so many rules…is exactly what comes to mind when I think of Leviticus. Although it only took me six days to read Leviticus {my shortest one yet}, I really struggled with this one. Fortunately, I have a super awesome pastor who’s been willing to hold my hand through this journey and answer all my questions so a lot of these insights come from our ongoing email chain.
completed reading on july 19th.
“Among those who approach me I will be proved holy; in the sight of all the people I will be honored.” {Leviticus 10:3}
my exodus summary:
After wondering why there were so many rules in Leviticus, I’ve come to the conclusion that God is holy and he wants the Israelites, and us, to act in a holy manner toward Him {after all we were created in his likeness}. Hence, God gives them many commands, rules, instructions.
Which again left me confused, how are we supposed to know which of these rules apply today. My initial response is that doesn’t apply to today’s world. This is my gut response because it’s easier to ‘bring God down to my level’ {aka justify my actions} if none of these rules apply to me in today’s world.
And this is where I want to share my pastors response:
How to know which rules were contextual – and for a limited time – and which were universal – for all times. Sometimes the text gives us clues. For example, in terms of tattoos, one of the things God continually reiterated was that His people were to be separate {and set apart} from the other cultures around them – the pagan nations who didn’t serve God. He didn’t want them to follow their customs and ways. Apparently tattoos and piercings were common in those cultures and related to idol worship. So, it makes sense that God would prohibit that. Tattoos and piercings don’t have that same connection in our culture so it’s safe to assume those rules were contextual and for a limited time.
So, how can we determine which ones were universal for all time? One way is to see if the concept is talked about in other texts throughout Scripture.
my exodus summary:
Clean and unclean food. As a complete health nut, I totally geeked out on Leviticus 11. If you’re anything like me, you’ve certainly read a diet book or two. I mean Tosca Reno’s Clean Eating books completely changed my perspective on nutrition and I continue to learn more and more every day. As of recently I’m on a huge kick of heavy cream in my coffee thanks to my recent travels with my dietician friend, Stacie.
Anyways who knew the bible was also a nutritional guide. I’ll save you all the juicy details and let you read Leviticus 11 and decide if you still want to eat bottom-feeders.
biggest take-a-way:
The key is not to adapt God’s Word to us, but adapt ourselves to God’s Word.
ps – i’ve been meaning to note that while making this website, i found a fun setting that made everything lowercase. i fell in love with it. so i kept it. but the downfall is absolutely everything has to be lowercase. so please excuse the lowercase ‘g’ in reference to god {as well as all the surnames and so on}. god is great and his names deserved to be praised {and capitalized, i’m still working on figuring out how to make it work with my settings…}.
