Day 56, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Leviticus 26–27
Make the Right Decision!
Whether on a mobile device, computer, or on paper, we consult a map to find the right way to our destination. If we make a wrong decision, we end up in the wrong place. We need to make the right choice.
The decision whether we will follow a godly path or a worldly path is more important than a destination on a map. Why is this so important?
Following a worldly path can be dangerous!
God entered a conditional covenant relationship with Israel in the Sinai desert, promising to bless her if she was obedient. But, while Moses was on the mountain receiving the law to govern the people and instructions on building the tabernacle (a portable worship center), Israel was worshipping a golden calf idol! She turned from the LORD! The LORD was angry and almost destroyed his people! But, under Moses' pleadings, he forgave them.
After the LORD restored his relationship with his people, they built the tabernacle and set it up (Exodus 40:17). Moses then gave them the instruction manual (the book of Leviticus) to teach them how to offer pleasing sacrifices to God and to live clean and moral lives.
Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of your decisions
In today's Bible reading, the LORD expands the details on the blessings and curses in the conditional covenant. He gives the Israelites a choice. If they obey, he promises they will have
- A perpetual harvest
- Peace in the land of Canaan
- His favor
- His presence and pleasure
- Protection from their enemies.
If they disobey, however, God will curse them. They will have
- Terror from their enemies
- Drought and famine
- The Almighty will be against them
- Corrupt natures to the point of being cannibals
- Enemies who will conquer them
- Worn out God’s patience and be expelled from their land.
Today, through the sacrifice of God's Son on the cross, he offers us forgiveness for our sins, peace, spiritual life, blessings, and a future home in heaven. This is an unconditional covenant (promise) provided to us if we will just believe and accept his sacrifice in payment for our sins.
After we become Christians, he wants us to live pure, dedicated lives, and obey his Word, the Bible. In return, he will bless us and make our efforts fruitful (John 15:1-11; Psalm 37:3-9).God disciplines Christians who live worldly lives
Like the Israelites, Christians sometimes fall away from the LORD and get into trouble. For instance, a Christian who is married may have an affair (a euphemism for adultery), become involved with pornography, cheat on his taxes, lie, or even steal. God will discipline him for these things. He will be miserable—God will be against him, plaguing his conscience with guilt and removing his blessings. He will suffer for his unfaithfulness. The LORD disciplines us for our good, that we might be holy. He cares too much to let us get away with disobedience and dishonoring him with our life (Hebrews 12:6,10).If we mess up, there is still hope
There was hope for Israel and there is hope for us if we turn from our wrongdoings (Leviticus 26:40-45 and 1John 1:9). The LORD forgave the Israelites and kept the covenant he made with them whenever they turned from their sins to him for forgiveness. God also forgives us for our sins and restores us whenever we do the same.
Keep your commitments to the LORD
Leviticus 26:46 seems to be a summary and an end to the book, but no, we have one more chapter. It appears something occurs, which causes Moses to write an appendix to regulate the making of vows (Leviticus 27). Perhaps, after the Israelites heard the blessings and curses, they wanted to make the right choice—a covenant to keep God's decrees so he would bless them. To seal their commitments, they wanted to offer themselves, their families, animals, and property to the LORD. Therefore, they needed regulation regarding their vows.
In today's Bible reading, God gives no reason he set the values he did. Still, the high cost ensures that the Israelites will consider their oaths before they make them. Later, if the Israelites change their minds to reclaim what they pledged, they must add twenty percent to its value. Some things they can't redeem. This discourages them from taking back their property or livestock, which are devoted to the Lord. Should we make vows today? Here is what Jesus said:
Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, “Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.”
But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King.
And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. Simply let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your No,” No”; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. (Matthew 5:33-37, NIV)
Discussion
Why is the decision as to whether we will follow a godly path or a worldly path more important than finding a destination on a map?
How does Jesus feel about making vows?
Focus Verses
Psalms 34:12-14 (NIV) “Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to me, Rod, the Author
Looking Ahead: Holiness is difficult. How do we maintain God's holy standard? Find out in our next lesson as we move to the book of Numbers.
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