This week we reach the end of the book of Leviticus. The people of God now have a way to order their society that reflects God’s character to the nations around them. There is still more to do. Israel, in the book of Numbers, will go on the move from the base of Mount Sinai. The foundation of God’s relationship to man has been laid out in Genesis, Exodus, and Leviticus. The themes of God’s grace and holiness in contrast to man’s sinfulness will continue. The people's need for a blood substitute for impurity before the LORD has been central. We will also see the disobedience, repentance, and God’s redemption through a mediator as important themes. The Israelites seem to be on the right track; however, this begs a question. How long will it last?
Each week, as you take in the Bible, find some friends to talk it out. You can follow this simple guide to help. First, R.E.A.D. and P.R.A.Y. on your own. Then, meet with friends to share what you've learned.
R - Repeated words
E - Examine and mark
A - Ask what you learn about God
D - Do if there is anything to do
P - Praise
R - Repent
A - Ask
Bible Plan Reading - Week 13
START IT.
We're reading the Bible together in 2024. Specifically, we're taking a journey into how the story of the Bible unfolded in the Old Testament. If we get the big picture, we get the story the Bible is trying to tell us. From Sunday's message or The Big Picture Bible Reading Plan this week in the book of Leviticus and beginning the book of Numbers, what is impacting you the most? Was there a word, phrase, Bible verse, or theme that impacted you?
STUDY IT.
Leviticus ends how it began, with rituals to observe. The apex was the Day of Atonement in Leviticus 16. What is the general function of the feasts throughout the year according to Exodus 12:26? Why would it be important to constantly remind and teach the people throughout the year what God has done/is doing/will do?
The "Year of Jubilee" is outlined in Leviticus 25:8-22. What is the purpose according to Leviticus 25:9-11? How might a year of clearing people from debt and bondage be emphasized by beginning on the Day of Atonement?
What is a redeemer according to Leviticus 25:25,47-48? How might someone purchasing another’s debt remind us of Jesus? (“Kinsman Redeemer” will be a theme reemphasized in the book of Ruth)
What is the message of Leviticus that is repeated over and over? One example is found in Leviticus 11:44. The Israelites must be pure/clean to be with God, but what was the big idea in dealing with uncleanness found in Leviticus 16? How do we see this again reflected in Numbers 1:53?
Numbers is a time for reflection on the big picture. Read Genesis 12:2 and 7. God makes two promises: in verse 2 “a great nation” and verse 7 “To your offspring I will give this land.” Which of these promises has not been fulfilled yet?
SHARE IT.
Does reading through the Bible (Old Testament) as the events unfolded excite you or something else?
How have you been reminded of Jesus in the reading of Leviticus and Numbers this week?
How has the story in Leviticus and beginning Numbers been shocking so far, or have you noticed something in the text you previously had not?
Read Luke 4:18-19. Jesus is teaching, and He quotes Isaiah 61:1-2. Isaiah 61:2 is speaking about a Year of Jubilee. How might you need to be reminded that you have been set free from bondage and debt? Which are you prone to; fear, cynicism, bitterness, lust, greed, or some other form of sin/slavery? How do you remind yourself that you are no longer a slave to sin but a slave to righteousness? (Romans 6:18)
Numbers begins with counting warriors. Jesus also spoke of ‘counting warriors’ in Luke 14:31-33. He was making the point of counting the cost of being His disciple. That faith in Jesus’ salvation alone is the only way to be His disciple. Nothing else saves. Has anything been distracting you from knowing Jesus more deeply today? What has been a challenge for you to battle lately?
FINAL THOUGHT
Leviticus 26 outlines blessings for obedience and punishment for disobedience. One of the more horrific punishments is outlined in Leviticus 26:29. Cannibalism would result because of famine. However, this would be a punishment for a repeated refusal to “listen” to the Lord. This will occur later in Israel’s history. Leviticus 17:10 speaks to the people being cut off due to eating/drinking blood, because life is found in the blood. Life is sacred. Cannibalism is a punishment for disobedience, and drinking blood results in you being cut off from God’s people. The Lord Jesus said in Luke 22:19-20 to eat His body and drink His blood in remembrance of His sacrifice for our sin. The most horrific punishment for disobedience and being cut off from God would be flipped on its head in the last supper. What a graphic image of the grace of Jesus and the cost of sin. Jesus is the ONLY acceptable sacrifice. He took all our punishment for disobedience and was cut off from the Father in order that we might be “the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)
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