Lesson from Leviticus
As I read through the not-so-exciting (at least to me)
portions of Leviticus and make my way through all the rules and regulations for
the people of Israel (especially for the priests), it occurs that I’m learning
some things about God that I would otherwise never know. God is concerned about
some things that I would normally think are trivial (failing to add salt to offerings Lev 2:13) and I’m concerned about some things that aren’t
nearly as important to God (the sound quality of my own voice singing).
That leads me to what I think is a really
important conclusion—I was made for God; God was
not made for me! "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and
honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created
and have their being." - Rev 4:11
I think that’s essential wisdom to sanctified
living and some today refuses to recognize this. Consequently, to some, God is
his servant rather than him being God’s servant. You hear it in statements such
as, “God wants you to
be happy. God wants you to be successful. God wants you to reach your full
potential. God wants you to be rich.” Can
you see how this all focuses on me?!
Yes, He loves me more than I can imagine (Eph 3:19). Yes, He cares
for my stresses and anxieties (1 Pet 5:7). Yet, God doesn’t exist for me. He did okay before I came along (John 1:1-2) and I’m pretty sure he will be able to function when
I’m gone.
It changes your entire focus in life when you
acknowledge that you are God’s servant. You are a follower of Jesus Christ.
Your objective in life is to please Him (2 Cor 5:9). Check out the first statement in each of Paul’s epistles. He regularly
began by making it clear that he was a servant of God and/or Jesus Christ (See Romans 1:1). He existed to do God’s will and so do we. Recognition of that one fundamental reality changes
the focus of our entire life.
Pick up Leviticus for a minute and
may your life be changed through this awareness today.
Living Lessons are articles written for the weekly Washington Church of Christ bulletin. You can find more by clicking HERE or searching for "Living Lesson" in the right sidebar search.