Why is it important to remember God's commands as stated in Leviticus 16:34? Setting the Scene: Leviticus 16:34 “This is to be a permanent statute for you, so that atonement may be made for the Israelites once a year because of all their sins. And all this was done as the LORD commanded Moses.” Why Remember This Command? • Permanent statute—God labels it “permanent,” signaling unchanging authority (cf. Psalm 119:89). • Atonement centerpiece—keeps the people mindful that sin demands blood and that God Himself provides the remedy (Hebrews 9:7). • Yearly rhythm—builds a calendar of grace, preventing forgetfulness (Exodus 12:14). • Obedience modeled—Israel “did as the LORD commanded,” demonstrating that true faith acts (James 2:26). • Covenant continuity—ties each generation to the same holy standard (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). Remembering Reinforces Holiness • God’s holiness calls for the people’s holiness (Leviticus 11:45; 1 Peter 1:15-16). • Regular remembrance keeps sin’s seriousness before the heart (Psalm 51:3). • The sacrifice points forward to Christ, “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Remembering Guards Against Drift • Forgetting God’s works breeds rebellion (Psalm 106:13). • A set memorial acts like spiritual guardrails, steering lives back to truth. • It anchors identity in God’s redemption rather than in surrounding cultures (Romans 12:2). Remembering Anticipates the Perfect Atonement in Christ • The annual ritual was “a shadow of the good things to come” (Hebrews 10:1). • Christ entered “once for all into the Most Holy Place... having obtained eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:12). • Believers now remember through the Lord’s Supper: “Do this in remembrance of Me” (1 Corinthians 11:24-25). Remembering Shapes Community Identity • Shared obedience unifies the congregation around God’s covenant (Numbers 15:40). • Remembrance cultivates gratitude: “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits” (Psalm 103:2-3). • It maintains a distinct witness among the nations (Deuteronomy 4:6-8). Practical Ways to Remember God’s Commands Today • Read and rehearse Scripture aloud in family and congregational settings. • Mark the church calendar with occasions highlighting Christ’s atonement (e.g., Good Friday, Communion services). • Memorize key verses that underscore holiness and grace (Psalm 119:11). • Teach children the storyline of redemption, connecting Leviticus to the cross. • Practice obedience in daily decisions, letting remembrance move from mind to action (John 14:15). |
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