Coty Pinckney, in a sermon, “Oh, No! Not Leviticus!”
What is your favorite book of the Bible? One of the gospels, perhaps Mark or John? Or the tale of the rapid spread of the early church told in Acts? Those who delight in a logical presentation of the Christian message might choose Romans, while others love the complete range of human emotion expressed in the Psalms.
Given the compelling story of the fall of man and God’s subsequent steps toward redemption through the lives of the patriarchs, some of you prefer Genesis. The display of God’s mighty power in freeing the Israelites from Egypt and speaking to his people at Sinai will attract others to the second book in the Bible, Exodus.
But what about the third book of the Bible? If Leviticus is your favorite book, would you please raise your hand? Is there no one? Well, that’s ok; I have never known anyone to say that Leviticus is their favorite book.
Indeed, many people would say quite the contrary. Those of you who have tried to read through the Bible cover to cover find Leviticus to be the first big challenge. Some give up in the middle of this book.
Well, this morning we begin a series of sermons on this relatively unpopular book. So let’s begin by facing the accusers: Why is Leviticus so unpopular?
Many readers object that this book focuses on:
- A sacrificial system which is no longer relevant,
- a priesthood which is no longer in existence,
- and laws which are no longer binding.
The book, in sum, is thought to be out of date, of only historical interest to 20th century man.
Other readers simply feel uncomfortable. Indeed, if Leviticus were made into a movie, it would have to be labeled, “Adult Themes.” This book is full of discussion of sex and violence, blood and death, menstrual flows and seminal emissions. It even talks about eating locusts! So some readers feel squeamish, as these issues come up almost every page.
So should I just stop now and pick another book? Would we be better off just ignoring Leviticus? Why should we take the time and effort to study this book?
First, Leviticus is part of Scripture. Many of us like to quote 2 Timothy 3:16-17:
All Scripture is God-breathed, and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be fully equipped for every good work.
Paul tells us here that Leviticus is God-breathed. Leviticus is profitable for us. We may not be able to see this as we read through the book in a cursory manner, but, as with all Scripture, we need to take it on faith that God will use His word to bless us and build us up.
But we can say more. Remember the prophecy about Jesus in Psalm 118?
The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief corner stone.
Stone cutters would shape the stones and present them to the chief builder, who would examine them to try to find the perfect stone for the corner of the building. The corner stone had to be perfect; if it were not square, the whole building would be off. Yet the builders rejected the very stone which was needed to create a perfect building. Leviticus, I suggest, is like that stone.
Or think of yourself standing before a locked door, with untold treasure on the other side. You have a huge ring of keys, hundreds of keys. You look at a particular key, examine the lock, and decide, “This old key can’t possibly fit; I’ll throw it away.” But that very key, the very key you reject, is the only one that can unlock the room full of riches.
I tell you this morning: Leviticus is the key to unlock the riches of the New Testament. A serious study of this wonderful book provides the key to understanding four concepts central to living the Christian life. Let’s consider these one by one.
You’ll have to click this link to read the rest of this sermon…
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 