Being Fruitful
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Posted: March 11, 2023
Author: Coria Brock Leviticus 26:2, 45, New International Version “…I am the Lord.” |
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According to Leviticus 26, there are two instructions given by the Lord God Himself, some translations title these “Reward for Obedience” and “Punishment for Disobedience”.
Before we go further to look at the details of this chapter, the most important point in this chapter for us to know are these four words, “I am the Lord (The master of life).” This is what God expects concerning Him with His people. If we understand this we should have no reason to resist submitting to Him as our Lord and we should be very willing to take heed of God’s instruction from both angles: obedience and disobedience. So, what does our Lord want His people to know and learn from these instructions? He has given us a choice just as He gave one to Adam and Eve. A choice which comes with blessings as well as warning.
First is the choice to obey and the blessings that come along with it. A choice to love God and be holy (set apart) for Him (V1-2). He promised to bless the work that we do (v4), and to shield and cover us at where we are (v5). He promised to keep everything in our life in order and to steady our souls even when the world is in chaos (v6). He promised to be our justice and strengthen us regardless of how difficult the circumstances may look so that we will not fail (v7 -8). He promised to give us favor, both in the sight of God, and the eyes of men (v9-12). Furthermore, He promised to remove our shame from our past and raise us up for a future with Him (v13).
Afterward, He gave warnings to those who made their decision to disobey Him. Those who made up their minds and hearts to reject Him (v14). Those who failed to follow, not because of their weakness, but because they resist Him knowingly (v15). He warned them that their sin would bring about His justice upon both their outward circumstances and inner self conditions. He warned them about the coming of the enemy and his schemes – to steal, kill, and destroy (v16). Yet, before the enemy schemes could be complete, they will walk down a path of self-destruction (v20). However, through all this, His forgiveness and grace still remain if they will repent and turn their heart to Him (v18-19, 21, 23). Otherwise, He warned them that all their effort in life will come to nothing (v20), and carry on down from generation to generation (v21-22). They will face the judgment of the wrath of God according to what they have done (v18, 21, 23-39, Daniel 4:2, Revelation 6-18).
My dear friends, the Lord our God has no desire to condemn His people. Instead, He has paid a high price for us and sent a Helper to us. He desires to see the hearts of His children return to their Father. He desires that His people will humble themselves and repent and seek Him and do what is right with Him. Then He will remember His covenant with us, a covenant made with the blood of His Son, and forgive all of our sins (v40-46). What’s wrong if we continue to harden our heart towards God? How foolish are those who continue to disobey Him regardless of the warnings that He has given to us?
May your ears hear and may your hearts listen for He said, “I AM the Lord!”
