Wow, the book of Leviticus is like reading a contract—not the most glamorous, but definitely eye-opening! What we learn from this book is essential for understanding Israel, God, and their relationship throughout the rest of the Old Testament. Today’s reading of the last two chapters resembles the fine print of a contract. It outlines blessings for keeping their covenant with God and curses if Israel breaks it.
What’s unique about this covenant is the language of love and discipline in the fine print! Usually, if you break a contract, the obligations of the contract are over. But not this one, notice…
And yet for all that, when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them: for I am the LORD their God. (Leviticus 26:44, KJV)
The curses within the fine print are God's discipline. The goal? To lead Israel to repentance and restore His blessing! Restoring the relationship! What an incredible God, that He would not abandon His people but would discipline them. That He would bring them back to Himself when they stray. God and forgiveness go hand in hand!
To those who believe, this same God will not abandon us when we sin! He communicates with us through love and discipline.
For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. (Hebrews 12:6, KJV)
For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. (Hebrews 12:10–11, KJV)
God is a loving, correcting, and forgiving Father! Not a forsaking Father! His desire for us is the peaceful harvest of right living, sharing in His holiness! Even though His discipline hurts for a time, He doesn’t give up on us! A patient Father, not a lenient Father.
Rejoice today because we are loved! Loved by the One who helps us through failures, corrects our waywardness, and restores us when we repent! Relationships are challenging, and God doesn’t abandon us in our struggles; He moves to bring joy back into our lives! We just read it; it’s all in the fine print!
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