Punishment Deserved vs. Holiness Given

Read

Leviticus 20:1-22:33

Think

Leviticus 20:22, 26, “Keep all My decrees and laws and follow them, so that the land where I am bringing you to live may not vomit you out. … You are to be holy to Me because I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be My own.”Today’s reading lists sin after sin and punishment after punishment. The old covenant was full of rules and obligations. It was a system that required punishments and sacrifices for the payment of sin. Death, consequences, blood sacrifices — we read the requirements and rules, and it’s overwhelming to imagine trying to follow each of the laws! You can almost picture the priests covered in blood at the altar with a never-ceasing line of sacrifices.When Jesus came, He (because He is God!!) lived a perfect life and willingly sacrificed Himself on the cross. His sacrifice covered not just one sin but also the sin of every person who believes in faith, turns from their sin, and makes Jesus Lord of their life.In Hebrews 10:12-14, we read that Jesus “offered for all time one sacrifice for sins...For by one sacrifice, He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.”Our sins deserve punishment, but through Christ, we will one day stand before God, perfect and complete. Until then, let us live lives that honor His sacrifice and bring glory to His name.

Act

Pray

Lord, Thank You for paying the ultimate price so that I can live in eternity with You. What a great gift to know You! I am thankful to be free from sin and a system of sacrifices. I rejoice in Your forgiveness. Let me walk into each new moment joyfully, with my eyes set on You. Amen.