Day of Atonement

Leviticus 16-19 and Psalm 22

The scapegoat is introduced (Leviticus 16:8-10). Allowed to escape sacrifice, the scapegoat is set free into the wilderness. The rules are harsh from our perspective, but it seems that God has a significant battle to change the hearts of these people.

I am the Lord your God. You must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices. Leviticus 18:2-3

There’s a long list of “do nots” with reference to sexual relations in chapter 18. There must have been some weird practices in those days…perhaps not so different in this age! “Everyone who does any of these detestable things–such persons must be cut off from their people.”

Chapter 19 includes a variety of laws that provide for a sense of order and discipline for the Israelites. It seems these rules will define the Israelites as different, unique among the other nations. God is working to transform these people from slaves to a nation of God-fearing, people loving people.

Thoughts about serving others

This link includes a list of posts about Serving the Least, the Lost, and the Lonely.

My prayer is for you to join me on this journey. Subscribe to this blog below to get an email when a new post is available.

Let the Word evoke words. May your life encourage lives.

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