Why Read Leviticus?

The book of Leviticus is one of the difficult books of the Bible to read through. The details and regulations seem to fill every chapter. Each year I read through the Bible and wonder what value can you get from this book today?  After numerous readings I suggest there are three important reasons to read Leviticus.

1.       Exodus is a book about God getting Israel out of Egypt. Leviticus is a book about God getting Egypt out of Israel. The book tells you that forgiveness and acceptance should be followed by holy living and spiritual growth.

2.       The holiness of God is a major theme of the book. You are reminded that God is holy and how sin devastates our relationships with our Creator.

3.       It is good news that the lists of laws detailing diets, sacrifices and social behavior  are not requirements to following Jesus today. We boldly approach the throne of grace for forgiveness instead of bringing a lamb to a priest at a temple to sacrifice. Jesus is our High Priest and was the perfect, spotless sacrifice for your sin.

Leviticus 19:2 is a key verse:
The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: ‘Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.

Remember these three points as you read through this significant book, Leviticus.