Justin Houtz

Leviticus 15, Psalm 18, Proverbs 29, 2 Thess. 3

DateVersionReading Plan
@April 11, 2024ESV (2016)M’Cheyne Plan 2024

Leviticus 15

Leviticus 15:31 (ESV) 31 “Thus you shall keep the people of Israel separate from their uncleanness, lest they die in their uncleanness by defiling my tabernacle that is in their midst.”

The LORD gave Moses and Aaron laws about bodily discharges among men and women. Such discharges amounted to the person being unclean for a specific time frame, often until evening and at times more (i.e. seven days for woman in her menstruation). Detailed as these laws were, the LORD provides clear reason as to why the unclean were to be separated: to maintain purity of God’s dwelling place and ensure His continued presence with His people. In this, we see God’s holiness and incompatibility with anything short of perfection. It is standard none can meet—none, that is, except one—making it all the more amazing that we can place our faith in the One who was perfect on our behalf, Christ Jesus.

Psalm 18

Psalm 18:6 (ESV) 6 In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.

David gives account of how the LORD heard his cries for help. David’s voice reached the ears of the LORD who heard him from His heavenly temple. What assurance this brings to us and especially those of lowly estate that the LORD hears our cries even from a position of supreme exaltation. The distance between us is beyond measure, and yet our voice is allowed to cover it, reaching the ears of our God who intently listens.

Proverbs 29

Proverbs 29:25 (ESV) 25 The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.

This verse struck me in particular today and how my fear has been a snare. I see this play out in relationships and think of one in particular in which my fear led to its crumbling. From a place of fear was borne control and manipulation as I sought to solve every problem and resolve every difference. Rather than simply loving her, pointing her heart to Christ and leaving the rest in His capable hands, my fear drove the desire to usurp His sovereignty. The sin of fear is the lack of trust in the LORD and the safety found only in Him.

2 Thess. 3

2 Thessalonians 3:11–12 (ESV) 11 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.

Paul heard of idleness among the Thessalonian church and commanded busybodies to not meddle in the business of others but do their work quietly and earn their living. This is a stern correction and one we should take seriously as we proceed in our own work. Ours is not to be sluggards or unduly inject ourselves into matters not pertaining to us, but to work diligently in virtue and thereby reflect the One we serve.

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