Wow, the book of Leviticus is like reading a contract- not the most glamorous, but certainly eye-opening! What we learn from this book is critical to understanding Israel, God, and their relationship through the remaining Old Testament. Today’s reading of the last two chapters resembles a contract’s fine print. It details blessings to enjoy for keeping their covenant with God and curses if Israel breaks it.
What’s unique about this covenant is the language of love and discipline in the fine print! Usually, if you break a contract, the obligations of the contract are over. But not this one, notice…
“But despite all this, I will not utterly reject or despise them while they are in exile in the land of their enemies. I will not cancel my covenant with them by wiping them out, for I am the Lord their God. (Leviticus 26:44, NLT)
The curses within the fine print are the discipline of God. The goal? To bring Israel to repentance and back to blessing! Restoration of relationship! What an amazing God, that God would not be done with His people but would discipline His people. That God would bring them back to Himself when they wander. God and forgiveness go together!
To those who believe, this same God will not cast us off when we sin! He speaks the language of love and discipline to us, too.
For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” (Hebrews 12:6, ESV)
For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. (Hebrews 12:10–11, NLT)
God is a loving, correcting, and forgiving Father! Not a forsaking Father! His desire for us is the peaceful harvest of right living, sharing in His holiness! Even though His discipline hurts for a time, He doesn’t give up on us! A patient Father, not a lienent Father.
Rejoice today that we are loved! Loved by the One who will help us through our failures, correct our waywardness, and restore us when we repent! Relationships are hard work, and God does not abandon us in our misery; he moves to bring joy back into our lives! We just read it; it’s all in the fine print!
Today’s reading: Leviticus 26-27 | Tomorrow’s reading: Numbers 1-2