Leviticus 19

God is holy, so we must be holy. Holiness is tied to obedience in our chapter today. The Israelites are reminded to engage in certain practices and behaviors, and the categories are illustrative for us today. They (and we) should:

• Respect parents
• Respect the sanctity of worship
• Respect other’s property
• Respect the truth
• Respect the land
• Respect people in general
• Respect workers and slaves
• Respect the elderly
• Respect foreigners
• Respect the poor
• Care for the poor
• Do business properly
• Refuse to engage in pagan practices

Fortune telling, witchcraft, and mediums continue to be a problem today. Wicca, the tarot, and astrology claim countless adherents. In addition to the absolute denial of God (idolatry), these also look to fate, spirits, and forces as entities that shape and direct our lives. The problem? God’s people should look to God, His Spirit, and His Word for direction.

Thought for the day: God’s Word sets the standard for our lives. Anything else is a cheap and useless imitation.

Psalm 19:7-11 (WEB) “The LORD’s law is perfect, restoring the soul. The LORD’s covenant is sure, making wise the simple. The LORD’s precepts are right, rejoicing the heart. The LORD’s commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever. The LORD’s ordinances are true, and righteous altogether. They are more to be desired than gold, yes, than much fine gold, sweeter also than honey and the extract of the honeycomb. Moreover your servant is warned by them. In keeping them there is great reward.”