Focal Passages: Leviticus 26:3-13, 40-42, 45
In Leviticus 26, God promises three blessings for those who walk in His statutes. They include: fruitfulness, His continual presence and restoration. Each of these blessings is contingent on us walking in holiness.
In the first blessing God promises to provide a fruitful harvest (26:3-10). In Israel’s day the need for rain was crucial for the fields and trees to yield its fruit. God promised Israel if they would walk in statutes He would provide the rain and the fruit would come in its season. The New Testament has a parallel thought for those who walk with the Lord. Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from you can do nothing” (John 15:5 ESV).
In the second blessing, God promises His continued presence among those who walk in His ways (26:11-13). Unlike the pagan gods of Israel’s day, God promised to be with his people if they obeyed His commands. That promise is still true today. The scripture says that Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).
Third, God promises restoration for those who find themselves in sin and under God’s discipline if they will repent and confess it to Him (26:40-42, 45). I experienced the reality of this promise many years ago in my early 20’s. As a Christian I wanted to have things my way and walked in a season of disobedience. God, in His mercy, disciplined me. There were several months where I felt I was in a spiritual quarantine. As I repented of my sin, God spoke to my heart through His Word. This is what He said, “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields a peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Heb. 12:11). After reading that passage, I knew God loved me enough to discipline me that I might enjoy His very best for my life.
Do you want God’s blessings? If so, it starts with walking in holiness.