Reflections on Leviticus 19 and Deuteronomy 6
The law books. Part of me just wants to gloss over them with a hearty “that was then, this is now” attitude. Like really, “don’t cut the hair on the sides of your head or trim your beard.” (Leviticus 19:27)?!
But when I look deeper into these passages, and ask what God is saying to me today through them, I discover more about God’s character, as well as our own character. What kind of God puts forth a list of rules to live by that include everything from lying to how to treat foreigners to issues of justice? I see a God who addresses the complexities and atrocities of what we crazy humans are capable of.
Today I am processing the words about relational sin (how we treat each other). If we are created for relationship, it makes sense that God has something to say about that. I have to admit, I am not very receptive when faced with a list of “don’t do this, don’t do that”. I’d rather know what I CAN do. But that’s in here too:
“Love GOD, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that’s in you, love him with all you’ve got!” (Deuteronomy 6:5)
So what does it look like to love with our whole heart the God who commands against relational sin?
That’s what I’m asking Jesus today.
Candice Letkeman
Candice is married to Curt and is the leader of the iPray team at Seeds Church.