March 16, 2022 - Leviticus 26-27

I just received a phone call from a very close friend who has been battling cancer and his wife is now in the hospital. In times like these, I am thankful we serve a great God in whom we can trust. Despite the difficulties they have kept their focus upon serving the Lord.

Israel was warned not to make idols or carved images in the land they were going to inhabit. They were to keep the Sabbath and worship the Lord who had delivered and established them in this new land. If they were resolute in keeping God's commandments, they would receive blessings such as good harvests (vv. 4-6), peace in the land (vv. 7-8), and know the Lord's presence was among them (vv. 9-13).

On the other hand, if they did not obey the Lord's commands, they would endure terror and disease (vv. 14-15), hunger and defeat by enemies (vv. 16-17), and finally be brought to humility (vv. 18-20). In addition, the people would endure plagues, wild animals and punishment from the Lord which would be greater than the sins previously committed (vv. 21-35). Lastly, the individuals who rebelled would faint or perish in the lands to where they had been banished. Moses closes chapter 26 with the promise that even in their disobedience, the Lord would remember His covenant with Jacob, Isaac and Abraham and be their God (26:46).

Israel had made vows and commitments to the Lord regarding their tithes. Moses concludes the book of Leviticus with statements concerning this. God gave instructions on how the people could redeem fields, possessions and slaves in accordance to the year of Jubilee. Moses desired the people to truly understand that ultimately, the Lord God was Sovereign and not people.

Worship before the Lord involves all that we are; our minds, heart, skills, and finances. While the Lord redeems us and allows us to both prosper and be in need, we must never lose the fact of His sovereign control and our position of being stewards of His resources. Romans 11:36 reminds us, "For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen". In prosperity demonstrate humility toward Him and in adversity be submissive and glorify His name each day!

With an Expectant Hope,

Pastor Miller