Contemplative Bible Reading

Leviticus 18:3 (New Living Translation)

3 So do not act like the people in Egypt, where you used to live, or like the people of Canaan, where I am taking you. You must not imitate their way of life.

God is speaking to the people through Moses. What follows is a list of basic, practical things that people do that God abhors. People back in Egypt did these things. People in the land of Canaan do these things. God’s people, however, were different. They were chosen. They were not to do these things. Don’t imitate these other peoples.

Read on in this chapter of Leviticus. Most of these practices are about sexual relations with a close relative. Those relations cause envy, hatred, strife, murder, and all sorts of things that destroy the lives of people. The short-term pleasure of some sex for one person is nothing compared to the long-term pain that will come to many persons. Don’t engage in it.

But, but , but…nothing. Don’t engage in it. It will destroy you and many others.

Such commands from God are typical. Yes, it is humanly possible to do this or that or the other thing. Yes, it might be “fun” for a little while. No, it isn’t good for you. God created mankind. God knows mankind. God does not want to see the creation destroy itself. God created us for a much better purpose than self-destruction.

Please God, help me in my unbelief.