God Makes the Rules

Leviticus 20-22

Chapter 20 of Leviticus is perhaps the most difficult passage in the entire Bible for modern readers in the United States. In this chapter, the practice of homosexuality is condemned as strongly as cheating on a spouse, beastiality, and incest: the practice is condemned so harshly that it is punishable by death within Israel. While we generally still disapprove of the other inappropriate sexual unions listed in this chapter, homosexuality has taken a major swing in the opposite direction, being viewed as completely okay for people to pursue, even within the Church: in fact, the majority of Christians in the United States now view this once-condemned practice as totally acceptable for anyone, even Christians. For example, as recently as 2024, the Methodist Church voted to reverse its anti-LGBTQ+ positions, creating a major division within the denominations: they now allow for even their religious leaders to be openly practicing these once-condemned practices from the Bible.

So what is a Christian to do today? We have clear and strong prohibitions in Leviticus to avoid homosexuality and other inappropriate sexual practices, and yet, Christians today are completely divided on whether to be accepting of these practices or not. As people who believe that God gave us the Bible, and who take its commands seriously, how are we supposed to understand such difficult texts in 2025?

We come back to the discussion on “holiness”: God desired that His people would live differently than those around them. He says of His people:

“I am the LORD your God, who has separated you from the peoples.” – Leviticus 20:24

“Thus you are to be holy to Me, for I the LORD am holy; and I have set you apart from the peoples to be Mine.” – Leviticus 20:26

It is absolutely true that homosexuality has been a practice throughout the world for as long as humans existed: people were practicing it in the land of Canaan when this book was written (Leviticus 20:23), people were practicing it in the Roman world when Jesus and the apostle Paul were preaching, and people are practicing it around the world now. It has been and will likely continue to be a practice throughout the world until Jesus returns. However, does that mean Christians are allowed to participate in such things? Does the New Testament have anything to say about it, since we are under a new covenant than the Israelites?

The command for God’s people (Christians) is still to remain holy and not conform to the standards of the world: we are expected to live, speak, and act differently than those around us, just like the Israelites were commanded to do. Although some of the specifics are different, like the food laws, the standards on morals and sexuality still remain under the new covenant.

“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.” – 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 NASB1995

“… the law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching.” – 1 Timothy 1:9-10 NASB1995

As someone who has friends and family members who are actively involved in homosexual lifestyles, it is extremely difficult for myself to read these passages because I love all of them: I want them to be in Paradise with me when Jesus returns. However, our deep desire for our loved ones to be saved in God’s Kingdom doesn’t change the standards that He has set forth for being accepted into that Kingdom, and we cannot choose to disobey those standards because we don’t want to agree in our hearts. God makes the rules, not us, and we are called to simply listen and obey His instructions: as God’s people, we are expected to live “holy” and different lives than the world around us. We cannot compromise on what’s clearly been commanded, even if it’s difficult in our world today to go against the new standards being taught to us by the world.

“Therefore, I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” – Romans 12:1-2 NASB1995

“Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.” – 1 John 2:15-17 NASB1995

-Talon Paul

Reflection Questions

  1. What rules did you have growing up that you didn’t appreciate or always agree with? Did you only have to obey the rules that you would have written yourself?
  2. What characteristics of God make Him the best rule maker? What might He have been thinking when He created male and female and called them “very good”?
  3. What does God want His people to be separate from today? Why be holy? Who/what wins when Christians follow the ways of the world instead of God’s way? Who loses?
  4. How do you think God wants us to respond today to a world (and sometimes a church) that accepts and celebrates what God says is an abomination?
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Still Relevant Today

Leviticus 17-19

If you ask anyone about what Jesus taught his followers to do, there is usually a wide variety of responses: however, most of the answers you will receive will focus on his command to “love your neighbor”. Indeed, this was considered the second greatest commandment by Jesus:

“The greatest commandment is, ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” – Mark 12:29-31 NASB1995

However, most people today would be shocked to learn where Jesus got this second greatest commandment from: the book of Leviticus!! In Leviticus 19:18, we find out that God has always desired His people to love their neighbor as themselves, even in a book that most modern readers want to throw away because it doesn’t seem “relevant” anymore. While we don’t have animal sacrifices and aren’t bound to certain ritualistic laws found in this book any longer, it is still a relevant book for Christian living: in the book of Leviticus, we not only find the second greatest commandment (according to Jesus), but also what loving our neighbor as ourselves looks like. How are we supposed to “love our neighbor as ourselves”?

Beginning in chapter 17, we begin a new section within Leviticus, oftentimes called the Holiness Code: in this new section, God stops directing instructions to the priests and begins addressing the people of Israel directly. In this Holiness Code are very relevant and practical ways that we can “love our neighbor as ourselves”. Among the descriptions in chapters 18 and 19 are:

  • Not pursuing improper sexual unions (still relevant today)
  • Not sacrificing your children to other false gods (still relevant today)
  • Showing reverence for your parents (still relevant today)
  • Leaving some of your wealth for the poor and needy (still relevant today)
  • Not stealing or lying (still relevant today)
  • Not withholding pay from someone you hired (still relevant today)
  • Having fair judgment in court (still relevant today)
  • Not hating or bearing a grudge against your neighbor (still relevant today)

As we can see, most of the Holiness Code is still proper for us to practice under the New Covenant (if not all of it), as we seek to love our neighbors as ourselves. There is one more part to loving our neighbor that we need to focus on and re-learn in our society today, but may be difficult to hear.

“… you may surely correct your neighbor, but shall not incur sin because of him.” – Leviticus 19:17b NASB1995

When I’ve made some bad decisions in my life, there have been people who have called me out on it and tried to correct my actions: in the moment, I didn’t enjoy it at all and felt “attacked”, but I learned quickly that they were only concerned, loved me deeply, and wanted me to do better. True love for our neighbor doesn’t turn a blind eye to their sins or allow them to continue down a dangerous road because we don’t want to “hurt their feelings”: true love is difficult, because it is hard to warn someone when they are doing the wrong things that could hurt them or others. Jesus knew this and commanded us to do the same thing.

“If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.” – Luke 17:3

In our current world where we are very sensitive towards the emotional needs of our friends and family (which is good), we cannot ignore the clear commands from Scripture to step into their lives and help them see their need for change. If you want to truly love your neighbor as yourself and fulfill the second greatest command in Scripture, you MUST call your loved ones out when the moment calls for it: it is super uncomfortable and can feel damaging at first when they inevitably get upset, but could be the most life-changing and loving thing you ever did for them. Nobody has everything figured out perfectly until Jesus comes back, and if we are Christians, we will want to live the best we can until that Day comes: however, sometimes that comes with the pain of admitting we were wrong.

If someone you love is making choices that are damaging to their life (and spiritual life), don’t be afraid to say something: it is the most loving and difficult thing you can do for them.

-Talon Paul

Reflection Questions

  1. Suppose we do a really good job of loving God – why would He care if we also love others or not? Have you ever met anyone who did a really good job of loving God but wasn’t very loving toward others?
  2. Who has been there to love you by correcting you? Looking back, is there any time in your life when you wish someone would’ve shown love to you by correcting you – even if you might not have appreciated it at the time?
  3. Are you aware of any current situations where God might want you to love your neighbor by lovingly correcting – speaking the truth in love? What might that look like? Is it a job you have been trying to avoid? What happens if we don’t do it? There is a lot of sin in the world. Does God want us to spend all of our time correcting? How do I decide when it is the loving thing to correct?
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Clean Before the Lord

Leviticus 14-16

Whenever we watch a movie or read a book, we are anticipating “the moment” in the story where everything comes to a climax and all the puzzle pieces finally come together: chapter 16 of Leviticus is that climax within this book. In this chapter, God gives a special ceremony for the Israelite people, later called Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). At this special ceremony, the sins of ALL the people were forgiven and forgotten: at this special annual celebration, every person in God’s family gets a fresh start.

Once a year, the high priest would offer a sin offering for himself, his family, and all the people of Israel within the tabernacle. Since atonement and forgiveness are only possible through blood (Leviticus 17:11), the high priest offers this sacrifice on behalf of all the people to cover all their past yearly sins. He also presents a “scapegoat” before the people, a goat that would bear the sins of all the people and be led out into the wilderness, representing their sins being carried away and forgotten forever. Meanwhile, the people were expected to “deny themselves” in humility before God, repenting and mourning over the ways that they had offended their God throughout the year (and likely fasted from food and water).

What a wonderful and merciful act that God blessed His people with! This was the most important day of the year for every Israelite: the day that they could walk into a new year, cleansed and forgiven of every past mistake they’d made. God didn’t have to provide this ceremony: He only allowed it because He loves His people and understands that we are only dust.

“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust.” – Psalm 103:12-14 NASB1995

Unfortunately, under the Old Covenant, only the high priest was able to bring about this forgiveness and atonement: only he could offer the sacrifice needed to cover over the sins of the people. There hasn’t been a tabernacle, a Temple, or a priesthood for Israel since 70 AD… based on the standards of Leviticus, it is impossible for the people to have their sins forgiven before God. That is, unless God provided a better way, which He did.

We find out in the book of Hebrews that Jesus Christ has taken the role of our new High Priest, and also as the sacrifice we need to take away our sins: not only just for the year, but forever.

“Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; but Jesus, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God, waiting for that time onward until his enemies be made a footstool for his feet. For by one offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.” – Hebrews 10:11-14 NASB1995

We all have regrets and understand that we haven’t lived perfectly: what if you knew that tomorrow all those deeply regretful moments would be washed away, never to be remembered again? Would that change the way you lived before God today? Under the New Covenant, we have the opportunity to live completely free from the guilt and pain that comes from regretful sin, because Jesus died in our place: this is an opportunity available to you, not just once a year, but every single day.

We all have the choice to live differently today than we did yesterday, because Jesus has removed all our sins from the past. What will you choose to do?

-Talon Paul

Reflection Questions

  1. What similarities and differences do you see between Aaron as high priest and Jesus as high priest?
  2. What regrets, guilt, and shame have you experienced? Are you living with them today? Do you need to? What are the New Covenant’s steps to accepting God’s free gift of forgiveness? What will you choose to do?
  3. Did living under the Day of Atonement mean they could do whatever they wanted because once a year all the sins would be forgiven? Does living under the sacrifice of Jesus mean we can do whatever we want because we have forgiveness of sins every day of the year?
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Pure Plates – or Hearts?

Leviticus 11-13

Two of my favorite foods to eat are bacon and shrimp (sometimes together): I absolutely love the smell, taste, and feeling of crunching into a crisp piece of bacon. Shrimp is a delicacy that I enjoy in all different styles of cooking: fried, grilled, or even cold with a side of cocktail sauce. And yet, when I read through today’s Leviticus passage, I find out that the Israelites weren’t supposed to eat either of these very popular items: they are said to be “unclean” for them and were to be avoided… Am I sinning against God by enjoying these dishes?

We must understand the concept of “cleanliness” and the purpose behind the food laws in this book to answer that question. First, what does being “clean” mean in Leviticus? According to scholar Walter Kaiser, “being clean makes a person fit and suitable for entering into the worship of God.” Being clean simply meant that you are in a proper position to enter into God’s presence: it didn’t necessarily mean that you had sinned against Him and were guilty of punishment (although, sinning would certainly make you unclean). For example, in Leviticus 12, a woman who recently gave birth was considered “unclean” until seven days had passed by. Did the woman sin by giving birth to a child, which God commanded for humans to do? (Genesis 1:28) Of course not: this is just one example that being “unclean” didn’t necessarily mean that you had sinned, but that you were just not allowed in God’s holy space for a period of time.

With that understanding, we need to look at the purpose behind the food laws in Leviticus. We are told:

“For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. And you shall not make yourselves unclean with any of the swarming things that swarm on the earth. For I am the LORD who brought you up from the land of Egypt to be your God; thus you shall be holy, for I am holy.” – Leviticus 11:44-45 NASB1995

“I am the LORD your God. You shall not do what is done in the land of Egypt where you lived, nor are you to do what is done in the land of Canaan where I am bringing you; you shall not walk in their statutes.” – Leviticus 18:2-3 NASB1995

The entire purpose behind the food laws was for the Israelites to be “holy”, which means “set apart” or “different”: since they worshiped and represented a completely holy God, they were supposed to live differently than the people around them. Although all the animals were given to humanity for food (Genesis 9:3), the Israelites were supposed to look different than those around them. Why? So that people would notice and begin pursuing their holy God. The entire purpose is so that others would come to know the one true God and follow His ways.

So are Christians sinning against God by deliberately disobeying these food laws? Well, Jesus in his ministry redefined what it means to be “clean” and “unclean”: it is no longer based on the food we eat, but the condition of our hearts and behavior towards others. What matters the most is what’s inside the person’s heart, not what they take into their stomach.

“He said to them, ‘Are you so lacking in understanding also? Do you not understand that whatever goes into the man from outside cannot defile him, because it does not go into his heart, but into his stomach, and is eliminated?’ (Thus he declared all foods clean.) And he was saying, ‘That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.’” – Mark 7:18-23 NASB1995


Christians have the same command as the Israelites: to be “holy” like their heavenly Father is holy (Matthew 5:48). However, how we fulfill that command is different: under the New Covenant, we are supposed to be focused on making sure our hearts are pure, rather than our plates, if we want to be useful for God in this world. So, although we are now allowed to enjoy bacon and shrimp, Christians must ask themselves: “has my behavior brought glory to God, or am I unclean and unuseful because of the choices I’ve made and the words I’ve said today?”

-Talon Paul

Reflection Questions

  1. “Has my behavior brought glory to God? Or am I unclean and unuseful because of the choices I’ve made and the words I’ve said today?”
  2. What was the prescription for how the Israelites would get clean again in Leviticus?
  3. According to the New Covenant how do Christians get clean again?
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Trying it Their Own Way

Leviticus 8-10

Leviticus is usually the most difficult book for people to read through, specifically because so many of the rituals from the ancient time of the Israelites don’t apply anymore. Many Christians when they come to this book in their Bible reading plans enter “skimming mode”, and brush over most of the content. However, we may be surprised at just how important this book really is when it comes to experiencing the presence of God. In order to understand how significant Leviticus really is, we need to look at the end of Exodus to grasp the story.

“Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.” – Exodus 40:34-35 NASB1995

The story up to this point has been God desiring to be with His people, but when His glory finally does come to earth in the tabernacle, even Moses isn’t able to experience it fully… Leviticus is the answer to the problem. Through the rituals and the laws that Leviticus spells out for the Israelites, they are able to fully experience God’s presence. What is really cool about this book is that it worked: when we come to the following book of Numbers, Moses is finally able to enter into the tabernacle and see God’s glory.

“Then the LORD spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tent of meeting, on the first of the second month…” – Numbers 1:1 NASB1995

Moving forward, I hope that you will have a renewed appreciation for this often misunderstood and skipped-over book, especially as we discuss our chapters today. Through the first seven chapters, God has been telling Moses and his brother Aaron about all the very specific details they need to follow in order to bring forgiveness of sins into the Israelites’ lives. When we come to chapter eight today, they begin to put these instructions into practice: however, not everyone follows the clear instructions from God and suffers for it. Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, didn’t follow the proper procedure for worshiping before God, choosing to offer “strange fire” (10:1) onto the altar. Because they didn’t follow God’s instructions, they were struck dead and stand as an example for everyone that will worship afterwards.

We learn that God takes worship SERIOUSLY: to “worship” Him in an unworthy manner will not be tolerated. He told Moses and Aaron, “By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy, and before all the people I will be honored.” (10:3) He is a good God and Father who tells us exactly what we need to do, but will punish those who choose to “try it their own way”, especially those in positions of religious authority. No matter what, when we come to worship before our God and before our Savior, Jesus, we need to treat it as a serious matter, and seek to bring them total glory. True worship goes far beyond what type of music is played (hymns or contemporary), what order of service our church has “always used”, and beyond how we “feel” after the service: true worship is about God and Jesus being honored and exalted. If you don’t have that as your primary focus, nothing else matters. 

-Talon Paul

Reflection Questions

  1. Give some examples of how the world “tries it their own way” instead of following God’s instructions. When have you “tried it your own way” instead of following God’s instructions?
  2. We aren’t told what Nadab and Abihu might have been thinking as they were experimenting with their ‘strange fire’. Whar are some possibilities?
  3. Instant death is not always the consequence for acting contrary to God’s commands. What are some other consequences you have seen or experienced for acting contrary to God’s instructions?
  4. Why do you think God places such great importance on worship, and worship done right? How do we come into His presence today?
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Just for the Guilty in any Matter…

Leviticus 5-7

Confession – yesterday we talked about Christ’s sacrifice replacing the Old Testament offerings. In those sacrifices, it was just that, a sacrifice – the people had to give something that they could have enjoyed because of their sin.

Even though there was a loss, the people had no clear way to alleviate the weight of guilt and find forgiveness in their lives. God has provided another way to help with that – Confession.

Confession is something that is hard to do. Many lie, deny and push blame on others just to avoid confessing. It is something that God asks of us not for his benefit but for ours. I remember being told often as a kid the only way to fix a problem  is to realize there is one. And that is what confession is.

Further, confession gives a proper view on sin, God and ourselves.

The punishment for sin is death – we need a proper view of sin. I have often heard of people talk about their sin as “Not that big of a deal.” Sin is just that, SIN. If it is wrong, we shouldn’t do it. Sin that is not confessed and not repented of leads to missing out on the Kingdom.

God cannot be in the presence of sin – we need a proper view of God. Our God is a holy God. He expects purity not just in our actions but also in our hearts. (Matt. 5:8 says the pure heart will see God.)

We cannot do it on our own – we need a proper view of ourselves. We often try to fix our problems on our own. Sin is not something we can fix on our own or earn enough to repay the debt. We need a savior and Christ is willing to step in on our behalf.

A couple tips on confession:

Confess immediately – when you know you have done something wrong do not push it off. It is easy to push it off.

Confess specifically – I hear a lot of prayer that vaguely ask for all sins to be forgiven. Make it personal and specific.

Confess honestly – Take it serious and do not make promises you know you will not keep.

Confess to someone else – this is something I push in the church. For some reason people are afraid of letting others know about their sin. Most will acknowledge they are a sinner but would never discuss their struggles for fear of other’s judgement. Find someone you trust and create an open discussion and ask for accountability.

John Wincapaw

(Originally posted February 14, 2020)

Reflection Questions

  1. What are you guilty of? What have you tried (lie, deny, blame, etc…) to avoid correctly addressing the problem?
  2. How does not confessing hurt you? What are the benefits of confession?
  3. What has God been waiting to hear from you? Talk to Him today.
  4. Do you have an accountability partner? If not, who do you know who would make a good accountability partner?
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On Your Behalf

Leviticus 1-4

At the end of Exodus, after the Tabernacle has been finally built, God’s glory comes to rest in it, but Moses is unable to enter (Exodus 40:35). However, at the beginning of the next book, Numbers, Moses is speaking with God in the Tabernacle (Numbers 1:1). This middle book, Leviticus, is the explanation about what is necessary to come into God’s presence and enjoy His fellowship. Since God is so holy and separate from us, there are things that we are expected to do in order to come into His presence. Thankfully, out of His love, mercy, and desire to be with us, God provided a way for us to come before Him, both for the Israelites back then and for Christians today.

Immediately in Leviticus 1 and 2, we find descriptions of different animal sacrifices and what is necessary to perform certain rituals in God’s presence. Since we don’t have a Tabernacle or Temple to worship in, and we don’t perform animal sacrifices anymore, how is this really relevant for us?

In Leviticus 1:4, we are told that these animals are dying in the place of the person who is offering it to God. The truth of these sacrifices is simple: sin is serious and deserves death. Whenever you do something that is contrary to God’s laws, both minor and major, it is offensive to the One who gave you life in the first place, and we deserve death for it. The mantra of our age that “everyone is naturally good in their own way” is simply not true; we are all broken, sinful, and corrupt human beings in need of God’s saving grace. For the Israelites back then, the answer to the problem was an animal sacrifice to cover their offense against God; for us today, it is the one sacrifice of Jesus Christ that is sufficient.

The New Testament continues the teaching that sin is serious, offensive to God, and deserves death: “For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23a) We cannot forget the seriousness of our situation, because when we do, we lose the power of the gospel. The good news for us is that we don’t have to die for the things that we did; Jesus died in our place, like the animal sacrifices in Leviticus. “… but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23b) The sacrifice of Jesus was sufficient to cover over every sin that we have ever committed or will commit (Hebrews 10:10). We need to thank God for providing a way out of our sinfulness, both in Leviticus and today through Jesus Christ. Through this sacrifice, we can enter the presence of God and enjoy fellowship with our heavenly Father (Hebrews 4:16).

-Talon Paul

(Originally posted February 15, 2021 for SeekGrowLove)

Reflection Questions

  1. What were the duties or responsibilities of the Israelites to come before God to be forgiven? What are the duties or responsibilities of the Christians to come before God to be forgiven?
  2. How many times do you find the phrase ‘without defect’ or blemish? Why was that important to God for the Israelites? How does that apply to Jesus as sacrifice?
  3. As Christians we can bring (living) offerings and sacrifices to God, not to earn salvation and forgiveness, but to thank God and show we live for Him and He has first place. What would you like to offer/sacrifice to God and how can you do it?
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Preparing for God’s Leading

Exodus 38-40

Throughout history God has lead his people many ways. To a few he spoke audibly, others in dreams but he used the tabernacle to lead the Israelites. They set up the tabernacle to the very detail as God requested. After it was complete, 40:34 says

Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 

God made his presence known and clearly began to lead the people on their travels. Whenever the cloud left the people knew it was time to get up and go. Whenever the cloud would stop the people would also stop.

Sometimes I wish that God led us today in such an obvious manner. I need fool proof directions just to get across town let alone the race we are called to run as followers of Christ.

Although it is not as obvious, God still leads his people. He still tells us when and where to go and also when and where to stay.

The tabernacle was a dedicated place for God in the lives of the Israelites. They gave of their time, energy and resources to have a spot for God in their lives. Many often claim that they want direction from God but have not made space for his leading in their lives. They have not made time or space for God.

After the ascension of Christ, the believers were blessed with God’s presence in an even better way than the tabernacle. God’s power, his presence, his spirit can dwell in YOU!

Will you make time and space in your life – for the glory of God to lead you where he would have you go? And further, are you willing to follow that lead?

John Wincapaw

(originally posted for SeekGrowLove on February 12, 2020)

Reflection Questions

  1. Can you give some examples of God’s leading in your life – in big or small ways?
  2. What types of preparation and space making would God like to see you involved in before He reveals where He wants you to go next? Unlike Moses, are there any directions you haven’t completed yet that might be a helpful pre-cursor to the big journey God wants to lead you on next?
  3. “Will you make time and space in your life – for the glory of God to lead you where he would have you go? And further, are you willing to follow that lead?” What does it look like to make time and space for God?
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Evidence

Exodus 34-37

After Moses destroys the idol he gets another opportunity to be in the presence of God (another 40 days on Mount Sinai). He actually was able to see the glory of God pass by.

And we see God’s description by his own account.

“The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.” (Exodus 34:6,7)

But what stuck out to me is how Moses changed after being in the presence of God. His face was so radiant it scared the others.

It’s easier than we might think for people to know where we’ve been or what we’ve been doing.

Many can tell you of my interest in chocolate. It started at a young age. My parents tell me a story of when I was little and I snuck a piece of cake. My face was full of chocolate icing. I was approached about if I took a piece of cake and I straight faced lied – “I did not take the cake”. Despite my insistence, my parents knew where I had been and what I was up to.

Maybe it’s the icing on your face, the ticket-stub that falls out of your pocket, maybe it’s your extensive knowledge of a certain sport, or your church name printed on your shirt, but there are clues that tell others where you have been, who you were with, or what you’ve been up to.

Over time people notice deeper things as well. Because the truth is, whether we are aware of it or not, what and who we spend our time with changes us. Whatever you spend your time looking at, meditating on, and thinking about is what you will slowly, but surely, become. And people pick up on it.

So let me ask the question, “What have you been doing?”

“Who or what has left a mark on you?”

“What do you reflect in your character?”

And more specifically, if it is easier than we might think for people to tell where we’ve been, would anyone think you’ve been with God?

Do you show signs of having been in contact with him and his Word?

John Wincapaw

(originally posted for SeekGrowLove on February 10, 2020)

Reflection Questions

  1. Go back and spend a little more time with John’s 5 questions at the end of his devotion. Which question is hardest to answer?
  2. What evidence have you seen in others that they have been with God? Do you think others see this same thing – or something else – in you?
  3. God tells Moses He will do wonderful things with His covenant people but warns them of making covenants with the people of the land they are going to (Exodus 34:10-16). Does this still apply today? What would it look like today? What are the signs you have seen in yourself when you get too close to the world?
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The 40 Day Worship Conference

Exodus 31-33

This week my husband is attending a four day technology conference where attendees are being introduced to the absolute newest innovations in the world of technology. They get to hear keynote speakers who are the experts in their field. He is loving exploring all the new and improved gadgets and gizmos. He also made sure he left a little extra wiggle room in his suitcase to bring home some conference souvenirs from the show floor exhibits.

As we’ve been reading in Exodus these last few days, it struck me that Moses was experiencing a somewhat similar event. With a few important differences of course. Moses’ conference wasn’t 4 days but 40. His wasn’t in Spain or Florida, but on Mount Sinai. His conference souvenir was much more impressive (and heavy) than anything Jason has come home with. And, the topic of Moses’ conference wasn’t technology but worship.

I think if you asked most people what Moses was doing on Mount Sinai, if they had any idea at all, they might say God was giving him the Ten Commandments on stone tablets. And they wouldn’t be wrong, as we see that did occur in the final verse of Exodus 31, which is part of our Bible reading today. However, there is much much more to the story. First of all, one should have asked – which visit to Mount Sinai – because it appears there could have been up to 7 or 8 trips up and down the mountain for Moses. (Similarly, if you asked me how many times Jason has been to technology conferences, I lost count a long time ago.) But, this was definitely a special place and Moses and God spent some special time together on this mountain.

It is interesting that this particular 40 day worship conference began way back at the tail end of Exodus 24 “Moses entered the cloud and went up on the mountain. And Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights.” (Ex 24:18 ESV) Thus begins 7 detailed chapters (Exodus 25-31) in which Moses tells us exactly what was really going on on Mount Sinai for 40 days and nights. And it really wasn’t about the law and the Ten Commandments, this time. In fact, these were given back in Exodus 20-23 (just 4 chapters for the giving of the law, though we will get to some more soon in Leviticus). Also, in Exodus 24 Moses had written down God’s rules for living. He read them to the people and they agreed that they would obey.

Next, God was moving on to the next BIG thing – How will you WORSHIP me? If you’ve been following along this week in Exodus you’ve read over and over again, “The Lord said to Moses…”, and “You shall make…”. And then you’ve read many, many detailed directions on how God wanted the people to make a tabernacle where they would meet and worship God. Contributions, curtains, ark of the covenant, bread table, golden lampstand, bronze altar, outer court, lamp oil, the priests’ clothing and consecration, incense altar, census tax, bronze basin, anointing oil, incense…no wonder it took 40 days! I wonder if Moses had to pass a written test at the end so God was sure He remembered the perfect incense recipe and the dimensions of the curtains. Maybe Moses took notes and made sketches which would become the rough draft of Exodus 25-31.

It’s important to remember these were not just suggestions given for one possible way they could create a space for God to dwell with them. These were precise directions from the Creative Maker of the Universe. The All-Knowing Keynote Speaker at this Worship Conference knew what He wanted and why. There was only one right way to do it God’s way. Perhaps He was giving them valuable experience in doing things God’s way. Thankfully, He was making it known, every detail, so they wouldn’t have to guess and get it wrong over and over again. Also, as we see if Exodus 31 He was not only giving this information to Moses, but He was also giving His Spirit and ability, intelligence and knowledge to others who would lead the work of crafting. They didn’t have to figure it out on their own! They could follow the God-given directions and God would provide the skills and abilities and knowledge and Spirit they needed! But, what if Moses or Bezalel or Oholiab (the gifted craftsmen) or the people decided green and yellow yarn would be much brighter and cheerier than blue, purple and scarlet? What happens when we disregard God’s directions and decide to do it our own way instead?

One example is given in Exodus 32. Just as I have my biggest technology emergencies when my tech expert is at the technology conference, when Moses is at the worship conference, the Israelites experience a very big worship emergency. They not only try changing the color of the yarn, they change their god. Fearing what has happened to Moses (apparently they didn’t get the advertisement that this worship conference would last 40 days), they take matters into their own hands and decide it’s time to make a new god to lead them. It sounds so ridiculous – but perhaps if we are honest we have sometime also gotten tired of waiting on God, and fearing the worst, took action in the wrong direction. Unfortunately, Aaron followed along with their ideas, maybe scared of the people, maybe eager to get his chance to be in charge?

At Moses’ 40 day Worship Conference he got to receive first hand from the Lord the unveiling of all the latest and greatest features of how God wanted the Israelites to prepare to worship the Almighty. How can you attend a worship conference with God today? What does He want to reveal to you about how to worship Him?

-Marcia Railton

Reflection Questions

  1. Why do you think God gave Moses so many specific directions for how the Israelites were to worship Him? Do you think there is a connection between His rules for how we live and how we worship?
  2. I don’t think there is just one type of music God wants to be worshiped with, or just one color of carpet God wants to see in every church, but what are some worship rules you think God wants us to remember when we worship Him today?
  3. What can we learn from Moses about Christian leadership? And from Bezalel and Oholiab? And from Aaron?
  4. Have you ever created a new god to worship and follow when you became fearful or impatient. How do we guard against falling into the golden calf trap?
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