“The Lord called to Moses and spoke to him from the tent of meeting.” Leviticus 1:1 NIV
Lack of attention to detail looms as a major pet peeve of mine. I encounter it all of the time, and it’s pretty annoying. As just one of many examples, I’ve learned to never ask more than one question in an email. It doesn’t matter how carefully an email is crafted to include two, three or four questions, It’s an absolute guarantee that the recipient will respond to one question only and no more.
Right now I’m reading Leviticus. Of all the books in the Bible, this one proves particularly challenging to read and comprehend. The author is believed to have been Moses, but may have included others. It’s named after the Israeli tribe of Levi, and it refers to the Law of the Priests.
The instructions of Leviticus emphasize ritual, legal and moral practices. It emerged hundreds of years before Jesus, and it outlined the requirements for an acceptable relationship between God and man.
I won’t delve into all the rules and regulations presented in Leviticus. Just browse through a few pages and you’ll get the idea pretty quickly. Talk about attention to detail!
The message from God was verbal. It was conveyed to the people by Moses, relying on his memory. No books to pass out; no pen and paper; and no computer. There’s no way any of us would have been able to cope! The bottom line is the Israelites weren’t able to handle it, either. With all the animal sacrifices required to make atonement, I’m surprised they weren’t eventually forced into being vegans.
The extraordinary great news or us is that Jesus changed everything. The Leviticus law disappeared with His crucifixion and resurrection. We don’t have to offer sacrifices. He became our “once and for all” sacrifice two millennia ago. He did for us what we could not do for ourselves. It’s remarkable that God loves us so much. I really don’t know why He does, but I am eternally grateful that He does.
Have you thought today about what He has done for you?
Prayer: God, we exalt and worship You. Thank you for providing a way for us to have a relationship with You through Jesus. Thank you for grace. Amen.