In the summer of 2020, as my walk with Christ began to deepen, I set out to read the Bible. I admit that despite being raised in Catholic schools and going to church both as a child and throughout various points in my adult life, I found myself to be scripturally illiterate. Determined to deepen my faith, draw closer to God and learn God’s Word, I began reading the Bible. My mindset initially was to read the entire Bible in one year. While that was my initial intention, I abandoned that approach for a slower pace that would allow me some time in between reading to reflect upon God’s Word and gain revelation found in avoiding the inclination to rush.
Not sure where to begin when I set out to read the Bible, I followed my instinct and began my journey in the New Testament. It took me approximately five months to complete the New Testament. I recall feeling overjoyed by my accomplishment in reading the entire New Testament. Not only did reading daily deepen my faith and bring me closer to God, but I felt fulfilled in all that I was learning about God’s Word. Through God’s Word, I also found guidance and insight for daily living.
After finishing the New Testament, I excitedly began reading the Old Testament. I have not yet completed the entire Old Testament but continue to read daily, even if just one chapter per day. Truth be told, I’d be lying to say that I didn’t find parts of the Old Testament to be, for lack of a better description, “a slow read.” More specifically, as I delved into the book of Leviticus, I felt like I hit a wall. Struggling to keep my focus and getting easily distracted, I found myself losing interest in reading about the myriad sacrifices and offerings necessary to offer God praise and atonement for one’s sins. I found myself digging deep to read through all the instructions, rules, laws and rituals concerning sacrificial offerings and holy living. Honestly speaking, some days it was hard to continue reading on and at some points, I simply wanted to quit.
That said, I refused to let myself off the hook. I knew that I needed to press on and find the gift available through the book of Leviticus. I did just that and the book of Leviticus taught me some powerful and beautiful lessons.
DISCIPLINE
First, the book of Leviticus reminded me the importance of discipline. It reminded me that just because I may not have found this book of the Old Testament to be the most intriguing, that was not an excuse to stop doing what I set out to do, namely, read and study the Bible. This reminder was a perfect metaphor for life too because life is not just about doing those things that I love but also about doing those things that are required of me. Without discipline, it’s challenging to accomplish what one sets out to achieve or anything worthwhile for that matter.
REVERENCE
The book of Leviticus cultivated within me an even deeper reverence for God. I began to realize that if this is what God intended, it is deserving of my profound reverence and respect. God knew the purpose for His laws, rules, instructions and rituals. He knew the reason for which He intended everything. This insight alone was enough to shift my mindset from that of lack of interest and distraction to profound reverence and respect.
CONTEXT
Reading the book of Leviticus, taught me the importance of gaining knowledge about the Old Convenant between God and the house of Israel that would provide context for God’s purpose in establishing a New Convenant found through the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on behalf of humanity. Through the establishment of God’s New Covenant, mankind would be able to receive forgiveness and restoration for those who believe in His son, Jesus, believe in Jesus’ death and resurrection and place their faith and trust in Jesus, as the New Covenant mediator between man and God.
I am so grateful for the gifts that I found planted right within the pages of the book of Leviticus. While I initially struggled with this Old Testament book, the insights that I received were there all along, ready for me to receive once I adjusted my mindset.
How about you? What was your experience of the book of Leviticus? Did it capture your attention or did you experience challenges as you read it? What were your takeaways from this book of the Old Testament? Please share. I’d love to hear your thoughts!