God Speaks
Holy Oil and Bread, Blasphemy, Sabbath Years and Jubilee
Verse of the Day: “Do not take advantage of each other, but fear Your God. I am the LORD our God. follow my decrees and be careful to obey my laws, and you will dwell safely in the land.” (Leviticus 25:17-18 NIV 2011)
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We Respond
Reflection: Consider the following questions regarding Leviticus 24-25:
1. What does this chapter tell me about God?
2. What does this chapter tell me about the human beings He created?
Here is one possible answer to each of these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are any others for you personally to ponder.
Leviticus 24
1. God views the taking of life (human or animal) and the blaspheming of His name as profoundly serious offenses.
2. Individual people (whether native Israelites or foreigners) are to be held responsible for their actions but treated individually and fairly.
Leviticus 25
1. God wants people (and the land) to rest and to rely on Him.
2. People were to gauge the length and price of mortgages and labor contracts in relation to sabbatical and/or jubilee years. This would give them a sense of hope and freedom.
Prayer:
3. How might I pray regarding Leviticus 24-25?
Dear Sovereign LORD, help me to keep the flame of the Spirit burning brightly and constantly in my life. May the Bread of life and the pure frankincense of prayer be evident in my daily life. May I always speak Your holy name with reverence and awe. Let me hold those accountable who “kill” people with their words if not physically. Give me the strength and resources to help the poor and needy in practical ways, not just “virtue-signaling.” I know in my mind that I can always count on You to supply my needs as I love and obey You; help me to live it out in daily life. Help me to return to the godly principles I learned from my ancestors. May I look to You for guidance in assisting the poor or strangers. Help me to treat others as individuals with kindness and understanding. Give especially young people hope for the future. May all I do honor You, LORD. AMEN
Action: (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, if He wants you to work on one of the suggestions below or something else more personal that He points out.)
4. What action does the LORD want me to take in response to Leviticus 24-25? With the help of God’s Holy Spirit:
- I will vote to support the death penalty for murderers.
- I will look into gleaning projects that help the poor and needy.
- I will investigate what it would take for me to take a sabbatical year off work.
- I will offer practical help to someone who wants to learn to handle money wisely or who is struggling to get out of debt.
Share: I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________