If you’re like me, you’ve probably been very thankful for the sections of our readings in the Psalms the last week or so, rather than the Levitical portions. That being said… in the midst of the rituals, the laws and the sacrifices explained in meticulous detail, I found some really encouraging passages in Leviticus.
As I talked with Roger, a member of our worship team at the church, about the readings, he pointed something out to me that I hadn’t connected. In Philadelphia where Independence Hall sits and the Liberty Bell is on display, there is an amazing inscription that was forged into the copper.
Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof.
Now if you’ve moved on from Exodus to Leviticus, this doesn’t sound like something you’re likely to come across, but it is actually Leviticus 25:10, and it reminds me of something amazing. God’s intention by providing a means of coming close to his presence was a revolutionary step in the culture and time when the children of Israel came out of Egypt, and His purpose was rooted in bringing Liberty to the people and freedom. He was giving explicit instruction so they didn’t have to guess at his purposes, and that was a revelation to the Israelites and the nations around them. It was such a revelation that the nations ahead of them (which we’ll get to) began to know them for their God’s protection and tremble with fear.
I have to be honest… I’m really glad that our readings in the book of Leviticus are now over. It’s a really hard book, but for the exact same reason that it’s really encouraging – we don’t live under the law any longer because of what Christ did for us. I take heart from the fact that although I get it wrong a lot, Jesus has already secured my salvation and I can rest and rely on him as I learn to follow him more closely.
I hope you’re encouraged today as we move into a new book of the Bible, and don’t forget to check out the next video below!
Pastor Ryan