I am a rule follower. I wouldn't consider my husband a rule breaker, but he is definitely a rule "pusher". We disagree on, using turn signals when driving is optional, when food items should be tossed after they expire, and so many other silly "rules".
In my personal Bible study, I've been going through The Bible Recap with Tara-Leigh Cobble. We started in Genesis and I'm currently reading through Leviticus. At first glance, it is hard to get excited over the Book of Leviticus. But I believe the Lord has revealed so much of His kindness and His love to me through this book of the Bible.
Leviticus is written to the Israelite people after they have been in slavery for around 400 years in Egypt, surrounded by a culture of pagan rulers and worship. "The purpose of Leviticus is to provide instruction and laws to guide a sinful, yet redeemed people in their relationship with a holy God". (gotquestions.org) There are laws about anything and everything you could possibly think of. Now, even as a rule follower myself, I was overwhelmed with them all and the sacrificial process required for each law that was broken by the Israelite people.
But you know what's been so sweet about reading through Leviticus? I see how great a sacrifice it was for Jesus to come to earth as a perfect Man, NEVER committing a single sin. Jesus sacrificed Himself on the cross in our place because He loves us and because sin must be atoned for.
"And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission"
Hebrews 9:22
"For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
John 3:16
" Jesus says, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them."
Matthew 5:17
In His fulfillment of the Law of Prophets, Jesus provided us with eternal salvation. No more were priests required to offer sacrifices and enter the holy place as they used to under the Levitical law. Jesus did that for us, once and for all on the cross. When we place our faith and trust in Jesus and His sacrifice, we are declared righteous! Can you see how much Jesus loves us!
I hope you needed that reminder as much as I did. I'm so thankful for the sacrifice of Jesus and how He makes a way for me, a sinner, to be in a love relationship with Him.
Prayer Points:
· Jesus, thank You for making a way for eternal salvation.
· Thank You for the love You have for Your children!
· Thank You that You want a relationship with us, a sinful people.
Dear Father,
Thank You for Your sacrifice. Thank you for coming to earth as a baby and living a sinless life. Thank you for giving Your life for mine on the cross. I thank You for providing a way for me to be made right with God, something I could never do on my own. Thank You for the love that You show me. I pray that I would live my life for You.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.
With Love,
Kaitlyn Beaton