Promises Week 5:
Exodus 37-Leviticus 16
...delighting in Him and His Word...Psalm 37:4
Exodus 39:30 HOLY TO THE LORD. Our Scripture reading this week makes it clear that the Lord wishes us to be HOLY unto Him. In Chapter 40 the Lord gives Moses instruction to regarding the way to set up the Tabernacle that will ensure that that it is holy. Aaron and his sons were anointed into the priesthood and given a promise that the blessing would continue throughout their generations (see verse 15).
Leviticus 1 to 8. The Offerings and FORGIVENESS. A list of the various offerings include: Burnt Offering, Grain Offering, Fellowship Offering, Sin Offering, Guilt Offering, Freewill Offering (from Exodus 36). The instructions incorporated in the execution of these offerings, as read in our culture, are particularly overwhelming. Believing that every word of the Bible is inspired we are challenged with the significance of this instruction for our lives. We are assured the Lord wants us to be holy unto Him and to follow this path we need to be obedient. In our obedience the Lord promises forgiveness. See 4:20, 4:26, 4:31, 4:35, 5:10, 5:13 and 6:7.
Leviticus 10:3 and 11:45. Because He is HOLY… Sanctification is that of separation, a setting apart from and setting apart for. We are separated from all that is alien to the holy mind and will of God and the separated to Him for His service and glory. I Peter 1:16 be ye holy for I am holy. The Lord spoke to Aaron and Moses in 10:3 stating His holy character and demanding honor. He is our source for holiness. In 11:45 the Lord shows His sovereignty and commands us to be holy – because He is holy. What He demands he graciously supplies.
Leviticus 12 to 16. Protection. In considering why these chapters are in the Word – these rules of hygiene offer a level of protection that was need to the Israelites. Our Heavenly Father protects us.
Leviticus 16:17. Atonement. Atonement played a prominent part in the Jewish household in the ritual commanded by God. Before leaving Egypt the blood of deliverance was sprinkled over the door. Our challenge – is our family circle complete in His grace.
Aside. True Forgiveness. Forgiveness requires the surrender of an inward feeling of offense or injustice, the removal of a feeling of anger and hurt and the restoration of a feeling of favor and affection. The basis of forgiveness is the redemptive work of the cross. Because righteous and truth kissed each other at Calvary. Christ pardoned us – we have to accept His forgiveness. Hebrews 10:7 provides that God forgives our sins and will remember them no more. We have just read the story of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt and their many years of grumbling and disobedience. In Hebrews 11:29 and 30 the Lord illustrates true forgiveness – as the Scripture skips the forgiven chapters of the story and focuses on the Red Sea passage and the victory at Jericho. God has forgiven the forty years. We should adopt the same practice for ourselves and others.
Characteristics of the Lord (to date)
1) Holy
2) Loving
3) Forgiving
4) Protective
5) Compassionate
6) Faithful
7) Patient
8) Fair (just)
The world doesn’t need more role models, it needs more of Jesus—the ultimate role model. People will not find a better person to emulate positive character traits from than Jesus Christ himself.
Exodus 34:6 and 7 Patience. To the third and fourth generations…
Week Six: Leviticus 17- Numbers 7