Leviticus 23-25

God begins Leviticus 23-25 by giving Moses the dos and don'ts of His sacred festivals and assemblies for the Israelites.  God covers the sabbath, Passover, the Festival of Unleavened Bread, Offering of First Fruits, Festival of Weeks, Festival of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, the Festival of Tabernacles, the Sabbath Year, and the Year of Jubilee.  God also defines His rules and Godly perspective on owning property, taking care of our neighbors, and respecting His name.  In all these things today, God is reminding His people who He is.  He doesn't want the Israelites to forget His promises or what He has done for them along the way.          

God teaches the Israelites and us that everything we have comes from Him.  He is the source of all our blessings and the ultimate authority in our lives.  The bottom line is this; He wants us to listen to Him and do what He says so we can receive the fullness of all He has to offer.  We are to be a reflection of His holiness in all that we do.

That's a tall order, but notice that God doesn't give up talking the Israelites or us through what we need to do for Him.  And with His guidance and instruction, we get to know His nature more and more and find the encouragement we need to keep our faith.  

Just take another look at God's Word about reaping what we sow.

22 “‘When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and for the foreigner residing among you. I am the Lord your God.’”

Leviticus 23:22

In other words, God blesses us (our harvest), and He wants us to share what He gives us.  He wants us to help Him take care of His people.  Jesus shows us what that looks like when He comes into the world to serve.

38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Luke 6:38

What is my measure?

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank You for showing me who You are through Your Word.  Thank You for giving me Jesus to show me what it means to live out Your Word in the world.  I know You bless me with all that I have so I can be a blessing to others.  Guide me in ways I can help those You need me to help this day with the blessings You have given me.

Please, Lord, bless the lives of ______________ today in the ways You know they need You most.  May they feel the power of my prayer.

You, Lord, are my rock and my redeemer.  

In Jesus' holy name I pray,

Amen

In Christ,

   *This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.