Leviticus 19-20
Dear RTB’ers,
God’s holiness is the attribute emphasized in these chapters. See Lev. 19:2, 20:3, 20:26 for God attributing holiness to Himself, and Lev. 19:2, 20:7, 20:26 for Him demanding holiness from the Israelites. That holiness is commanded by the Lord to the Israelites through keeping His commandments and staying away from idolatry.
Blessings!
See also: February 4 (2023) / Leviticus 19-22
Holiness is indeed a central theme in Leviticus. Perhaps we should pay attention. Do we pursue holiness, being set apart for God’s purposes? Or do we instead do our best to blend in with the culture around us?
Leviticus can be tedious, especially reading the rules for offerings and consecration are set forth.
But when I read chapter 19, I can only think of what a beautiful God we serve. He reveals his nature in his law. His ways are holy, generous, kind, and just—especially to foreigners and neighbors.
And Jesus pointed out in the parable of the Good Samaritan that even a hated foreigner, one looked down on by his own people, was a neighbor—in this case as an example of justice and mercy, which should to be extended to all around us.
Which brings me to a very real struggle I’ve had for the past week or so. Our neighbor’s dog got out (again) and chased our alpacas, injuring them and mangling their legs so badly that the two beautiful young ones had to be put down. Their mother survived. The dog has (finally) been rehomed.
And I find myself struggling to forgive my neighbor.
So I ask for your prayers…