These many instructions The Jewish people must keep For God has decreed them, And what they sow, they’ll reap. Respect both your parents, And the Lord’s Sabbath observe. Don’t make any idols. Remember the poor to serve. Do not steal or tell lies Or deceive one another. Do not profane God’s name Or show hate to your brother. Pay wages when they’re earned. Give help to the deaf and blind. Protect justice; be fair. To poor and great be kind. Don’t spread slander or blame Or endanger any life. Don’t defraud your neighbor. Always be true to your wife. Keep each of these decrees. My laws I now give to you. Follow every one. Show that you’re holy and true. Today God speaks to us, Seeking this truth of all men; Atonement now comes by Christ’s shedding of blood for sin. Now you have been chosen. Be different from everyone. Your sacrifice to God Is obedience to His Son. Christ, who died on a cross, Shed His blood for all the earth. Once for all, now we’re free, Not by the law but rebirth. Worship the Lord your God And let Him into your heart. Bring your soul’s offering. Be holy and set apart. (Based on Leviticus 19)
Leviticus 19 has been called the Old Testament Sermon on the Mount. When Jesus spoke those words (Matthew 5—7) He was laying out for His disciples His values and principles. Those whom Christ saves are to display a life that is different from the world. That is, they are to be holy. They are to pursue holiness. The same was true for God’s covenant people of Israel. Holiness is definable, it is practical, and it is measurable. We are to pursue the practice of holiness in our lives.
- Love God
- Respect your parents
- Remember the Sabbath
- Resist idolatry
- Respect the rules
- Love your neighbor
- Be honest
- Be loyal
It must be stressed that these things are not achievable apart from the grace of God. Will we fail? Yes, but God is there to pick us up as we confess our sins and failures. He allows us to try again.
