I love the book of Leviticus! Now that I have your attention, let me explain. Years ago, I was like the vast majority of people who pretty much place Leviticus last in order of Bible reading preferences. One doesn’t appreciate the tremendous value of this third book in the Pentateuch at first. One verse in today’s chapters sums up the poignant purpose of God’s instructions; “Whoever … goes near the holy things … while he has uncleanness upon him shall be cut off from My presence, I am the Lord” (Lev. 22:3). How would you have liked to live under the hundreds of requirements for conduct in order to approach God? God invites his people to come near, however, his holiness requires only those who are clean. Therefore, all these sacrifices, all done in accordance with the most exacting ways and means were the only way to worship God, and Leviticus is all about worshiping God and his holiness.
But, thankfully, we don’t need to comply with the laws of Leviticus because Jesus paid it all. No one could ever obey every demand or be “good enough” to approach God. Therefore, sacrificing “a lamb without blemish” was necessary. Likewise, while God is good and his love beyond measure, even greater is his holiness. We can never be good enough no matter how sinless a life we try to lead. Jesus made the one and only sacrifice for us. Reading Leviticus carefully and slowly letting each of the multiple commands, instructions, feasts, etc. sink into our hearts and minds, powerfully brings home the compelling realization of the magnitude of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. … the ultimate single sacrifice that literally allows us the holiness to “go boldly to the Throne of Grace.”
Wonderful grace of Jesus, greater than all my sin!
Rev. Harold Hazen, Fort Wayne, Ind.
