"The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in Leviticus 18:4-5,
"You must obey my laws and be careful to follow my decrees. I am the Lord your God. Keep my decrees and laws, for the person who obeys them will live by them. I am the Lord."
Leviticus 18 provides 18 sexual prohibitions. All are from the standpoint of the male gender with the exceptions of verse 23b where a woman is not to "present herself to an animal to have sexual relations with it; that is a perversion" and verse 6 where the general prohibition is given, "No one is to approach any close relative to have sexual relations. I am the Lord." A prohibition against child sacrifice is also provided in verse 21.
And, yes, homosexuality is condemned as something the Lord considers "detestable", verse 22.
However, we live in a culture where we do not want to be "schooled" in these things by the Lord. We chafe against our sinful desires being prohibited by God who looks into these matters within our lives. I am reminded of Hebrews 4:13, "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."
While we no longer serve the Lord by law-keeping (Romans 7:6), we nevertheless learn what the Lord's perspective is on such things in these chapters. And, that should matter to those of us who consider ourselves as God's children. The Lord himself emphasizes this point by repeating the theme, "I am the Lord." We read this refrain in verses 2, 4, 5, 6, 21, and 30. The chapter begins with "The Lord said to Moses, 'Speak to the Israelites and say to them: "I am the Lord your God."'" and it ends with "I am the Lord your God."
"You must obey my laws and be careful to follow my decrees. I am the Lord your God. Keep my decrees and laws, for the person who obeys them will live by them. I am the Lord."
Leviticus 18 provides 18 sexual prohibitions. All are from the standpoint of the male gender with the exceptions of verse 23b where a woman is not to "present herself to an animal to have sexual relations with it; that is a perversion" and verse 6 where the general prohibition is given, "No one is to approach any close relative to have sexual relations. I am the Lord." A prohibition against child sacrifice is also provided in verse 21.
And, yes, homosexuality is condemned as something the Lord considers "detestable", verse 22.
However, we live in a culture where we do not want to be "schooled" in these things by the Lord. We chafe against our sinful desires being prohibited by God who looks into these matters within our lives. I am reminded of Hebrews 4:13, "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."
While we no longer serve the Lord by law-keeping (Romans 7:6), we nevertheless learn what the Lord's perspective is on such things in these chapters. And, that should matter to those of us who consider ourselves as God's children. The Lord himself emphasizes this point by repeating the theme, "I am the Lord." We read this refrain in verses 2, 4, 5, 6, 21, and 30. The chapter begins with "The Lord said to Moses, 'Speak to the Israelites and say to them: "I am the Lord your God."'" and it ends with "I am the Lord your God."
And, of course, I am challenged with that thought in my own life. Is it true, "I am the Lord your God"? Is he? While I may not be particularly tempted or challenged by any of these prohibitions, I nevertheless face those challenges of pleasing God while still harboring a sinful nature.
If the Lord is my God then these things he has revealed of himself should find expression in my life - including the avoidance of that which he finds detestable.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
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