Day 37

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Set Yourself Apart by Avoiding Immorality!

Scripture

February 6—Leviticus 18-20: Distinctiveness in the Nation of Israel

Observation

The life of the nation of Israel can be no holier than the life of the individuals. Purity in sexual and interpersonal relationships must be maintained if holiness is to be the hallmark of the nation of God and his people. These are not merely divine suggestions, as the stiff penalties of chapter 20 indicate. God requires that violators of his laws be punished and that the punishment be appropriate to the crime. God’s goal is clear: to preserve a people distinctly different in their life-style and commitment to him. “I the Lord…have set you apart from all other peoples, to be mine” (20:26).

Application

It is one thing to hear the words, “You shall not….” It’s something else again when those words are introduced by, “I am Jehovah your God. You shall not…” This is not some man’s subjective idea of what godly conduct should be like. Rather, God himself is addressing his people, reminding them of their responsibility to live their private and national lives for his glory.

Underline in your Bible the phrase “I am the Lord” or I am the Lord your God” every time it occurs in chapters 18-20. It sounds like he wants to get  his people's attention and he wants his people to obey his commands. We can obey these commands today and live holy lives by avoiding immorality--setting ourselves apart as God's special people through Jesus Christ! Let's do it!

Prayer

Dear God, help us to be holy and just by staying away from the alternative lifestyles that lead to severe sins. Let the Holy Spirit guide us in choosing today to live a distinctive life according to what Jesus would do in such a way to set examples for unbelievable that they will want salvation through faith in Jesus Christ—all for your glory! In Jesus name, amen!

Live Holy in Your Personal Life!












© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2019

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