February 17
Drawing Near to God Through Christ
Today's Reading
Old Testament
- Leviticus 1-3
- Psalm 27
- Hebrews 2
Devotion
Leviticus 1-3 introduces the sacrificial system, detailing offerings for worship, atonement, and fellowship with God. The burnt offering represents total surrender to God, the grain offering symbolizes thanksgiving and devotion, and the fellowship (or peace) offering celebrates communion with God. These sacrifices provided a way for the Israelites to draw near to God, acknowledging His holiness and their need for atonement.
Psalm 27 reflects David’s deep trust in the Lord. He declares, “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1). His greatest desire is to dwell in the house of the Lord and gaze upon His beauty. This longing for God’s presence resonates with the purpose of the offerings in Leviticus: to make a way for God’s people to worship and dwell in His presence. David’s confidence comes not from his own strength but from the assurance that God will protect and guide him.
Hebrews 2 highlights how Jesus, through His suffering and sacrifice, fulfills the sacrificial system outlined in Leviticus. Jesus became fully human to identify with us, and through His death, He broke the power of sin and death. Unlike the sacrifices of Leviticus, which had to be repeated, Jesus’ sacrifice was once for all, making eternal atonement for our sins. Hebrews 2:10 reminds us that Jesus is the pioneer of our salvation, leading us into God’s presence as His brothers and sisters.
These passages together remind us of the incredible privilege we have in Christ. The offerings in Leviticus were temporary measures, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. Through Him, we no longer need burnt offerings, grain offerings, or peace offerings. His death and resurrection have opened the way for us to draw near to God with confidence, not through rituals but through a relationship.
David’s longing in Psalm 27 to dwell in God’s presence is now fulfilled for us in Christ. He is our light and salvation, the One who sustains and protects us. As we meditate on these truths, let us respond with gratitude, surrendering our lives to God as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1) and finding joy in His presence.
Psalm 27 reflects David’s deep trust in the Lord. He declares, “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1). His greatest desire is to dwell in the house of the Lord and gaze upon His beauty. This longing for God’s presence resonates with the purpose of the offerings in Leviticus: to make a way for God’s people to worship and dwell in His presence. David’s confidence comes not from his own strength but from the assurance that God will protect and guide him.
Hebrews 2 highlights how Jesus, through His suffering and sacrifice, fulfills the sacrificial system outlined in Leviticus. Jesus became fully human to identify with us, and through His death, He broke the power of sin and death. Unlike the sacrifices of Leviticus, which had to be repeated, Jesus’ sacrifice was once for all, making eternal atonement for our sins. Hebrews 2:10 reminds us that Jesus is the pioneer of our salvation, leading us into God’s presence as His brothers and sisters.
These passages together remind us of the incredible privilege we have in Christ. The offerings in Leviticus were temporary measures, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. Through Him, we no longer need burnt offerings, grain offerings, or peace offerings. His death and resurrection have opened the way for us to draw near to God with confidence, not through rituals but through a relationship.
David’s longing in Psalm 27 to dwell in God’s presence is now fulfilled for us in Christ. He is our light and salvation, the One who sustains and protects us. As we meditate on these truths, let us respond with gratitude, surrendering our lives to God as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1) and finding joy in His presence.
Reflection Questions
- How does the sacrificial system in Leviticus deepen your understanding of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice?
- What does it mean to you that Jesus is your pioneer, making a way for you to be in God’s presence?
- How can you seek to dwell in God’s presence today, as David desired in Psalm 27?
Prayer
Lord, thank You for making a way for us to draw near to You through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. We are in awe of Your holiness and grateful for Your love that sent Your Son to die for us. Help us to respond with lives of surrender, thanksgiving, and fellowship with You. Be our light and salvation, guiding us as we seek to dwell in Your presence. Strengthen our faith and fill our hearts with confidence in Your eternal promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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