READING: Leviticus 20:1-22:33
You would think that the people of God would not fall into deep, flagrant sin. What God knew about them, though, was that the Hebrews were susceptible to the influence of pagans in the land. They were His people, but still He had to say to them, “Do not live according to the customs of the people I am driving out before you. It is because they do these shameful things that I detest them” (Lev 20:23). The Hebrews had experienced His leadership, His love, and His blessings – but still they needed this strong reminder and warning. You and I need these same warnings when culture seeks to draw us in an ungodly direction.
If God’s people were so susceptible to this possibility, what hope did they have? God answered that question, too:
- “Keep all my decrees by putting them into practice, for I am the Lord who makes you holy.” (Lev 20:8)
- “You must consider them holy because I, the Lord, am holy, and I make you holy.” (Lev 21:8)
- “. . . I am the Lord who makes him holy.” (Lev 21:15)
- “I am the Lord who makes them holy.” (Lev 21:23)
- “I am the Lord who makes them holy.” (Lev 22:9)
- “I am the Lord who makes them holy.” (Lev 22:16)
Whether referring to His people or specifically to the priests, He made it clear that anyone is holy because He made them holy. The hope that you and I have is that our holiness is not dependent on us; we are holy because He has made us holy. That truth ought to compel us to want to grow more in holiness every day.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Have you thanked God for making you holy . . . for granting you grace to walk with Him?
TODAY’S PRAYER: “God, thank You that my life is not dependent on me, but on You.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Leviticus 23:1-25:23