Strong Tower

A daily scripture exposition.

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Leviticus: 22:18 NLT
““Give Aaron and his sons and all the Israelites the including law, which apply both to native Israelites and to the foreigners living among you. “If you present a gift as a burnt offering to the Lord, whether it is to fulfill a vow or is a voluntary offering,”
‭‭
God’s instructions apply to everyone
In the southwest region of Nigeria, the Yoruba people have a profound adage that states, “enito ran ni n’ise la beru, a kin beru eni ti o je fun.” This means that a message carrier should only fear the message’s sender and not the recipient. This principle echoes a significant theme found in the scripture regarding God’s directives. Specifically, God commanded Moses to relay important instructions to Aaron, his sons, and the entire community of Israelites. Impressively, the Lord emphasized that these directives were to include even the foreigners residing among the Israelites, highlighting an inclusive approach that leaves no one exempt from His wishes.

By requesting that everyone—native Israelites and foreigners alike—pay close attention to the directives, God demonstrates His desire for universal participation in fulfilling His will. This notion aligns with Jesus’ teachings in the Lord’s Prayer, where He instructs His followers to pray for God’s will to be manifested on Earth just as it is in Heaven. This raises an essential question: Are we genuinely aligning with God’s will or simply pursuing our desires and wishes?

The instructions revolve around the presentation of burnt offerings, which serve two significant purposes: fulfilling a vow to God or presenting a voluntary offering out of devotion. This illustrates that God does not discriminate against who can make offerings—He treats the contributions of locals and foreigners with the same care and consideration. Consequently, all offerings will be evaluated based on the same criteria, promoting a sense of equality in worship.

Moreover, the instruction carries a vital nuance, particularly with the Lord’s deliberate use of “if.” This word suggests that the sacrifices are not mandatory; their presentation is voluntary. This indicates that God is not demanding or merciless in His expectations. Instead, the most cherished offering He desires from us is a sincere and contrite heart. Through this, we understand that true devotion transcends mere rituals or sacrifices; it is rooted deeply in the intentions and sincerity of our hearts.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that I will not discount Your instructions but take them to heart and teach others to follow them. In Jesus’s name, I pray. Amen.

Mission statement
Reaching out through love, teaching the truth, and humbly leading all nations to God through Jesus Christ.

Vision statement
A ministry where people from all walks of life can fellowship with one another and worship God through Jesus Christ in Spirit and in truth.

©️2024 The Chapel of Glory Ministries