Thoughts on the readings for March 10th (Leviticus 17, 18, Psalm 119:41-80; Luke 1)

Leviticus 17 describes the significance of the blood in the sacrificial laws. We have already noted that Hebrews 9 verse 22 tells us that forgiveness of sins required the shedding of blood. Not that physical blood has any atoning qualities. It was symbolic of life. All life belongs to God. The blood upon the altar was from a flawless animal. And that spoke of the voluntary offering of our Lord Jesus Christ – who was morally perfect (the offering of the life of the only sinless man). And through that offering we have redemption in his blood
(Ephesians 1 verse 7). Verses 1-9 tell us that there was no animal sacrifice made during the wilderness journey. Verses 10-12 speak of the positive aspects of the sacrificial blood. These verses reinforce that the LORD owns all life. And the acceptance of the sanctity of life was to be observed by the Israelites on pain of death for violating this (Genesis 9 verses 3-6). Verses 13-16 refer to the negative significance of the blood. All manner of ceremonially clean animals could be eaten. But the blood was not to be eaten. It was to be poured onto the earth; or in the case of an offering upon the altar (earlier chapters in the sacrificial code in Leviticus talk of this). The killing of an animal still rendered the hunter “impure”.
Leviticus chapters 18-20 tell of moral laws for the LORD’s people. We have already seen how the Ten Commandments were founded on the basis that Yahweh was their God; and that He had brought them out of Egypt from the house of slavery. The same moral foundation underpins the moral code of the Israelites – Leviticus 18 verses 1, 30, 19 versess 2-3, 18. That verse in Leviticus 19:18, “Thou shall love thy neighbour as thyself” is the second of the two great commandments (see Matthew 22 verses 36-40). The second and third pillars for the observing of a holy life were: don’t behave as the Egyptians did; nor be like the Canaanites; whom, says the Almighty, will be vomited out of the land because of their perversions. Verses 1-5 through of Leviticus 18 give us our Sovereign’s moral reasons for the following commandments. Verses 6-23 forbid the practice of any of the sexual perversions described. Verses 24-30 tell us that Yahweh’s covenant people must live lives that are upright and distinctly different from the inhabitants of Canaan.

Stanzas 6-10 of Psalm 119 cover the Hebrew letters 6-10. These are contained in verses 41-80. This form of poetry is referred to as an acrostic. Just a few verses from these segments for us to meditate on. Slowly read aloud
verses 41-44, verses 49-50, verses 57-59, verses 66-68, and verse 72. Meditate on the way in which these verses may direct the course of your life- just as they were the motivating force of our Lord Jesus Christ the Saviour of the world.

In Luke 1 the beloved doctor (not an Apostle) gives his account. Luke sets out in order of happening of events in the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. The written account is to Theophilus – a name meaning ‘a lover of God’. Some have suggested that Theophilus was a high ranking Roman official. Whether this is true or not, the book is addressed to us, as lovers of God. Verses 5-18 tell of Zacharias, the priest and his temple service. Those verses also inform us that the aged priest and barren wife, Elizabeth, had no children. The angel Gabriel appears to Zacharias and foretells him of the birth and mission of John the Baptist – the son that was to be miraculously born to this old man and his barren wife. Because Zacharias doubted the angel’s words he was struck dumb till the day of John’s birth. Note John’s mission was said to be the fulfilment of Malachi 4:5-6. The angel Gabriel was next sent to the wonderful Mary. This faithful young woman had been chosen by Yahweh to be the mother of His Son. This birth too was to be brought about by an even greater miracle. Read the angel’s words aloud in verses 30-33 – ponder the import. Mary accepts the message and as the handmaid of the LORD she says that she will humbly comply. Mary’s cousin Elizabeth, who was herself 6 months pregnant, is visited by Mary and together these two faithful women praise and exalt God; and spiritually encourage each other. Mary’s song of praise giving is recorded in verses 46-55. Compare Mary’s song and words of rejoicing with Hannah’s song told to us in 1 Samuel 2 verses 1-10. John is born and named. Then his father Zacharias’ tongue is loosed. Consider his remarkable prophecy of the work of the two greatest men ever born. The record brings together a significant number of Old Testament scriptures. Read these words in verses 68-79 and ponder the greatest epoch that was to emerge in the ministries of these two servants of the Almighty in all time.