Today’s Reading, Leviticus 14-15
Focal Scripture: Leviticus 15:31 ““You must keep the Israelites from their uncleanness, so that they do not die by defiling my tabernacle that is among them.”
As a believer do you consider how you approach the worship gathering? I believe that many people who claim to know Jesus do not take inventory of their life before they come to worship. What I mean by this, is that worship has become a habit and not a process of sanctification. The book of Leviticus is all about how to sacrifice and initiate ceremonial law. It is making sure the Jewish people are prepared to worship a holy God. It is about self examination.
In today’s reading Moses is told that he must hold the Israelites accountable for their uncleanliness. Because if they enter the temple unclean they will certainly die. Their death would be caused be defiling the place of worship. God takes the heart of a person coming into his presence very serious and so should we as individuals and as a corporate body.
I need to step back a moment and make a statement. I am not saying that sinners should not come to church or people who are struggling. Church is exactly where they need to be at that moment in their lives. I am also not saying that believers must have it all together before they enter the doors. What I am saying is that believers need to do the work through the week to make sure they are not defiling themselves before they come to worship.
If I am honest I have struggled with sin before and came to church like nothing was happening in my personal life. This attitude was wrong because I tried to hide my sin from an all knowing God. I put on a mask that demonstrated I was in control. What I should have done, is run to the altar and throw myself at the feet of Jesus. I should have pleaded my case and confessed my sin. I should have brought everything I had before the Lord so I wouldn’t defile the place of worship.
I know that seems like overkill to some people but imagine what our worship services would be like if we treated our sin with such ferocity. Imagine what church would be like when we made the holiness of God the priority.
I challenge you today to view worship at the tabernacle as a priority. I challenge you to see your sin as a hindrance in your personal life and corporate life. It will change how you approach the Lord in intimate ways. Let us meet the holy standard that has been set before us in our lives.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Leviticus 16-18
