February 24

Leviticus 19-20 contains a call from God to His people: “Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy” (Leviticus 19:2). These chapters outline practical instructions for holy living, covering justice, kindness, honesty, sexual purity, and worship. God’s holiness is reflected in the way His people are to live, set apart from the sinful practices of the surrounding nations. Obedience to these commands is not just about following rules; it is about reflecting God’s character and honoring the covenant relationship with Him.

Hebrews 7 reveals how Jesus, our eternal High Priest, fulfills the Old Testament priesthood and makes it possible for us to live holy lives. Unlike the Levitical priests who were temporary and imperfect, Jesus is a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. He is sinless, eternal, and able to save completely those who come to God through Him (Hebrews 7:25). His sacrifice is once for all, making the old system of repeated sacrifices unnecessary. Through Jesus, we are not only forgiven but also empowered to live as God’s holy people.  

The connection between these passages is clear: God’s call to holiness in Leviticus is fulfilled and made possible through Jesus Christ. While the Israelites were called to live differently from the surrounding nations, we are called to live differently from the world today. This difference is not about self-righteousness but about reflecting God’s love, justice, and truth. Jesus, our High Priest, intercedes for us, enabling us to walk in holiness even in the midst of our imperfections.  

Holiness is not just about external actions; it begins in the heart. Hebrews 7 reminds us that we have access to God through Jesus, who transforms our hearts and enables us to live lives pleasing to Him. Just as God desired His people to be set apart in Leviticus, He desires us to be His light in a dark world. Through Christ, we can live out our calling to be holy as He is holy.  

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