Time and again, the bible tells us that we show our love for God by our actions. That could get a bit scary I think. Do your actions typically display that you love God?
The book of Leviticus is one of the ones that typically slows down people who decide to read the bible from Genesis though to the end. But - if you take the time to read it - there is a some very powerful stuff!
Take Leviticus 19: 9-18 for example. In this passage - Moses is speaking to the people - bringing them a message from God himself!
9 “When you harvest the crops of your land, do not harvest the grain along the edges of your fields, and do not pick up what the harvesters drop. 10 It is the same with your grape crop—do not strip every last bunch of grapes from the vines, and do not pick up the grapes that fall to the ground. Leave them for the poor and the foreigners living among you. I am the Lord your God.
11 “Do not steal. “Do not deceive or cheat one another. 12 “Do not bring shame on the name of your God by using it to swear falsely. I am the Lord. 13 “Do not defraud or rob your neighbor. “Do not make your hired workers wait until the next day to receive their pay.
14 “Do not insult the deaf or cause the blind to stumble. You must fear your God; I am the Lord.
15 “Do not twist justice in legal matters by favoring the poor or being partial to the rich and powerful. Always judge people fairly.
16 “Do not spread slanderous gossip among your people. Do not stand idly by when your neighbor’s life is threatened. I am the Lord.
17 “Do not nurse hatred in your heart for any of your relatives. Confront people directly so you will not be held guilty for their sin.
18 “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.
Very interesting passage - and important for you and me - becasue it tells us how we are supposed to act.
Few of us are farmers raising crops - so you have to really think about verses 9 and 10. They present some very clear ideas about how we are to treat those who have less.
I wonder how verse 13 relates to homework - or the tips earned in a restaurant job.
The book of Leviticus is one of the ones that typically slows down people who decide to read the bible from Genesis though to the end. But - if you take the time to read it - there is a some very powerful stuff!
Take Leviticus 19: 9-18 for example. In this passage - Moses is speaking to the people - bringing them a message from God himself!
9 “When you harvest the crops of your land, do not harvest the grain along the edges of your fields, and do not pick up what the harvesters drop. 10 It is the same with your grape crop—do not strip every last bunch of grapes from the vines, and do not pick up the grapes that fall to the ground. Leave them for the poor and the foreigners living among you. I am the Lord your God.
11 “Do not steal. “Do not deceive or cheat one another. 12 “Do not bring shame on the name of your God by using it to swear falsely. I am the Lord. 13 “Do not defraud or rob your neighbor. “Do not make your hired workers wait until the next day to receive their pay.
14 “Do not insult the deaf or cause the blind to stumble. You must fear your God; I am the Lord.
15 “Do not twist justice in legal matters by favoring the poor or being partial to the rich and powerful. Always judge people fairly.
16 “Do not spread slanderous gossip among your people. Do not stand idly by when your neighbor’s life is threatened. I am the Lord.
17 “Do not nurse hatred in your heart for any of your relatives. Confront people directly so you will not be held guilty for their sin.
18 “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.
Very interesting passage - and important for you and me - becasue it tells us how we are supposed to act.
Few of us are farmers raising crops - so you have to really think about verses 9 and 10. They present some very clear ideas about how we are to treat those who have less.
I wonder how verse 13 relates to homework - or the tips earned in a restaurant job.