1 The LORD said to Moses, 2 ‘Speak to the Israelites and say to them: “I am the LORD your God. 3 You must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices. 4 You must obey my laws and be careful to follow my decrees. I am the LORD your God. 5 Keep my decrees and laws, for the person who obeys them will live by them. I am the LORD.
30 Keep my requirements and do not follow any of the detestable customs that were practised before you came and do not defile yourselves with them. I am the LORD your God.”’ (Leviticus 18:1-5, 30)
1 The Lord said to Moses, 2 ‘Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: “Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.
37 ‘“Keep all my decrees and all my laws and follow them. I am the Lord.”’ (Leviticus 19:1, 37)
In the last podcast, we looked at two ways Christians can be show they are obedient and faithful to God as evidence of their love of God: to carry their cross daily and to tell others about Jesus. We started these reflections in Leviticus 18-19 by looking at the ancient people of Israel, who were not to be like the surrounding nations in areas of life such as food & diet, immigration, sex and social etiquette . Ancient Israel was to administer justice fairly and make sure the poor were helped and nobody was in need. We saw that God is holy and that ancient Israel were to be holy through joyful obedience to God. That was the command from God: "Be holy as I am holy. You are to do as I would do."
We went on to see that the Church today, individually and collectively, are to do similarly. Particularly loving other people. All other people. Including other Christians. Not a plastic love but a real love. A love such as that which God shows the world – deep seated, open, honest and sacrificial.
Today we look at how we Christians can go out with joy and wonder, to love others radically and practically. Listen or download the mp3 podcast to find out more about God and following Him.
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