God’s Love in the Laws

Alisha and I have been following Dr. Kimberly Moore’s “The Bible in 52 Weeks” for our 2023 Bible reading. I’m currently in the book of Leviticus, and it can be a hard one to read, let alone understand. It is essentially a book of God’s laws and commands. To our modern Christian minds, it seems impractical and outdated. Jesus’ death and resurrection negated the ancient practices, so why do we even need to read this?

And what, you may be wondering, does this have to do with God’s love?

First and foremost, this book is important simply because it is God’s Word. I don’t know how you and I can comprehend the magnitude of the Cross without looking back to these laws. I simply cannot fathom having to sacrifice a bull or a goat every time I broke one of God’s rules. (Although, now that I think about it, if I had to do that . . . perhaps I’d be more intentional in trying NOT to sin. But I digress.)

Jesus’ blood shed on the Cross cleansed us for good. For eternity. No blood beyond His could ever do this. Sometimes we need to see where we’ve come from to appreciate what we have. Praise Jesus for becoming our atoning sacrifice!

Even though the Cross negated the cleansing practices we read about in Leviticus, it didn’t negate the rules. Leviticus is full of rules and boundaries God commands us to keep. These laws aren’t intended to constrict our life, but to lead us to abundant life. God tells the people, through Moses, that by keeping His commands they will be blessed. They will receive His protection and His abundant provision.

THAT is where we see God’s love in the laws. Just as a mother advises a small child to keep their fingers away from electrical outlets, God advises us in a multitude of ways to keep us safe. To keep us in right relationship with Him. To have our hearts and souls ready for the blessings He desires to give us.

Our challenge is to consider God’s Word when we are tempted to disobey Him. In these moments, we need to remember His boundaries are for our blessings. It may not feel good at the time (dying to the flesh never will), but there is abundant life through obedience.

Blessings,
From God Not Her

*Balance the state of your heart with the laws! We should follow God’s laws because we love Him, not because we are trying to earn His love. Don’t become a Pharisee.