Old Testament reading: Leviticus 19-21
You who teach another, do you not teach yourself? The apostle Paul so questioned and rebuked the Jews in Romans 2:21. Leviticus 19-21 continues the laws of morality and the associated punishments. The Old Testament is given for our learning and admonition (Rom 15:4; 1 Cor 10:11), but not one syllable of it is binding today. From our reading and study we can learn about God’s attitude toward sin, and some sins in particular. Therefore, it behooves us to use it with a proper view of authority and with consistency. Without question, there are inconsistencies in the use of these texts. The “Pro-Family Values” crowd often crows about homosexual activity being punishable by death (20:13), conveniently overlooking the same punishment is called for concerning adultery (20:10; cf Matt 19:9). The Pro-Homosexual crowd points to this inconsistency as if it somehow invalidates the clear statements condemning homosexual practices. Both sides are wrong. God destroyed Sodom, Gomorrah and the cities on the plain for their gross sexual immorality, specifically, homosexuality (Gen 19). Yet He also destroyed 24,000 Israelites who committed fornication, which did not include homosexuality (Num 25; 1 Cor 10:8). Let’s be consistent with God’s word!
New Testament reading: John 14-16.
“I’m standing on the promises of God.” Today’s text is filled with the promises of Jesus to the twelve. We are reminded that not all promises are pleasant to consider. Favorably to our thinking, we find the promise of a heavenly habitation prepared for those who are faithful to Jesus and a promise to return and take us home to heaven (14:1-3). We are also given the promise of God’s abiding presence and its associated comfort and peace (John 14:15-27). On the other is the promise to be hated and rejected of men (15:18-16:4). But this promise is to be embraced with as much vigor and faith as those earlier. Perhaps even more so! Jesus said “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake” (Matt 5:10). The early church considered it a joy to be counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus and the kingdom of God (cf Acts 5:41, 2 Thes 1:4-5). May we joyfully and courageously embrace ALL the promises of God!
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