Leviticus 19 - Steve Wiggins Daily Devotional

“Adonai said to Moses, ‘Speak to the entire community of Israel; tell them “You people are to be holy because I, Adonai your G_d, am holy. Everyone of you is to revere his father and mother, and you are to keep my Sabbaths; I am Adonai your G_d. Don’t turn to idols, and do not cast metal gods for yourselves; I am Adonai your G_d.”’” Leviticus 19: 1-4

I find it interesting how chapter 18 deals with the sinful behavior that caused the Canaanites to be expelled from the land. Chapter 19 begins as chapter 18 ends, with a challenge to be holy, that is, “separate” from other nations and customs.

Also intriguing, is how immediately following G_d’s reason for expelling the Canaanites from the land and His command of holiness, G_d reminds Israel of the 5th commandment. “Honor your father and mother, so that you may LIVE LONG IN THE LAND which the L_rd is giving you.” Exodus 20:12

The beautiful irony is that the 5th commandment is the only commandment with a promise…directed towards longevity in the land.

So, allow me to clarify: Sexual sin becomes increasingly more perverted, and eventually leads to expulsion from the land. Honoring your father and mother ensures longevity in the land.

Perhaps, we should look closer at what it means to “honor” your father and mother.

Honoring one’s parents means more than simply “obeying” them. You bring honor to your parents when you honor the L_rd. For instance, if both your parents are unbelievers and they violently oppose your belief in Yeshua, the best way to “honor” them is by disobeying their wishes and becoming a believer! Your following the Lord brings honor to your mother and father, even if it goes against their wishes.

“Sexual sin” and “honoring your parents” are diametrically opposed, because G_d is concerned with both familial and spiritual legacies. The fruit of sexual relations is in our offspring. When we honor the L_rd with our lives, we ensure that we produce not only good works unto the L_rd, but that our offspring will do so, as well. Obedience to G_d and the continuation of a G_d honoring legacy throughout the generations are inseparable.

From holy people come children whom, when raised in a G_d-honoring environment, grow into a strong community that honors G_d. Carnal people bear offspring who, outside of G_d’s intervention, will continue in a downward moral spiral.

So, be holy. Surrender yourself to the Lord and His ways and let Him establish your legacy of holiness. And the first step is to surrender to Messiah Yeshua…

Blessings,
~Steve Wiggins, Associate Leader, Worship Leader
Shuvah Yisrael
Daily Devotional, Tuesday, April 29, 2014