Why is obedience to God's commands in Leviticus 7:22 important for believers? The context: Leviticus 7:22–23 “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Speak to the Israelites, saying, “You must not eat any of the fat of an ox, a sheep, or a goat.”’ ” Why this matters: hearing and heeding God’s voice – Verse 22 reminds us that every instruction begins with “the LORD said.” – When the Creator speaks, His words carry absolute authority (Psalm 33:9). – Obedience, therefore, is a response of trust, not mere ritual (Deuteronomy 6:24). Reflecting God’s holiness – God’s command concerning fat highlights His separateness and purity (Leviticus 20:26). – Believers are called to mirror that holiness: “but just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:15–16). – Even seemingly small details teach us that nothing in life is outside His lordship. Living as a set-apart people – Israel’s diet distinguished them from pagan nations; obedience marked them as God’s own (Leviticus 11:44–45). – Today, faithful living still sets believers apart: “Do not be conformed to this world” (Romans 12:2). – Obedience becomes a visible testimony of belonging to Christ (Matthew 5:16). Honoring the sacrificial system, foreshadowing Christ – The fat of the peace offerings was burned for God alone (Leviticus 3:16); eating it would profane the sacrifice. – This respect pointed ahead to the perfect sacrifice of Jesus, whose offering is never to be treated lightly (Hebrews 10:29). – When we obey, we honor the finished work of the cross that those offerings anticipated. Love expressed through obedience – Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). – Love is not sentimental; it is demonstrated by aligning life with His revealed will (1 John 5:3). Practical takeaways for believers today • Cultivate a listening heart—approach Scripture expecting to obey. • Treat every area of life, even diet and daily habits, as belonging to God. • Let obedience become a distinctive witness in a culture of self-rule. • Remember that honoring Christ’s sacrifice means reverencing the smallest of His commands (Matthew 5:19). • Rejoice that commands are gifts meant “for our good always” (Deuteronomy 6:24). |
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