Scripture

  Leviticus 26:1-13

1"Don't make idols for yourselves; don't set up an image or a sacred pillar for yourselves, and don't place a carved stone in your land that you can bow down to in worship. I am GOD, your God.

2"Keep my Sabbaths; treat my Sanctuary with reverence. I am GOD.    

 3"If you live by my decrees and obediently keep my commandments, 4I will send the rains in their seasons, the ground will yield its crops and the trees of the field their fruit. 5You will thresh until the grape harvest and the grape harvest will continue until planting time; you'll have more than enough to eat and will live safe and secure in your land.

    6"I'll make the country a place of peace--you'll be able to go to sleep at night without fear; I'll get rid of the wild beasts; I'll eliminate war. 7You'll chase out your enemies and defeat them: 8Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand and do away with them. 9I'll give you my full attention: I'll make sure you prosper, make sure you grow in numbers, and keep my covenant with you in good working order. 10You'll still be eating from last year's harvest when you have to clean out the barns to make room for the new crops.

    11"I'll set up my residence in your neighborhood; I won't avoid or shun you; 12I'll stroll through your streets. I'll be your God; you'll be my people. 13I am GOD, your personal God who rescued you from Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians. I ripped off the harness of your slavery so that you can move about freely.

Observation

These are the decrees proclaimed to the Israelites. Much of it is being made plain here. It points to a way of living. A way of worshipping God and following his commandments. It is more than just nice things to do; it points to an exuberant life. It clears the way for freedom. They can live knowing Yahweh is on their side. And that He wants to live among them and be their God. That they can be safe and secure in His arms, blessed beyond their imagination. Now if only they could stick to His laws.

Application

Much of the text is being directed to a people group. But what does it has to say to me personally? I feel stuuck in the whirlwind and trapped by my sins. I feel like I'm one of those who deserves God's wrath and discipline, unable to get out of my pool of mess.

I know there is a way living that leads to an abundant life, as stated in the scriptures. But where is it? It always seemed elusive.

Perhaps the ancient art (or the most relevant?) of worship comes into play, as it always has been. Worship commands my full attention, the whole participation of my being.

Perhaps it breeds a consciousness that once again says "It's not just about me." That Someone is closer than how I think or feel. Indeed I sense this could be a starting point  for me. Or else it could be the end.

Prayer

God of the Israelites, I bring forth to You an offering of my heart encased in Your temple. For the past months I kept hiding, wallowing in the misery of somehow not quite making the cut. But may You deem what is truly acceptable.

I worship You. Today. Right Now. Attempting to bring You to the center once more. Live in me. You are my God.

G