A RELEVANT LOOK AT THE MOSAIC LAW

Leviticus 25 provides an interesting look into God’s expectations in the Mosaic Law.  Remember, this is God’s covenant with the Israelites [Exodus 19:1-6].  It was not a universal covenant.  Paul said it led people to Jesus Christ [Galatians 3:23-29].

Leviticus 25 makes obvious some basic concepts.  (1) Two reasons should make Israelites feel a special indebtedness to God: (a) deliverance from Egyptian slavery; and (b) the gift of Canaan (vv. 23 and 38). 

(2) Because they owed existence to God, they held God in fear (profound respect): (a) by  not taking advantage of each other [v. 17]; (b) by  being compassionate to poor Israelites [v. 36]; (c) and by never treating Israelites harshly [v. 43]. A common bond produced a special relationship.

(3) Israelites were God’s property, God’s slaves [v, 55].

(4) Instead of seeing themselves as owners of anything, they considered everything as opportunity to show dependence on God.  [Consider the purpose of the year of Jubilee in vv. 8-17.]

The parallel between Israel’s relationship with God and the Christian's relationship with God is amazing.  Christians are delivered from Satan’s rule and the slavery of sin.  We are enroute to God’s country. We owe our existence to God’s act in Jesus on the cross, therefore we hold God in profound respect.  We demonstrate our respect for God in our treatment of people.  We are owned by God, and we use all of life to glorify God.

Read 1 Peter 2:1-10; Hebrews 11:13-16; Galatians 6:1-10; James 3:1-10; and 1 Peter 1:13-19.  Is it any wonder Paul considered Christians as Abraham’s descendants [Galatians 3:29]?

Fort Smith, AR
 August 22, 2011

 

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