REAL WORTH. Leviticus 27 The commands the Lord gave to Moses when he was on Mt. Sinai were not just casual suggestions. The significance of God's teachings has been overlooked by many, as they judge their worth based on the current age of technology. The actual value of life and a person's capacity and ability are not determined by shifting social standards. Human life remains more valuable than the accomplishments we can achieve in our lifetime. That measure relates to our capacity within the span of our existence. Real worth is connected to the essence of our being. Our lifestyle can make our life truly meaningful, or it can render our experience of living of little importance.
As the book of Leviticus concludes its teaching on worshiping God, we are reminded once again that God considers every matter in which we are involved. We are grateful not to be under the yoke of the law, but that does not mean we are not responsible for honoring God with all we are and have. Our time, our intellect, our possessions, and the services we can offer should be given to Him with a motivation beyond just "dos and don'ts."
Serious consequences bound the children of Israel if they made vows or committed themselves to give tithes and failed to fulfill them. Items that were sanctified could be returned, with a 20% interest payment based on the value designated by the priest. However, once something was dedicated to God, it could not be taken back or recovered in any way. It was permanently God's.
We have the privilege of offering what we have to God with a sincere heart and complete faith, and it can become worship in spirit and truth. God accepts the offering made by a young believer on the same basis as that made by a mature believer. Both are "in Christ," and both are "accepted in the Beloved." There is a difference in capacity due to the abilities developed over the years and experiences with God. Both have great value and give from their hearts with a spirit of love and gratitude for God's grace.
Laboring to be accepted by God is a noble effort. Relying on God's grace to produce in us what we can offer to Him is even more valuable. The firstborn, the first fruits, and tithes all belonged to God when the children of Israel followed the law. Out of gratitude and love, they could go beyond mere obligation to please God. They were not to make hasty vows they could not fulfill. When a vow was made, they needed to think it through carefully first.
The same applies if unexpected expenses arise. We are still required to keep the vows we make. Time given to help others or to serve in the Lord's work; possessions we've promised to donate to support a project—these are like vows that we should honor and follow through on. Some things were not acceptable then and remain unacceptable now.
Behind all these actions was an important attitude on the part of the giver. Whatever they give and whatever we give should come from a willing heart. "God loves a cheerful giver." Giving what we can to the Lord is one way we show our genuine gratitude for His blessings. Offering the Lord our cast-offs, our last bit of strength, or things we no longer need is not right. In the book of Leviticus, we learn a lot about what God is like. He is truly just. His expectations match our abilities. His commands are reasonable for a nation to follow to live honorable lives.
The principles of life and conduct are designed to provide the best possible way of life for His people. God remains the same today as He was in the past, guiding Israel through the wilderness to the promised land. His grace is enough for us. When we are weak, we can rely on His strength. Although we are not under the shadows of the law, we can offer our love, obedience, intellect, and joy to Him and be sure He accepts our worship, for He is our Father. Our blessings in Christ serve as proof of His care, interest, and grace.
God’s laws were given amid thunder, lightning, and earthquakes. The demands and ordinances of the law had to be obeyed, or there would be consequences. What was outlined earlier in this book was mandatory—ceremonies, demands, and ordinances. Now, at the end of the book—suddenly—this becomes voluntary. It is a climax fitting all that came before; God desires the hearts of His people.
People with grateful hearts worship and find happiness. The overall message is that God loves His own until the end. Do I truly love God? Answering this question is a fitting conclusion to this book of worship. Our responses to our Father in heaven may differ. His love, grace, and mercy will all evoke some reaction in everyone. Those who believe in Him will embrace these scripture verses: “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” “What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits…” “I beseech you by the mercies of God, that you present your body…”
Every believer desires to do something for the God we love. “The grace of God teaches us… live holy, righteously, and godly…” and “Do justly, love mercy, walk humbly…” We want to please Him because of our love for Him, and each act is an act of worship. Once a vow is made, it must be kept; it is mandatory, but some things cannot be vowed. The firstborn of man and beast belongs to God and cannot be pledged – it is His. Anything already vowed cannot be vowed again – it belongs to God. The tithe I give is not mine to keep – it belongs to God.
From reading Leviticus here, I see how God views a man under the law. How much greater are the blessings of God's grace, “that bringeth salvation... Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Those who love Him most sincerely want to honor and glorify Him. The law reveals our inability, lack of strength, and incapacity to fulfill God's requirements through our own effort, willpower, or rules. But through His grace, He reveals His Son in us—and we become a worshipping people. We should not be casual when we worship, even as we give God what we have. Every blessing we receive comes from Him, so how could we give what is devoted to Him without doing so with an open and willing heart?