December 6 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Devotional

Whatever it may be that impresses us about God these days, it's likely not his holiness. A reading of the book of Leviticus may be just the medicine we need, because it is God's holiness that gives meaning to this book. Leviticus shows how the holy God may be approached by a sinful but chosen people under the rules of the old covenant. It took much more than changing a shirt before people could come into God's presence in a way approved by God.

Today many people seem to think not only that they can go to God at any time or place, in any manner, but also that God ought to be pleased if they give him any attention at all. This ignorance of God's very character may prove even more dangerous than handling high-voltage wiring if you are ignorant of electricity.

The God we worship is the same God who laid down all those "picky" regulations in the book of Leviticus. Israel was to seek God's presence, but the priests and the ordinary people had to observe strict rules and unbending requirements. The place was designated, the offering was prescribed, and the manner in which it was to be presented was outlined step by step. Any departure from the rules, even an unintentional error, was punished severely. At God's command, these rituals were maintained for hundreds of years.

Millions of animals died, first at the gate of the tabernacle and later in the court of the temple. Tens of thousands of Israelites stood there, pressing their palms on the heads of the animals presented for offering. With that gesture they transferred their intentions and feelings. When they saw the blood and the fire and the smoke, they bowed their heads, knowing that they stood in the grace of the holy God.

Here's something we must realize: we cannot approach God and live unless we come through Jesus Christ, who died for us. You and I must lay both our hands on Jesus. If we don't, we will regret it forever.

REFLECTIONS

How will this Scripture and reading affect the way you approach God?

Andrew Kuyvenhoven's Daylight, a modern devotional classic, was originally published by Paideia Press in 1977. This updated edition is copyright 2009 by Faith Alive Christian Resources. You can order a copy of this revised version of the book directly from the publisher.

A man of many accomplishments, Andrew Kuyvenhoven is probably best known for his contributions to Today (formerly The Family Altar), a widely-used monthly devotional booklet associated with the Back to God Hour. Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations for this updated edition of Daylight are from the Holy Bible: Today's New International Version copyright 2001, 2005 by the International Bible Society.