Read: Leviticus 16-18
Focus Verse: “You must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices.” (Leviticus 18:3).
Devotion: Don’t follow their practices, but why? Well what follows in Ch 18 are a list of sexual practices the Israelites are to avoid. Also, interestingly enough in the middle of this section is a command against sacrificing children to the god Molek. However, this section starts and is governed by that statement in 18:3, ‘Do not follow THEIR practices.’ So in this section everything listed should be viewed as; these are Egyptian and Canaanite practices, they defile God because they do not worship or know God. SO, be different from the other nations. Don’t follow after the other nations god’s (like Molek who requires child sacrifices…). The idea is that by being different from the other nations Israel will stand out and make a positive name for God. The focus is always about making God known to all nations. As Israel lives a life different from the other nations two big things will happen. 1: they will not be tempted to follow other gods. And 2: it will lead to other nations saying ‘wow, those Jews are different and really prosperous, what’s their secret? Oh it’s their God? Maybe we should follow their God instead!’ So, I’m left with a question: Are these acts ‘defiling to the LORD’ in themselves, or are they defiling because of the choice to follow other nations instead of God? Because in context if you follow another nations practices you are also following that nations god, as at the time that’s where all lawns and practices came from. So—especially with the inclusion of child sacrifice—this section isn’t so much focused on sex, but rather on following after God and showing other nations who God is.
Pray: LORD help give me discernment on how I, me myself, can live as one of Your people. Help me see what keeps me from You, and also help me to learn how to best live my life so that when others see me they see You. That is the goal of my life, that when others see me they see You. Amen!
Additional Scripture: “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1)