The Why Behind God’s Law
I had a meeting in Denver this morning and got an early start. The roads were in great condition and the wea
ther cooperated after the biggest snow fall of the season. Great to live in Colorado! I arrived early in Denver and so stopped by the Capitol to see some people. It was great to connect with Rep. Clarice Navarro-Ratzlaff, from Pueblo. She is one of the Republican rising stars that has a great political future ahead of her. It was also good to see Lois Court, one of my Democrat friends. I told her I wanted a picture with the future Congresswoman from Denver.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Keep My statutes and do them; I am Yahweh who sets you apart.” Leviticus 20:8 HCSB
It is easy to get “bogged down” reading through the Bible when you come to Leviticus. This book probably causes more dread than any other and often sabotages, New Year resolution to “read through the Bible in a year.”
This is the record of God’s law as He establishes His covenant with His chosen people. It has details in how individuals and the nation of Israel are to worship the Lord and obey Him. We see the details of sacrifices, what types of which sins and how the Priests are too prepare them, when they are to be offered. We see the furnishings of the Tabernacle, we see laws about what to eat and not eat, how to conduct themselves in their personal relationships. We see see laws about sickness and disease. We see laws regarding property and how to honor the Lord from that which He provides, and how to provide for those in poverty.
The verse above is the shortest summary of the “why” of the laws of God. God is holy and He has chosen His people to be holy. That means to be “set apart.” To be set apart from other people and nations. For that to happen He gives the details on how their lives are to be lived to be in relationship with this Holy God.
It is not left “up to chance.” There is no guessing game, there is no “finding my own way.” It is clear, specific and detailed. Every area of life. And if there is any confusion, there is provision for inquiring of the Lord through His anointed Priests.
It is emphasized that these are not Moses rules, they are the Lord’s rules; they are to be followed because God is God and God is their Lord. Notice the emphasis in these verses of chapter 22….
“You are to keep My commands and do them; I am Yahweh….I must be treated as holy among the Israelites. I am Yahweh who sets you apart, the One who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God; I am Yahweh.” (Lev. 22:31-33 HCSB)
It is clear that to dishonor the Lord’s law, is to dishonor the Lord. That is why King David repented with the words, “Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight…” (Psa. 51:4 ESV)
We also see that without God’s law, people make up their own gods or they follow the practices of others. The influence of history and culture is a strong pull that can dilute God’s role in your life.
“I am Yahweh your God. Do not follow the practices of the land of Egypt, where you used to live, or follow the practices of the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. You must not follow their customs. You are to practice My ordinances and you are to keep My statutes by following them; I am Yahweh your God…” (Lev. 18:1-4 HCSB)
When we lose our focus, we gravitate to the past or become influenced by those around us in the present. That is exactly what happened in the history of God’s people. Most of what God said, “don’t do,” they did, in the course of time.
Finally, the Lord emphasizes that His instructions are for their own good. Not to make their life hard, but for it to be blessed. “Keep My statutes and ordinances; a person will live if he does them. I am Yahweh.” (Lev. 18:5 HCSB) God’s law was life and peace to those who live by it. The Lord’s desire was for His people to know His presence and blessing in their life; to have their needs met, to be healthy and guided continually by the Lord.