February 23
Leviticus 20:1-22:33
Imagine being a parent who never disciplined their kids. They punch someone in the face and there are no consequences. They speak unkindly to others and still no response. We would think the parents are foolish to operate this way. Yet when we read passages like Leviticus 20, we may struggle with how God can demand such severe judgment for certain behaviors. In this chapter the judgment is either death or removal from God's people. As we wrestle with the severity of these judgments, we need to remember that God is setting up the foundations for a society. He was concerned that they would fall into anarchy (rightfully so), and therefore, he wanted to start with a clear statement. Similarly, at the beginning of the school year, a teacher sets clear rules and consequences. Failure to set these standards leads to an unruly class.
God’s foundational principles deal with the way one relates to God and others. God was concerned then and now with how well we love him and our neighbors. Though we are no longer under the death penalty like the nation of Israel, we will still reap God's discipline if we fail to put him and others in their rightful place. We must learn to walk like Jesus who put others before himself and sought to live for the glory of his Father.
Father God, thank you that you love me so much that you have given me your commands and discipline me when I fall short. Help me to put you and others before myself and to seek your glory, not my own. Amen.
How have you seen God's loving discipline at work in your life?
Imagine being a parent who never disciplined their kids. They punch someone in the face and there are no consequences. They speak unkindly to others and still no response. We would think the parents are foolish to operate this way. Yet when we read passages like Leviticus 20, we may struggle with how God can demand such severe judgment for certain behaviors. In this chapter the judgment is either death or removal from God's people. As we wrestle with the severity of these judgments, we need to remember that God is setting up the foundations for a society. He was concerned that they would fall into anarchy (rightfully so), and therefore, he wanted to start with a clear statement. Similarly, at the beginning of the school year, a teacher sets clear rules and consequences. Failure to set these standards leads to an unruly class.
God’s foundational principles deal with the way one relates to God and others. God was concerned then and now with how well we love him and our neighbors. Though we are no longer under the death penalty like the nation of Israel, we will still reap God's discipline if we fail to put him and others in their rightful place. We must learn to walk like Jesus who put others before himself and sought to live for the glory of his Father.
Father God, thank you that you love me so much that you have given me your commands and discipline me when I fall short. Help me to put you and others before myself and to seek your glory, not my own. Amen.
How have you seen God's loving discipline at work in your life?
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