The conclusion of the book of Leviticus is apropos because, like so much of the book, it is enigmatic. Once again we find ourselves scratching our heads and wondering, what is this all about? You can be encouraged that the majority of commentators likewise confess that, when it comes to the exact nature of these laws, we frankly just don’t have sufficient information to be … [Read more...]
Grace Expectations (Leviticus 26:14-46)
The apostle Paul said that it was by God’s grace that he was made strong (2 Corinthians 12). Grace is a powerful force in this world and nowhere is it more powerfully displayed than in the gospel of God (Romans 1:16). The gospel has given hope to millions over the centuries. It has transformed lives, homes, communities and even nations. This has always been the biblical … [Read more...]
Great Expectations (Leviticus 26:1-13)
William Carey, long time nineteenth century missionary in India, is well known for many things—one of which is his conviction that the believer is to “expect great things from God” and to therefore “attempt great things for God.” Carey expected, and attempted. And because he did both, he experienced great things from God. To this day, India continues to experience great and … [Read more...]
Redeeming the Poor (Leviticus 25:35-55)
Leviticus 25 is a profound chapter. The Jubilee law indeed “is probably the most radical social and economic idea in all the Bible.”[1. Derek Tidball, The Message of Leviticus: Free to Be Holy (Leicester: Inter-Varsity Press, 2005), 299.] And it is so because it is the most radical spiritual idea in the entire Bible—because it is rooted in redemption. Those who have been … [Read more...]
Redemptive Living (Leviticus 25:1-55)
God’s people are called to be holy, to be different—theologically, morally, spiritually (religiously), economically, etc. In a word, we are called to be different ethically. And one way in which our ethics are manifested is in how we treat others. We are called to be different relationally. We see this in Leviticus 25. Leviticus 25 reveals the sabbatical laws with reference to … [Read more...]