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Hey friends. For 2019 many people in my church are doing a chronological study of the Bible. I love to read the entire Bible every few years, but there is always a book that made me groan … Leviticus. Now, I know that all of God’s word is good and for our instruction, but I always had a hard time wrapping my head around dietary laws and instructions for the tabernacle. But this time around I got so much more out of it. Here are some things that helped me appreciate Leviticus more:
Have an open mind and heart
I think the thing that was most helpful was my attitude. In the past I’ve gone into an annual Bible reading dreading books like Leviticus because it felt like a boring list of rules. But I went into this year’s reading with a different attitude. Instead of dreading it, I decide to dive in. My main takeaway is that then – as is now – God wants to create a holy people that are distinct from the rest of humanity. While many of the rules don’t apply to those of us under the new covenant (amen for crab cakes!), the standard for holiness is the same.
1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Read it with friends
About 50people are on the same Bible plan on the YouVersion app and it’s been great reading others insights into the scripture. Reading it with others has helped me to see aspects of the scripture that I didn’t notice before. I think it’s also helped to build more unity in our ministry as so many of us are studying out the same thing. Finally, it’s been interesting to see different perspectives from those newer in the faith as well as those who are more seasoned.
Incorporate the Bible Project videos
I might be late to the game, but I just discovered the Bible Project’s videos. The reading plan includes them in the chronological plan. For the uninitiated, they provide an overview of each book of the Bible. I found the Leviticus video was incredibly helpful in understanding the structure of the book and the difference between the types of laws outlined in the book. After watching it Leviticus made a lot more sense in the larger story of how God was preparing the Israelites for the Promised Land.
Of course, these lessons can be applied to any book of the Bible. What about you, what helps you to get through challenging books of the Bible?