May 15, 2024, Day 4 of Week 7 Daily Dose of Hope

Daily Dose of Hope
May 15, 2024
Day 4 of Week 7
 
Scripture: Leviticus 1-3; Psalm 27; Hebrews 2
 
Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, New Hope Church’s daily devotional that complements our 5 day a week Bible reading plan. 
 
Today, we are starting the book of Leviticus.  This means we are right in the middle of the Torah.  Leviticus has a reputation for being both harsh and boring, but there is definite purpose in this book.  In Genesis, we saw the origin story of both humanity and Israel.  We see God revealing himself among a people.  We meet Abraham and see how God covenants with him and promises that he will become a father of many nations.
 
Then, we read through Exodus.  If you recall, the Hebrews had multiplied greatly in Egypt and this threatens the Egyptian authorities.  Thus, they enslave and oppress the Hebrew people.  God hears the cries of his people and frees them from bondage through a man named Moses.  It’s also through Moses that God covenants with his people.  He provides them the law and they agree to obey.  In return, God will provide for and protect his treasured possession.
 
Despite its bad reputation, Leviticus is actually an important book.  It’s in this book that we once again see God living among his people.  We might say that the theme of the book is holiness, both God’s holiness and the holiness he expects of his people.  They are a set apart people, and these laws that God provides are both for their protection and to ensure that they look very different from the cultures around them.  God very specifically outlines what his expectations are for the priests and for his people. 
 
In chapters 1-3 of Leviticus, we find God giving very specific and detailed guidelines for giving offerings.  In chapter 1, God is giving Moses instructions on burnt offerings, specifically how to choose an animal out of one's herd or flock.  The Israelites would have been familiar with burnt offerings, as the cultures around them used them, and we see burnt offerings in both Genesis and Exodus.  While familiar, God's instructions were unique to their particular circumstance.  In chapter 2, God offers them instructions for grain offerings and in chapter 3, we read the guidelines for fellowship offerings. 
 
I think we typically see burnt offerings as something the people did because of their sin.  And that certainly is true.  But the fellowship offering, also called a peace offering, was offered because of a peace that God has brought into their life.
 
What peace has God brought into your life?  Take a few moments and list some of the ways.  It’s easy to get fixated on the problems, but where are you experiencing peace.  Take a moment and give thanks.  No burnt offerings needed, but do spend some time in prayer.
 
Let’s move on to our psalm for today.  Psalm 27 is truly beautiful.  Be sure to read through it.  The psalmist, most likely King David, has this deep longing for God.  At the same time, there is a trust in God’s power and provision.  Picture yourself speaking these words to God.  How do they sit with you?  Do you believe them?  Why or why not?
 
Let’s move on to Hebrews 2.  This chapter focuses on why we should listen to Jesus.  The author begins by speaking about how the consequences of NOT listening to Jesus are incredibly severe.  It is only through Jesus that we can receive salvation.  Salvation does not come through the law or any other means – only through faith in Jesus Christ.   Second, Jesus is the central figure in God’s new plan, what we call the New Covenant.   Jesus is the fulfillment of all the covenants and prophecies that came before.  The author quotes Psalm 8:4-6, ...what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?  You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor.  You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you pu