On the joys of reading Leviticus

In the wake of Taylor Jervis and co., I have been working my way through the book of Leviticus. What a book! I have to admit that I have been scared of it a bit. It seems impenetrable at times, but let me give first time Leviticussers a few points and then I want to pass on a bit.

1. Read Leviticus with a commentary (something like the NT book of Hebrews)

2. Try to picture it as you read. Lot's of talk of ceremony and ritual, I can get bogged down in the details. But use the details and then picture what this would like like. I am only in chapter 6, and have read about the 5 different types of sacrifices. Picture what it would be like to confess sins while touching the head of a live ram and then to kill it yourself. Sounds ghastly? That is the debt of sin, and these sacrifices don't actually atone.

3. Look for Jesus. He is there.

4. Try to understand the framework that God sets up. He is teaching us about the nature of gaining forgiveness in a fallen world.

5. Realize that it is all of grace. God isn't impressed with sacrifices. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. He isn't manipulated. God allows sacrifices! What grace!

I think those tips will help if you decide to enjoy this great book. Also, contact me or Jervis for a studyguide if you want.

One final note,

Hebrews 9:22 - Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.

What blood has been shed for you! Jesus himself has become your sacrifice. He has offered himself up willingly for you. What great joy and sadness is this, the Savior, the Anointed One, He has died for you. Herein is life. Accept his sacrifice. Be purified by His blood. Be forgiven of your sins by the shedding of His blood. Do not look lightly upon this sacrifice. It makes demands of us, it demands our own crucifixion, and that our lives be offered back as living sacrifices. Receive these truths today.