
We will read similar words in tomorrow’s reading: “So set yourselves apart to be holy, for I am the Lord your God” (20:7); “You must be holy because I, the Lord, am holy” (20:26). Indeed, the word “holy” occurs more than 70 times in this book. It is unquestionably a theme of this book.
God expects His people to be set apart, to be distinct, to be unique in a pagan world. Clearly, holiness matters to Him. Does it matter to you?
PERSONAL REFLECTION: What would your actions (seen and unseen) say about your commitment to holiness?
TODAY’S PRAYER: “God, You are holy. Help me to live a holy life.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Leviticus 20:1-22:33