God Promises Rewards for Obedience and Punishment for Disobedience
As we read through the book of Leviticus, which is a struggle for most of us, we read instruction after instruction of what God expects from his people.
With precise detail, his commands come forth one after another. Then, in chapter 26, the book begins to wrap up.
Here we see the prior chapters put into perspective. The key concept here is that we must listen to God and follow him.
The chapter opens with a detailed list of rewards for those who listen to God, follow his decrees, and obey his commands. He promises favor, peace, and fruitfulness. Isn’t this a life we all want to experience?
But then the tone of the chapter changes. The word “but” signals a transition.
For those who refuse to listen to God, don’t carry out his commands, and reject his decrees, he adds a list of threats (Leviticus 26:14-16) that contrast to the comforting promises in the first half of the chapter.
He talks about terror, disease, and enemy oppression. We all want to avoid these things.
However, these aren’t to punish us but to get our attention.
After a few verses he says, “If after all this…” It’s like he’s taking a breath and giving his people—and us—a second chance.
We must grab this opportunity. Because if we don’t, more punishment will follow, with dire repercussions.
What follows in the rest of the chapter is a series of chances: a third chance, a fourth chance, a fifth chance, and so on.
God doesn’t want to punish us. He wants us to turn to him, follow him, and obey him. His message is clear. We must listen to God and do what he says. Then we will receive the rewards he wants to give us.
And this all starts when we listen to God.
[Read through the Bible with us this year. Today’s reading is Leviticus 25-26, and today’s post is on Leviticus 26:14-16.]
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.
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