What does Leviticus 19:6 teach about the importance of following God's instructions? “It must be eaten that same day you offer it, or the next day; and anything left until the third day must be burned up.” What the Specific Rule Shows about God’s Expectations • God’s instructions are detailed on purpose; holiness is expressed in the particulars. • Acceptance of the sacrifice hinges on following those particulars exactly (v. 5–7). • The command guards worship from drifting into human convenience or carelessness. Reasons Obedience Matters in This Verse • Reveals reverence—treating what is holy as truly set apart (v. 8). • Protects the community—disobedience brings separation (“cut off,” v. 8). • Displays trust—doing it God’s way, not our own (cf. Proverbs 3:5–6). • Mirrors God’s character—He is orderly, precise, and pure (cf. 1 Corinthians 14:33). Consequences of Disregarding the Instruction (v. 7–8) • Sacrifice becomes “tainted…will not be accepted.” • The offender “will bear his iniquity,” carrying personal guilt. • He “shall be cut off from his people,” losing covenant fellowship. Broader Biblical Echoes • 1 Samuel 15:22 – “To obey is better than sacrifice.” • Deuteronomy 12:32 – “You shall not add to it or take away from it.” • John 14:15 – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • James 1:22 – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” Practical Takeaways for Today • Approach God’s commands—even those that seem minor—with humble attentiveness. • Resist the urge to edit or delay obedience; partial compliance is disobedience. • Remember that holy things (worship, Scripture, the Lord’s Table) must never be treated casually. • Let exact obedience flow from gratitude, not mere rule-keeping—His accepted sacrifice for us in Christ (Hebrews 10:10) motivates wholehearted faithfulness. |
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