Today’s passage: Leviticus 26
Helpful thoughts:
- It might seem weird to see the Lord shift from idolatry in verses 1-2 to all the promises in verses 3-13. But, all the things the Lord commits to giving Israel in 3-13 are all the things the surrounding nations worshipped other false gods in hopes to receive. The Lord was their God. He was their protector, provider and redeemer. They had no need to worship any other.
- If Israel chose to worship those false gods anyway (Which they did) not only would those false gods fail to provide what Israel wanted, but the Lord would ensure they didn’t receive the things for which they hoped.
- The Lord had a right to a holy jealousy concerning Israel. He had formed them as a people. He had freed them from slavery. They had formally entered into a covenant with Him. He was going to give them a land to call their home.
- In truth, the Lord has a right to a holy jealousy for all peoples…He is the one true God and the creator of all things. He alone must be worshiped. The people of the world in all places and at all times are either obediently worshipping Him, or they are in sin.
Questions to consider:
- Given the promises of Lord here (For good and for bad) what did Israel do? What did/will the Lord do (2 Kings 6:24-31, 2 Kings 25:8-11, Ezra 1:1-4, Revelation 19:6-11)?
- From the perspective of man, who would be responsible for the good that came, or for the bad? Who would the “newspapers” say caused the great harvests or the military victories and defeats? Ultimately, who was responsible for it all? What does this passage teach us about the providence of God?
- How can this passage appropriately cause us to “sit up straight” under the Lordship of Jesus Christ? We joyfully rest in His grace, and it is right for us to obey Him in everything. How can you be growing in following our Lord and Savior?