Leviticus 16-19
In these chapters the commands flow thick and fast. It’s understandable that the NIV editors didn’t feel confident to use anything more specific than “various laws” as the heading for chapter 19 – it’s a real mixed bag! And the laws in these chapters range from things that we’d all say a hearty amen to (“do not have sexual relations with an animal” (Lev. 18:23) comes to mind), to others that just seem plain weird like “do not wear clothing made of two kinds of material” (Lev. 19:19). I’d stand to lose 90% of my wardrobe!
So is there anything that holds these “various laws” together? What do you think?
And another question: why do I still think it’s not right to have sexual relations with an animal but think that it’s OK to keep my poly/cotton wardrobe?
Anyone want to have a crack?
Hi there,
I think I remember Steve Cree mentioning once that the morals for Christians are found in the New Testament (NT). Christ fulfulled the Old Testament (OT)laws for us, so we are no longer “under the law” and don’t have to do things like make sure we aren’t wearing clothing made from 2 kinds of material.
The NT writers do say things like “As for the Gentile believers, we have written to them our decision that they should abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality” (Acts 21:25). Sexual immorality I’m guessing, is defined by what it was in the OT. Acts 21:25 is a bit confusing still – I’m guessing I’ll have to read the context as to why they were abstaining from meat of strangled animals. I’m guessing it is something Paul is doing to be “as if he was under the law so he might win those under the law”, or to stop the gentile believers from stumbling. I think I need some guidance!
On day 31 you reminded us about Mark 7:15-23. For us God is more concerned with what happens inside our body in our hearts and minds. Wearing polycotton does not come from an impure thought in your heart or mind. I guess if you wear very revealing clothes that you hope others will make others look at you in a sexual way, then that would be sinful.(I have a feeling your safe on that one Pete, unless you have a thing for wearing polycotton speedos!) On the other hand sexual sin has it’s beggining in a lustful thought. Infact Jesus specifically talks about this in Mathew 5:18 “But I tell you anyone who looks at a woman lustfuly has already committed adultery with her in his heart”.
We think the OT laws were a challenge and it overwhealms me to even think about all the things that they needed to do to please God, but I wonder what they would have thought about Matthew 5:18. Makes you wonder weather we take our inward ‘cleaness’ as seriously as the OT needed to take their outward cleaness.
Law against mixtures Lev19:19-God has established an order,man is to trust and believe that is best and sufficient and not attempt to “super seed” or “improve” on His work.By following this instruction then it would demonstrate to all the nations the LORD’s provision,his sufficentcy in a simplistic and yet mighty way.It also carries the theme of separation(being in the world but not of it).This would be highlighted in how they live;crops and live stock grown and even the clothing they wear,they live in submission and obedience to the Creator God and His ways.I am challenged to ask myself ‘How am I demonstrating that that I am following the only true God,in my life?Can the ‘nations’tell and does that point them to Him?