Today’s reading: Lev 17:1–19:37, John 9:13–34, Song 7:10–13
Today’s theme: God’s order for society
Today we read about God’s plan for relationships, family, community and the wider society. In places where there is freedom today, the principles of the laws are founded on God’s order, however governments are moving further and further away from God’s design which will only lead to misery, judgement and the breakdown of society.
Leviticus 17:1–19:37
Idolatry is demonic
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 nothing short of witchcraft and Satanism, involving the direct worship of demons and Satan himself (under various pseudo names). Therefore the admonition against idolatry was a serious one, because when God’s people went astray, it was not a momentary flirting with sin, it was full-on adultery with God’s enemy.
Jesus gave his life / blood
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 life for us. It is by His blood that atonement is made for our sins.
God’s order for relationships
“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 light of our relationship with and worship of God that we should have and pursue godly and pure relationships in marriage, family and community.
John the Baptist knew God’s good law
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.
The abomination of Homosexuality
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.
God’s plan for the family
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 that God addresses and the first thing that the devil attacks. Even today’s political agendas with same sex marriage etc. are an attack on the heart of society – the family.
God’s plan for social care
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)
In all the wealth of the Western world, we should remember the poor. God’s model for society and social care is best.
Be frank and reasonable
“You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbour, lest you incur sin because of him. Leviticus 19:17 (ESV)
We are called to be open and honest.
The golden rule
You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbour 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.
Honour the elderly
“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, were some cannot wait to get the elderly out of the way. We need God to change our hearts and minds.
John 9:13–34
Hold on to your testimony
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 Jesus has done for you.
Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.
Additional resources
Christian Concern – Our Concerns
Desiring God on Social Issues