Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

Overview of Leviticus 15–27 While Leviticus 15 continues to deal with ceremonial holiness, Leviticus 16 serves as the hinge to the entire book. On the Day of Atonement, Israel was given a fresh start to keep the whole law. Chapters 17–26 consist of instructions for practical holiness. 'Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy' (19:2, see also 20:26) echoes 11:44-45. Liberal commentators hold that chapters 17–26 (the Holiness Code) were originally a separate document. The content and style of this portion are somewhat distinct, and chapter 27 looks more like an apendix. The wealth of each chaper cannot be exhausted in a short devotional reading. Only one or two aspects of a subject will be highlighted for consideration. The original meaning of a text is explained before the applications are drawn. If the literary structure tells us something, this may also be pointed out. There are two things to keep in mind as we read the passages. Firstly, the laws are set in a narrative-historical framework. They were given through Moses at Mount Sinai on the way to the Promised Land which Israel expected to enter very soon after (although this did not eventually happen). The Old Testament laws still apply to Christians but only as they are understood through the fulfilment in Jesus Christ. Indeed, in chapter after chapter we see that Christ is truly 'the end of the law' (Romans 10:4). Note: The readings for chapters 24-27 continue after a short break. Why All the Rules? Read Leviticus 15:1-33 …through the law we become conscious of sin. (Romans 3:20b) This chapter describes elaborate precautions on how to treat bodily emissions. The prescribed rules are very stringent and stress the separation of the affected person and the steps to take to avoid contamination from anything connected with the person. Bible scholars point out that many of these rules have good health habits ingrained in them. But there is more to it than just good habits and health. Verse 31 gives us the clue to understanding the rules. God is holy and He requires purity from His people. He did not allow the people to come before Him when they were unclean. God wanted the people to practise care and and reverence for Him and His dwelling place. Consider: What does this teach us about how we are to come into God's presence? Do we barge in unprepared, unclean in our thoughts and deeds? Do we take time to confess our sins and be cleansed of our unrighteousness (1 John 1:9)? The Lord Jesus has come as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. We many consider the Leviticus rules outmoded for us in this dispensation of grace. However, we must note that the truths behind these rules remain relevant and valid. God wants us, as His people, to have a profound reverence for Him and His holiness. We have been purified by the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus to be a peculiar people unto Him (1 Peter 2:9-10). What 'rules' have you set for yourself for the maintenance of personal purity? Read Mark 5:24-34. Take time to feel the woman's joy at the compassion of Jesus and His cleansing power.