“I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. Do not make yourselves unclean by any creature that moves about on the ground.” Leviticus 11:44

So, I have been reading Leviticus. And apparently, it’s like a handbook of sorts for the Levites, who are in charge of all priestly and religious duties for Israel. The Levites are priests. However, the priests that are being described here are not only active regarding spiritual events. They are like doctors as well. They address what diets should be observed. They tend to people with infectious disease. Not only that! They are also the authority and at the same time MCs for almost any event for the Israelites.

I am amazed at how much reading and learning Levites have to go through. The instructions are very specific, and addresses situations from guilt offerings to bodily discharges. As I read through, the Book of Leviticus felt like a textbook. I seek for devotional content, an inspiring verse, or a declaration of faith. Here, I hit a wall reading processes and procedures. It is not as interesting as the two preceding books.

The revelations from the Genesis and Exodus have been very obvious. Although Leviticus is turning out to be a difficult read, it revealed to me something very personal. God rebuked my lack of discipline. We cannot speak of great truth without humbling ourselves to His discipline. For us to serve God, we must surrender ourselves to His instructions and readily accept His decisions.

The book showed me how studious and thorough one should be serving under our great and perfect God. Reading through the processes, there is so much more into being a follower and disciple. As much as we love hearing the inspirational messages, we also have to hear His straightforward and exact words of instruction. And not only do we learn all of these; we are to serve our community as well. We are to address a broad number of issues. And we are to approach them not by our own understanding but through His words of instruction.

We do things through Him. “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

God revealed to me that to become a true disciple of His amazing ministry, we also have to study and learn not to lean on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). We surrender not only to His amazing inspirational call but we respond in service according to His will. We will not only speak His words in ministry but we are to conduct ourselves accordingly through His grace. “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)

“I thank you Lord Jesus. I thank you for being so thorough, not sending us out by our own knowledge. Through you, we are equipped to minister, and live amazing lives, as we do, what you revealed us to do. Let us practice what you preach.

You weaponized our passionate hearts to love and serve both believer and unbeliever. You inspire us to serve you.

You loved us as a demonstration of service and holiness, which we will be able to share to others advancing your kingdom. Thank you for making us the good fruit of your loving deed. Thank you for your grace and salvation. Amen.”

Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.” James 2:18 (NLT)