Good morning everyone! Let me start by saying I'm proud to be able to read a chapter each day with you guys. And make comments back and forth. I feel awesome each time we complete a book of the Bible.
Today we finish: Leviticus with chapter 27.
The Israelites dedicated people, animals, property to the Lord and it cost them something. And when something was dedicated to the Lord it became holy, set apart for God's purpose. This was a huge thing to do. A real commitment. Today, we have an opportunity to dedicate something to the Lord. When we do it it's going to cost something and it's a real commitment. I've dedicated my life to the Lord. I am declaring to God my desire to live a holy life, set apart from my will and desires, in order to do his will and fulfill his purpose and desires for my life. It means I'm willing to be all he wants me to be and do all he wants me to do and go wherever he wants me to go. It will cost me something. It will cost my life because I'm giving it up for God's will over mine even if it means death.
There are some who dedicate their homes to the Lord. They want it to be holy and set apart for God's purpose. And they use their home for inviting people over in order connect with people. Being their friends. Encouraging them. Helping them. Their home becomes a ministry place for the Lord. It's a sacrifice. It cost something. You buy food and prepare meals. Games for entertainment. You work all day cleaning before they come and then clean up afterwards.
Some dedicate their business or talents to the Lord saying use my business for Your Glory or use my talents for Your Glory. Some use their gift of cooking for the Lord by preparing food for guests or their workplace. What a great ministry opportunity that impacts lives. Some use farming as a ministry and love the fact that they can provide food for people to drink or eat. Every gift God gives us is an opportunity to impact people's lives. Everything we own is an opportunity to impact people's lives. It belongs to the Lord. Therefore we should be able to give up anything for the Lord at any time.
Sometimes that's hard! Very difficult! I remember in my twenties I picked up a hitchhiker in the winter and he had no coat. He had a throw rug over his shoulders that acted as his coat. When I dropped him off the Lord said to me give the man your coat. I didn't because I loved my coat. I left a man in need and missed an opportunity to share the love of Jesus with him. When you dedicate your life to the Lord it's going to cost something. It may even be a certain prized possession. Ministry for the Lord can be beautiful. It can be a great experience. It can be awesome. It can be miraculous. It can be amazing. But it can also be hard work. It can be costly. It can be a thankless work. It can be challenging. It can be scary. It can be risky, but at the end it will always be rewarding. We may not always see or feel the reward on Earth but our Great best reward is in heaven when God says, “Well done my good and faithful servant. You didn't give up. You persevered.
Who are you? What are your gifts? What do you own? Who does your life belong to? Today, go before the Lord and say I dedicate my life, my possessions, my talents, I dedicate all to you to be holy and set apart for your will and your purpose. When done praying, get ready for a great adventure that may cost your life on Earth but there's great reward in heaven!!!!!
Amen, Pastor Blair! The book of Leviticus ends with the Lord’s teaching on tithing as if to say that holiness is proved by how we respond and react to what costs us something. We can talk, sing, and pray about holiness but it becomes real in our lives to the extent that we give to the Lord His due – no matter the cost. And as New Testament believers, we owe Him everything.
Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
I wanted to mention a good book to read related to our modern day idols, if you are interested … Idols of the Heart by Elyse M Fitzpatrick.
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus! Well done everyone. So glad to be doing this bible study journey with all of you. Blair, I loved your message today and I have to mention, growing up I can remember you dedicating your house to the Lord in fellowship of youth group teenagers!! I have many great memories of game nights, Christian music playing, you eating and thoroughly enjoying old popcorn (LOL) and great fellowship with your family! You and your family are a huge part of my faith journey being strong. Thank you for the times back then, and thank you for reaching out to me for this bible study!
Jeanine I will definitely be looking into the book that you mentioned over modern day idols and checking myself and my life!
Numbers, here we come!
This chapter mentioned what the valuation was to be for males and females at particular ages. While it seems unfair to set a price on people based on their gender and age, I realize that this was a whole different culture than the one that we’re living in today. God values all human life. I’m reminded of Matthew 6:26. Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?