READING:
One-year plan: Leviticus 18-20, Mark 1:35-2:22
Two-year plan: Exodus 5:1-6:27, Matthew 17:1-13
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Why should we obey the Lord? I’m sure we could come up with a number of reasons to be obedient, but today’s reading in the book of Leviticus is helpful in guiding us to a response. Interspersed among the commandments of God like those listed below are words that focus on who God is (highlighted):
- “You are to practice my ordinances and you are to keep my statutes by following them; I am the Lord your God. Keep my statutes and ordinances; a person will live if he does them. I am the Lord.” (Lev 18:4-5)
- “You are not to come near any close relative for sexual intercourse; I am the Lord.” (Lev 18:6)
- “Do not profane the name of your God; I am the Lord.” (Lev 18:21)
- “You must keep my instruction to not do any of the detestable customs that were practiced before you, so that you do not defile yourselves by them; I am the Lord your God.” (Lev 18:30)
And, these selections are from only Leviticus 18. In the next two chapters, the words, “I am the Lord” or “I am the Lord your God” occur thirteen times—thus reminding us to be faithful because (1) the Lord is God, and (2) the Lord is our God. In both cases, we must obey God because of who He is.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: How often do you choose to obey God because of who He is?
PRAYER: “God, remind me every day that You are holy, and I am blessed to be Your child.”
TOMORROW’S READINGS:
One-year plan: Leviticus 21-23, Mark 2:23-3:35
Two-year plan: Exodus 6:28-8:15, Matthew 17:14-27
