THE STORY OF JESUS: Leviticus 18-20
“Keep all my decrees and all my laws and follow them. I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:37)
A variety of laws on many different issues, though mostly regarding sex.
Some laws make sense, some don’t; some seem irrelevant and some universal.
But which is which, and who decides?
Are we bound by all of these laws, some of these laws, or none of them?
Are we bound by every OT Law, except those explicitly reversed by Jesus or the Apostles.
Are we not bound by any OT Law, except those explicitly affirmed by Jesus and the Apostles.
Some say Jesus fulfilled the old covenant law, and we are no longer bound by it… period.
This is a bigger issue than I can deal with here.
The problem is that we all seem to pick and choose, and each justifies their choice.
There are definitely laws here that I do not observe, as well as laws I am uncomfortable with.
As a Jesus follower, I am not under the law, but I am under the Law of Christ (1 Corinthians 9:20-21).
One thing for sure, Jesus affirmed the law of love OVER every other law (not instead of).
Whether or not we agree on a particular law, we MUST love each other from the heart.
We will disagree with others on what laws they do and do not keep.
One day God will make it clear to us, and He will also reveal our own hearts to us.
He will reveal whether we were cherry picking the laws we liked, or genuinely submitting to Him.
Discerning God’s will in the many OT laws is complicated and challenging…
But no matter how we differ or disagree, may we agree on – and keep – the law of love!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, You were not soft on sin, but neither were you hard on sinners. Remind me daily that my hope is in Your mercy, and not in my perfect record of keeping Your laws.
Do this and live – that’s what the Master said.
The rules, the laws are summarized by
Love God.
Love neighbour.
Live the JOY principle. In all my doings, Jesus is first, Others are second, and you/I am last. When I live with this principle I will be obeying God’s laws. In all of my activities the question must be – where is God in all of this? Walk daily in His Light.
Be separate.
Be holy.
Serve the ‘I am’ Who makes us holy.
He gives life and life eternal.
Not my way, but His.
1 Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Thou art the potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after thy will,
while I am waiting, yielded and still.
2 Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Search me and try me, Savior today!
Wash me just now, Lord, wash me just now,
as in thy presence humbly I bow.
3 Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me I pray!
Power, all power, surely is thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine!
4 Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Hold o’er my being absolute sway.
Fill with thy Spirit till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me!