Finding the Messiah in Leviticus December 17

Finding the Messiah in Leviticus December 17
Leviticus 22:1- 16

No one was too inconsequential to be provided a way to atone for sin, return to relationship with God, and have his life restored. The most unimportant member of the community had a place at the altar. The more influential members of the community had greater responsibility and greater authority, requiring a more expensive offering, but they were not granted greater access according to God’s instructions.

No one was too poor to be able to fulfill the requirements of this provisional atonement. The price was just enough to be costly to the one offering. How much blood was poured at his altar was not the important thing to God. The important thing to God was that the sacrifice be a mark of true repentance and obedience.

The God of all creation needs nothing that we can give him. But a sacrifice that costs us little means little to him. For a man who is destitute, giving a handful of flour may leave him hungry for a day—his obedience is costly and demands an honest confession of brokenness. That is the sacrifice that God desires. A handful of flour from such a man means more to God than the blood of ten goats offered in indifference or pride out of the abundance of a rich man. Still, a rich man was required to give only one goat—as long it marked true repentance and obedience.
Third, if the price is the same for every sin, and the price must be costly to the one offering the sacrifice, ask yourself this question: when the one offering the sacrifice is the God of all creation himself, what sacrifice is sufficient? There is nothing in creation that God needs. The only thing he can possibly give that is truly costly to him is himself. And so, when, in the fullness of time, God offered the sacrifice to end all sacrifices, he gave his only Son, Jesus Christ, the second person of the Trinity. He could do no less.

Sin is deadly serious. God is indeed gracious and loving!

From Chris tiller Perfect Priest Perfect Sacrifice Sermon

Finding the Messiah in Leviticus. December 16

Finding the Messiah in Leviticus. December 16
Leviticus 21:16-24

As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house[a] to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:4,5

Fanny Crosby, the great hymn writer, was blind; so was George Matheson, author, hymn writer, and preacher. Amy Carmichael directed the work of her mission in India from her sickbed. The Scottish Presbyterian preacher Robert Murray McCheyne was often laid down by his weak heart. And the great preacher, Charles Spurgeon, had to leave London in the winter to restore his health in the south of France. Joni Eareckson Tada is a quadriplegic; yet, she is a Christian author, radio host, public speaker, and founder of Joni and Friends.

We see, then, that physical defects are not a barrier to either salvation or Christian service. All believers can surrender them-selves to the Lord Jesus and be living sacrifices for His glory, no matter what disabilities they may have. But in the OT these great Christian could not serve as a priest.

In our PC culture we have a hard time with Leviticus 21:18 No man who has any defect may come near: no man who is blind or lame, disfigured or deformed; Why? Remember, priests were a picture of the great high priest to come-Jesus! Who was perfect, without blemish, and defect!

The Christ Child - would Grow to become God’s perfect sacrifice for man’s sin. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him Hebrews 5:8,9

Finding the Messiah in Leviticus. December 15

Finding the Messiah in Leviticus. December 15
Leviticus 21:1-15

A special standard of holiness was expected of priests, with an even more stringent code of conduct for the high priest.

“We periodically encounter scandals where some “political leader, public official, teacher, evangelist, banker or other public figure has failed to live up to standards expected of them. When 'ordinary' people breach some of the same standards there is comparatively little excitement, perhaps none at all. Those who have been appointed to serve should honor their responsibilities by exemplary care over their behavior. People expect more of them, and so does God. People in public office or who have key responsibilities cannot afford to give way to emotion, descend to the common level, and do what they wish just because others do.
When you are called to belong to God's kingdom of priests and to serve him in any capacity under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, more is expected of you. Everything you do and every decision you make has the potential to reflect on him. Bad decisions defile our children and heritage. They can limit our effectiveness as ministers of the gospel and potentially damage the faith of others. If you are one of the moral guardians, even by association, then your conduct must be moral.”

As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house[a] to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:4,5

Take 5 minutes and think of all the morality Christ and Christmas has added to the world? Adoption, charity, etc.

Excerpt From: John Turner. “Lessons from Leviticus.” iBooks.

Find the Messiah in Leviticus

December 14
Leviticus 20:9-27


Sacrificing children to the gods was a common practice in ancient religions. The Ammonites, Israel’s neighbors, made child sacrifice to Molek (their national god) a vital part of their religion. They saw this as the greatest gift they could offer to ward off evil or appease angry gods. God made it clear that this practice was detestable and strictly forbidden.


Almighty God’s, character made human sacrifice unthinkable. (1) Unlike the pagan gods, he is the God of love, who does not need to be appeased-because he loves mankind made in his image. And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, Exodus 34:6. (2) He is the God of life, who prohibits murder and encourages practices that lead to health and happiness See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. 16 For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. Deuteronomy 30:15-16. (3) He is the God of the helpless, who shows special concern for children May he defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy; may he crush the oppressor. Psalm 72:4. (4) He is the God of unselfishness who, instead of demanding human sacrifices, sacrificed himself for us. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.Isaiah 53:5.


Verse seven of today’s verses, God declare’s He makes us holy. So who on earth-man or woman, receives God’s favor? pause Those who are holy! Leviticus 20:8 Keep my decrees
and follow them. I am the Lord, who makes you holy. Holiness and anointing are either attained by perfectly keeping all of God’s decrees, in the entire history of OT, no one made it. Or in faith trusting God’s Messiah to make you holy!

Finding the Messiah in Leviticus December 13

Finding the Messiah in Leviticus December 13
Leviticus 19:32-20:8


Leviticus 19:32 Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord. People find the Messiah when we treat others as God has treated us.


People often find it easy to dismiss the opinions of the elderly and avoid taking time to visit with them. But the fact that God commanded the Israelites to honor the elderly shows how seriously we should take the responsibility of respecting those older than we are. Their wisdom gained from experience can save us from many pitfalls. How do you show respect and honor to your elders? Tyndale (2012-02-17). Life Application Study Bible NIV (Kindle Locations 161257-161260). Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.. Kindle Edition.


May I suggest, during Christmas and through out the year-take some time to gift, engage, visit and talk to the Elderly. Holiness is never just a warm feeling, but how we treat others

Finding the Messiah In Leviticus December 12

Finding the Messiah In Leviticus December 12

Leviticus 19:17-31

The Old Testament Law gave protection for the poor and the foreigner and a reminder that God owned the land; the people were only caretakers. Laws such as this showed God’s generosity and liberality. As people of God, the Israelites were to reflect his nature and characteristics in their attitudes and actions.

During advent how is God’s generosity and liberality being shone through your actions? Verse Eighteen states “‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord. Is that being expressed in your life and and your family this advent?

Finding the Messiah in Leviticus December 11

Finding the Messiah in Leviticus December 11
Leviticus 19:1-16

“We have said that holiness is not about separation or about behavior, but chapters 19 and 20 might tend to make one wonder. They introduce themselves by saying that Israel should be holy because their God is holy. Obviously that does not mean God is separated in some way from certain aspects of his creation or that he is a rule keeper at heart. Any separation on God's part is a consequence of his dedication to the purpose of loving and caring for his creation. The rules he makes are part of that purpose.

As we read through this list of commandments we can see how that care is shown in many details – respecting parents, ensuring regular time for rest and contemplation, and providing for strangers and the poor. Some aspects of these commandments are particularly noteworthy and interesting:

• verse 16 shows that it is not just about what we must not do but also about what we should not neglect to do, since a great support of evil comes from our failure to stand up against wrong doing when we are not personally the target”

This advent prayerfully find for yourself how you will stand up against evil, and begin to act on it.
I.E. Give up a Christmas gift and donate to a godly cause. How are you going to support God’s holiness?

Excerpt From: John Turner. “Lessons from Leviticus.” iBooks.