The resources God has given us to live a thriving life are His Word, Spirit, and People.
Read God’s Word:
Leviticus 15-18
Act 2: God’s Covenant People
Scene 3: The Sinai Covenant and law: God embraces and instructs his people
Background Information: Leviticus 15-18
Normal human biological functions were not sin and did not violate a moral law, but they were ceremonially unclean. We are told why these laws are in place in verse 15:31. Even if they don’t sin, humans are sinful. Even the normal bodily functions of humans point to the fact that we are flesh, and God is pure Spirit. We are not pure, and he is holy. People had to wait and be cleansed before they could enter God’s presence. Here in the middle of Leviticus we find the Day of Atonement, called Yom Kippur. Even Aaron could only enter the most Holy place once a year and under very special instructions. One goat was sacrificed for the sins of the people, and one goat was released into the wild. It was called the “Scapegoat.”
Israel’s covenant morality is to be distinct from that of surrounding nations. The entire law teaches the people of God’s character. This is true for ceremonial as well as moral laws.
The Day of Atonement pointed forward to Jesus. He was the atoning sacrifice by his blood, and he was the Scapegoat who carried our sins away. These sacrifices were never meant to be permanent; they were meant to prepare humanity for Christ.
“For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. “
Hebrews 10:1
Pray:
Praise God for…
Thank God for…
Confess your sins to God
Ask God to use the ministry of Hope’s Gate to bring the message of hope to women working in the sex industry.
Ask God for… (what else concerns you?)
Reflect:
Write down one passage of scripture that stood out to you today.
Write down why this passage stood out to you.
Engage Community:
Text or call someone now and tell them…
– What you are praying for.
– What stood out from God’s word today.