As our young children begin to crawl and walk it seems like our new favorite word is NO. Their big tear-filled eyes turn to us, they frown and move away onto the next thing. If only they understood all these instructions are meant to keep them from harm.

Soon there is a relationship built on faith between you and your child. They know that listening to you can keep them away from harm. They will learn how to treat others, not to burn that little finger, or skin their knee. Just like God in Leviticus we are teaching our children a whole new way of life.

Romans 5:19a reminds us why this is important. “For as by one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners.” Leviticus begins to lay out the law of forgiveness before Jesus was given to us.

Jesus was a man who was tempted just like you and me. Jesus sacrifice on the cross has replaced Gods law given to the Israelites in Leviticus because of God’s love for us.We no longer must present a pure animal as a burnt offering. We are instructed to come to Jesus with a pure heart and repentance.

We can’t just sin and say oops, didn’t mean to do that. Like the instructions to the Israelites, we find a quiet place to talk to God about the sin in our life and we seek forgiveness. Leviticus 2:11 says “Do not use yeast in preparing any grain offering. Why do we do this? Yeast is a bacterial fungus or mold that grows just like sin. If we let sin into our life, even just a little it will grow just like a loaf of bread rises.

Chapter 3 of Leviticus shares instructions for a Peace Offering. We want to come to a quiet place with gratitude. Harboring dislike for someone or holding a grudge about something that happened to you will block your fellowship with God. Leviticus 5:5 reminds us that in preparing our hearts God will show us our sin with pains of guilt. Coming to God with an attitude of repentance is offering our sacrifice of our sin. Today because of Jesus Christ death on the cross, we do not have to sacrifice animals. We are transformed, the old us dies and we are baptized in the Holy Spirit.

In Leviticus 6:12 the Israelites are instructed; Remember, the first must be kept burning on the alter at all times. It must never go out. Today our bodies are Gods temple. The fire in our hearts for Him must never go out.

Chapter 8 brings this week to a close with instructions for the priest. The new convent was formed when Jesus died on the cross and the curtain tore. Matthew 27:51 “And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tearing of the curtain symbolizes access to God. We no longer have to go to the high priest. We have the ability to go to a peaceful place, in repentance, seek forgiveness and be grateful for God’s love for us.

As we teach the little hands that smudge the window provide a place just like Jesus did for us that is loving and merciful. Lord we will find a quiet place, go to you Lord God with gratitude for His Son Jesus Christ as our sacrifice. We will seek forgiveness with a repentful heart and keep the fire in your temple for God burning.