Day 080, Wednesday, Oct. 30
Leviticus 18:1 – 19:37 Click here to read
Nonbelievers often point to some of the teachings of Leviticus and Deuteronomy as evidence that the Bible teaches intolerance.
And even for believers there are certainly things that seem pointless. Is it really necessary to avoid clothing made of different kinds of fabric (19:19) or tattoos (19:28)? Don’t you want more than one kind of plant in your vegetable garden (19:19)?
But even nonbelievers would agree that most of the laws are still considered perfectly reasonable and beneficial. Who would support tripping a blind person (19:14) or perverting justice (19:15)? And in chapter 18, even modern people who laugh off many of the rules of sexual purity would support the prohibitions against incest or making your daughters prostitutes.
I have to admit it’s probable that the clothes I’m wearing right now have blended fabric, and my lack of tattoos has more to do with my dislike of needles than ritual law. But we should approach dismissal of these rules with care.
The New Testament and even Jesus make it clear that not all laws are equally significant (dietary and Sabbath laws come to mind), but other laws are given greater weight (like murder, adultery and injustice).
One thing I find striking is how many of the laws are about treating people well: acting fairly and justly, relieving the plight of the poor, welcoming strangers. Some seem to be about being visibly different from those outside the faith (like 18:30, “Keep my requirements and do not follow any of the detestable customs that were practiced before you came and do not defile yourselves with them. I am the Lord your God.”)
As we try to influence the world around us to embrace the Kingdom of God, it’s worth paying attention to the ways scripture leads us to be people of good repute…not based on condemning those around us, but based on living out lives of love and integrity.