January 31–Leviticus 14-15

“He shall live alone; his dwelling shall be outside the camp” (Leviticus 13:46).

“This is the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing” (Leviticus 14:2).

It was a fearful responsibility for the priests. Never to be exercised lightly. When a person had leprosy, in order to protect others from contamination, it was the priest’s duty to EXCLUDE the leprous man from the camp of Israel.

Sadly, as it touches public health, we understand this dreadful necessity. The English word quarantine (Italian, quarantina, “forty days”) comes from the ancient practice of isolating people and animals arriving in a port in order to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Leprosy, however, is more than an infectious skin disease. It is also a symbol for sin. As we read Leviticus 14-15, we must ask ourselves, “Are we as diligent and decisive with spiritual disease as we are with physical?” Do we confront gossip or just walk away? Do we grieve over immorality, or say, “It is none of my business”? Like leprosy, sin is not only an issue of personal choice, but also one of public health.

In Revelation 2, Jesus confronts His people with these words, “I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel. . .who teaches and leads My bond-servants astray so that they commit acts of immorality” (v. 20, italics mine). Ironic, isn’t it? The world celebrates tolerance. The Savior often regards it as failure.

Thankfully, the priests also had another duty. Their great privilege was to certify when a person was “clean”. If the church is tasked to be unbending with sin (and we are), we are also called to hold up the hope of God’s great mercy! Leprosy was a hopeless condition, but not with God! “Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal” (Thomas Moore).

Two birds declared this hope with beautiful balance and symbolism. See 14:1-9. One bird was sacrificed (picture of Christ on the cross), and the other was allowed to fly away (symbol of new life and freedom that comes to us in Christ).

Friend, do we treat sin like a disease? Are we strong against it? Do we with equally strong voice shout the good news that nothing is incurable for God? We are the people of both quarantine and cure!

“But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints” (Ephesians 5:3).

“Come every soul, by sin oppressed, there’s mercy with the Lord; and He will surely give you rest by trusting in His word” (John Stockton).

January 30–Leviticus 11-13

“Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘These are the creatures which you may eat from all the animals that are on the earth’. . .For I am the Lord your God. Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy for I am holy. And you shall not make yourselves unclean” (Leviticus 11:2,44).

In the New Testament, kosher laws are set aside. After reading today’s text, you may also want to read Acts 10. A vision comes to Peter. He is instructed to eat animals that were formerly forbidden! Given the radical break of this action with God’s previous command, Peter initially refuses. When he ultimately obeys, it begins a new, deeper conversation on an old subject. Not all of God’s instructions are permanent. The kosher laws are a perfect example.

What DOESN’T change is God’s plan for His people to be CLEAN. If holiness is the abiding lesson of Leviticus, purity is the timeless principle. Just like your grandmother said, cleanliness is next to godliness. Clean still matters to God. The shift in the New Testament is how we are cleansed, and from what, NOT that it is necessary! “It is not what enters the mouth that defiles the person, but what comes out of the mouth” (Jesus, Matthew 15:11).

Friend, as you read Leviticus, do you see God’s vision for His people? He desires for you something deeper, more difficult than diet, something higher than rules and taboos. He wants you CLEAN. Free from anger and resentment, from immorality of every kind, from greed and gossip and malice. With a grateful heart will you embrace God’s call for holiness? Will you trust that holiness is possible and necessary and profitable?

“God is holy and He has made holiness the moral condition necessary to the health of the Universe. (The English word derives from Anglo-saxon, halig “whole, well.”) To preserve His creation, God must destroy whatever would destroy it. He hates iniquity as a mother hates the polio or snake that would take the life of her child” (A. W. Tozer).

“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord”(Hebrews 12:14).

“Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God”(2 Corinthians 7:1).

January 29–Leviticus 8-10

“Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron. . .offered strange fire before the Lord, which had not been commanded them. And fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord” (10:1-2).

Do we (as New Testament believers) fear God? Should we? Scripture says yes!

Paradox. At times, Scripture tells us, “Do not be afraid.” We are to courageously reject the fear that would cause us to avoid or retreat from God. Even so, we are also told to wisely embrace the fear that would warn us from sin. It is right to fear His discipline, wise to fear His disapproval.

Fear is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). Intuitively, and accurately, we recognize the size, strength and holiness of God. The outcome will always be reverence. Appropriate fear. Remember how carefully and intentionally God taught His people to fear Him at Sinai? Lightning, smoke, the sound of trumpets. See Exodus 19. All were deliberate and gracious efforts to create Godly fear and the obedience that rises from it.

Later, the New Testament will say, “perfect love casts out fear.” See 1 John 4:18. True, but only perfect (fully mature) love does so. Until then, along the gradual road that leads to this mature place, fear continues to contribute by warning and protecting us. “Restraining grace,” John Owen calls it.

As you read today, will you pause and consider the dangerous attitudes and terrifying outcomes of Nadab and Abihu? Why were they so casual with God’s command? Why were they unaware (Eve-like) of the danger of substituting their own innovations for the clearly communicated instructions of God? Why did they not fear?

Dear friends, we are invited into God’s presence, but not without great care. The same Bible that says, “God is love,” also says, “Our God is a consuming fire.” He is both. Always both. We are wise to remember.

” ‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear” (John Newton).

“So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling”(Philippians 2:12).

“The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever. The judgments of the Lord are true. . .by them, your servant is warned” (Psalm 19:9, 11).

January 28–Leviticus 5-7

“So it shall be when he becomes guilty in one of these, that he shall confess that in which he has sinned. He shall also bring his guilt offering to the Lord for his sin which he has committed” (Leviticus 5:5-6).

“Come unto Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest”(Matthew 11:28).

The sacrificial system of ancient Israel reveals a permanent pattern of God’s grace. “Draw near!” calls the Great One. “Come to me. Nothing will be solved by your distance or dishonesty.”

In each of the ancient sacrifices we hear this gracious call. Draw near in full surrender (Burnt offering–everything burned up, nothing left). Draw near in gratitude (Grain offering–gratitude for all His creation mercies). Draw near in search of peace (Peace offering–a hunger for union and closeness with the Father). Draw near in search of atonement (Sin offering–the burden of a broken relationship with God, faith that He can and will reconcile you to Himself). Draw near in search of forgiveness (Guilt offering–for a specific sin toward God or man, confessed so that it can be removed).

What a lovely, instructive picture! Even though such sacrifices are no longer required of us (because The LAMB has been slain), the essential invitation remains! Despite our sinfulness and failure, God has made a way. He calls us to draw near. We find mercy when we do.

Friend, as you wake every morning for a quiet time, is God your focus and desire? Have you learned the wisdom of His love, the foolishness of your own independence? Do you seek Him, draw near to find His approval and help?

He calls! Will you draw near?

“Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. . .As for me, the nearness of God is my good” (Psalm 73:25-26, 28).

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you”(James 4:8).

“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

Readers Notes: The Book of Leviticus takes its name from the Levites, the tribe chosen by God to serve as worship leaders in the Tabernacle. It is a book, therefore, concerned with the centrality and meaning of worship. It calls for holiness among the people of God. Often quoted in the New Testament, and by our Lord, this book is alive with relevance for those who would walk in union with God. God bless you, friend, as you read His word.

January 27–Leviticus 1-4

“Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘When any man of you brings an offering to the Lord, you shall bring your offering from the herd or the flock” (Leviticus 1:2).

Slowly. Beautifully. With unspeakable artistic skill, God is painting a picture. His chosen canvas is the nation of Israel. In their worship (every part of it given with specific instruction), the Father is painting a portrait and prophesy of His Son. The sacrificial system symbolized Christ. Our Lord is the substance for which the sacrificial system was only shadow.

Two primary messages emerge from the sacrificial worship of Israel. Sin is serious to a holy God. It is never inconsequential. Never. It must be addressed. The second, a Savior will come! The death of every animal in the bloody, smoky, holy beauty of ancient Israel’s worship predicted the, “Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.”

Each of the offerings predicted an aspect of our Lord. The Burnt Offering spoke of His complete surrender. Everything dedicated, surrendered. Nothing withheld. The Grain Offering spoke of His purity. The fine white flour reminding us that Jesus offered (and we should too) lives that are pure and clean. The Peace Offering pointed to the gentle, solid union of Christ with the Father. Unbroken relationship and loyalty. (This discussion will continue tomorrow as we see the Sin Offering and the Guilt Offering.)

Moderns try in vain to find a reason for worship in self or success. “What did we get out of it?” is a sad and empty question. True worship has a higher purpose. It declares and displays the glorious Son! Friend, do you see Jesus as you worship? Do you seek Him, His face and approval as you gather with others or pray in private? Do you keep your relationship with Him in good repair, your conversation with Him honest? If we fail to see Jesus, how can we expect others to do so?

“When you said,’Seek My face,’ my heart said,’ Your face, O Lord, I shall seek” (Psalm 27:8).

“These therefore came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and began to ask him, saying, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus’ ” (John 12:21).

January 26–Exodus 37-40

“The glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle” (Exodus 40:35).

It is an old word. Fascinating. Instructive. GLORY (Hebrew, kabod).

It originally meant weight. Something significant and heavy. Something substantial and durable in a plastic and temporary world. God’s GLORY is His heavy presence, His declaration and demonstration that He is valuable and permanent in a way that other things aren’t. God’s glory is an experience that helps us feel and know His significance.

When Bezalel (a man of Spirit-given talent) completed the artistic and architectural work, Moses set the tabernacle up. God’s response? The GLORY of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” It was a sign of His presence and approval.

In Scripture, glory is often associated with brilliant, beautiful light. Remember the Christmas story? “The glory of the Lord shone round about them.” The Exodus story has the same idea. At night the heavy cloud shone with heavenly light to assure the people of Israel. Please notice 40:36. When the cloud moved, the people did too. The believer’s only rule for life is to find the Lord and walk with Him. When we “follow” the Lord, He shines light and wisdom on our path.

Why should we seek Christ? Because He has glory! Everything else this world has is silly and temporary by comparison. He is the King of glory! See Psalm 24:8.

Do you hunger for significance, dear one? Do you hunger for permanence, value, safety, security? God has it. His glory shines and calls to us. Find Him! Walk with Him! Rest in Him!

“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His GLORY” (John 1:14).

“When we walk with the Lord in the light of His word, what glory He sheds on our way” (Don Moen).

“Our greatest fear should not be failure, but of succeeding at something that doesn’t really matter” (D. L. Moody).

January 25–Exodus 34-36

“He called upon the name of the Lord”(Exodus 34:5).

In Scripture, these words refer to prayer. The Lord’s NAME is His reputation and nature. As He reveals Himself to us, we are enabled and encouraged to make requests based on who we know Him to be. We, “call upon the name of the Lord.”

To call on the name is to ask God to be who He is, to accomplish what He desires in specific situations. Prayer is not asking God to make an exception to His own will. It is, rather, a bold request for Him to ACT according to His nature, to DISPLAY it!

As you read the text today, will you note the things Moses is learning about God’s name? In this amazing encounter, the Lord reveals His name and nature. He proclaims that He is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness (v 34:6). Equally so, He is fearful and just, by no means leaving the guilty unpunished (v 34:7). Later, He teaches that He is jealous, demanding full, exclusive allegiance from those who love Him (v 34:14). Do you know this great God, dear one?

As I reflect back on years of prayer, I am amazed to see how often the unconscious script of my prayer was to convince God to do things “my way”. To soothe my anxiety, to provide things demanded by my immature desires and perspectives. Moses learned a better way. The first task of prayer is to see and adore the Great One as He is! When we recalibrate our ambitions and desires against the larger story of HIS GLORY, the words that follow will be eternally large and effective.

Dear reader, this morning, will you call on the name of the Lord?

“We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties”(Oswald Chambers).

“If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it”(John 14:14).

January 24–Exodus 31-33

“Now when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people assembled about Aaron and said to him, ‘Come, make us a god who will go before us; as for this Moses. . .we do not know what has become of him”(32:1).

Sad story. Familiar. The golden calf was a moment of great failure in Israel, a moment of sinful and deliberate rebellion against God’s rule.

Just days after God gave His law, days after His people promised obedience (see 19:8), they broke the Second Commandment! God’s clear command was for His people to hold a Spiritual, infinite image of God. NO idols. NO physical, visual representations of the Divine. When stress came, with almost total lack of awareness, the people disobeyed this high (and hard) assignment. Does this sound familiar, dear reader?

Impatience was (is) part of the equation. The people were weary of waiting on Moses. They began to feel anxious. Like us, when fears came, they felt the need to take control. “Those who wait on the Lord will gain new strength,” says the Scripture. If we are unwilling to wait, we cannot follow Christ.

Independence is the deeper illness. The human race was (is) tragically broken by the Fall and the curse. “Sin dwells in me,” says Paul in Romans 7:17. When stress comes, or fear, or desire, the tendency of our flesh (our default, apart from the Spirit) is to take control, to trust self. “They are an obstinate people,” said the Lord to Moses (32:9). The Hebrew word is qase, (kaw-sheh), “hard, stubborn, stiff-necked.”

Friend, as you read this story today, will you look honestly at your own heart? “There is none righteous, not a single one” (Romans 3:10). Will you, with tears, recognize your own sinfulness? The spiritual reality of the human race is that we are lawbreakers, impatient and independent lawbreakers. “All of us like sheep have gone astray. Each of us has turned to his own way” (Isaiah 53:6). God knows we were made for better.

“Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love; here’s my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above”(Robert Robinson).

“But the tax-collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ “(Luke 18:13).

January 23–Exodus 28-30

“You shall put the two stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod. . .and Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord on his two shoulders for a memorial” (28:12).

Humans need help. Counsel. Assistance. Encouragement. Legal troubles? We consult an attorney. Illness? We call a physician.

Our Spiritual assignment is no different. We are not self-sufficient. God does not intend us to be.

In ancient Israel, God offered needed help through the High Priest. Aaron was the first to serve in this glorious office. Arrayed in beauty, offering sacrifices, burning incense as a symbol of constant prayer, the High Priest assisted the people in their relationship with God. He interceded for them. They (rightly) depended on him and loved him.

The New Testament later declares the failure of this original system. These priests, appointed by men, were, themselves, sinful. Their sacrifices had to be repeated because they could never actually take away sin. See Hebrews 10:11. The truth, however, remained. We all need help, and God is tenderly willing to provide it. Jesus FULFILLS the Old Testament office. Our Savior is the true and unfailing High Priest!

Like Aaron, and more competently than Aaron, JESUS carries the people of God on His shoulders and in His heart into the Holy Place (28:12, 30). HE is “Holy to the Lord,” but also sympathetic because He is “touched with the feelings of our infirmities” (Hebrews 4:15). HE is robed with garments of righteousness and offers His own blood (rather than that of lambs) as the perfect atonement.

Dear Reader, with eyes of faith, do you see Him, today? Your High Priest is standing before the Father! He is representing you, interceding for you! He is your Helper!

Does it give you confidence and courage to have such a glorious and beautiful intercessor? Does it convict you of pride that you would attempt to live without His necessary counsel? Does it convince you that fear is false because we are safe in His powerful hands?

Ancient Israel was given a High Priest. We have One even greater.

“Therefore, He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them”(Hebrews 7:25).

“I need Thee, O, I need Thee. Every hour I need Thee. O, bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee” (Robert Lowry).

January 22–Exodus 25-27

“Let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them. . .See that you make them after the pattern for them which was shown to you on the mountain” (25:8,40).

Those who walk with God learn that He has a plan greater than we understand. Higher. More beautiful. “We see through a glass darkly,” said Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:12. Even the most faithful saint has only an elemental appreciation for all that God is doing. “I once was blind,” sings the familiar hymn. “In many ways, I still am,” says a needed second verse.

As Moses continued on the mountain with God, he (and the people) were given a new assignment. They were to raise a contribution and construct a sanctuary. (Hebrew, mik dawsh, “sacred place”).

God is always, in every moment, with us. Even so, He is most particularly and effectively with us in certain places, environments. There are sacred places. As we gather to Him in the places of His choosing, the eternal, infinite and invisible God promises to meet with us there. Is God only at the gathered church house? No, but He is most effectively there. “Where two or three are gathered together, there I will be” (Matthew 18:20).

This being so, Moses is carefully warned not to insert his own wisdom or creativity into the building of the sanctuary. “He was schooled in Egypt, but his wisdom was intellectual and earthly and would not work for him here” (F. B. Meyer). “The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit, because they are Spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14). Moses is commanded to construct the tabernacle “after the pattern.”

Spiritual people are wise to heed this lesson. No pastor should lead the church of God without waiting on the Lord’s word or fully obeying it when it comes. The church needs a pattern. God’s pattern! No believer should be arrogant enough to believe that having received life by the Spirit, he can now accomplish the will of God without God’s wisdom. “If any man lacks wisdom, let him ask of God,” says James 1:5.

Churches, Christians and nations are weak to the extent we forget this principle. God has a plan. It is beautiful and wise and deeper than we understand. As sons and soldiers in an invisible kingdom, our task and privilege is to do all things, “after the pattern.”

“The Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing” (John 5:19).

“His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever He tells you’ ” (John 2:5).