Blessings, Curses, and Redemption

Introduction

Leviticus is a book that many bypass. It contained the nuances of the Law, the details of the covenant

27 chapters of rules, regulations, and more than a few embarrassing topics (18,20)

The book outlines how to worship, serve, and obey God

Speaks most directly to the priests

The next to last chapter (26) provides motivation for God’s people to remain faithful

The consequences are a direct result of the people’s level of faithfulness

Blessings — vv. 3-13

Blessings are the bestowal of God’s favor

Blessings come from faithful obedience to the Lord and his commands

Curses — vv. 14-39

Curses are the result of faithlessness or disobedience, either walking away from covenant relationship with God or defying his commands

We think of curses as witchcraft of black magic, but that is not what it is. Curses are really just a removal of God’s favor

Redemption — vv. 40-46

God, knowing the wayward heart of man, made a provision for a restoration of his favor

When his people repented and returned to relationship and obedience, his blessing or favor returned.

A primary part of redemption was the required the shedding of blood

While his people returned to God’s favor, many of the earthly consequences of their sin remained

Conclusion: lessons for us all

As Christians, New Testaments priests in Jesus, the Levitical laws provide an archetype, a foreshadowing of the coming of Jesus

God desires to bless his people

Our disobedience can remove his blessings

Returning requires repentance and is possible due to Jesus’ shed blood

We reap what we sow