DAILY TEXT, Today Thursday January 19, 2023, Do not profane the name of your God (Lev. 19:12).

DAILY TEXT, Today Thursday January 19, Do not profane the name of your God (Lev. 19:12).

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2023

Thursday January 19

Do not profane the name of your God (Lev. 19:12).

Sometimes others may pressure us to do things that interfere with our service to Jehovah. When they do, we have an important decision to make. Let's look at an interesting principle found at Leviticus 19:19, which says in part: "Do not . . . put on a garment made of two kinds of mixed thread." This law made it clear that Israel was different from the nations around it. Nowadays, there is nothing wrong with wearing clothes that mix, for example, cotton and polyester, or wool and rayon. But it would be wrong if we looked like people who believe and practice things that go against what the Bible teaches. Sure, we feel natural affection for our family members and we show love to the people around us. But when we have to make important decisions, we are willing to show that Jehovah's servants are different. If we want to be holy, it is imperative that we be set apart for God (2 Cor. 6:14-16; 1 Pet. 4:3, 4). w21.12 5 par. 14; 6 para. 16.

LET US STRENGTHEN OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH JEHOVAH

What essential truth stands out throughout the 19th chapter of Leviticus?

Leviticus chapter 19 repeatedly mentions an essential truth that will help us to remain holy. Verse 4 ends by saying, "I am Jehovah your God." These words or similar ones are found 16 times in this chapter. This reminds us of the first of the Ten Commandments, which says: “I am Jehovah your God . . . Do not have other gods besides me” (Ex. 20:2, 3). Every Christian who wants to be a saint must make sure that nothing and no one is more important than his friendship with God. And because we call ourselves Jehovah's Witnesses, we are determined to do nothing to tarnish his holy name (Lev. 19:12; Is. 57:15).

What should the verses in Leviticus 19 that speak of sacrifices prompt us to do?

The Israelites demonstrated their acceptance of Jehovah as their God by obeying his laws. Leviticus 18:4 says: “Keep my judicial decisions, and walk according to my statutes and obey them. I am Jehovah your God.” Chapter 19 includes some of these statutes that he gave to the nation of Israel. For example, verses 5 to 8, 21 and 22 talk about animal sacrifices. These were to be done in a way that did not desecrate "a holy thing of Jehovah." Reading these verses should prompt us to want to please Jehovah and offer him sacrifices of praise that are acceptable to him, as Hebrews 13:15 encourages us to do.

What principle in Leviticus 19 reminds us that those who serve God are different from other people?

To be saints, we must be willing to let it be known that we are different. This is not easy, for sometimes schoolmates, coworkers, non-believing family members, and others can pressure us to do things that interfere with our service to Jehovah. When they do, we have an important decision to make. What will help us choose well? Let's look at an interesting principle found at Leviticus 19:19, which says in part: "Do not . . . put on a garment made of two kinds of mixed thread." This law made it clear that Israel was different from the nations around it. Nowadays, there is nothing wrong with wearing clothes that mix, for example, cotton and polyester, or wool and rayon. But it would be wrong if we looked like people who believe and practice things that are against what the Bible teaches, no matter if they are schoolmates, coworkers, or family members. Sure, we feel natural affection for our family members and we show love to the people around us. But when we have to make important decisions, we are willing to show that Jehovah's servants are different. Let us remember that, if we want to be holy, it is essential that we be separated for God (2 Cor. 6:14-16; 1 Pet. 4:3, 4).

What valuable lesson does Leviticus 19:23-25 ​​teach us?

The phrase “I am Jehovah your God” should have helped the Israelites see their friendship with Jehovah as most important. Let's see one way they could do it according to Leviticus 19:23-25 ​​(read it). Let's think about what these words meant to the Israelites after they entered the Promised Land. If someone planted a fruit tree, they could not eat its fruit for three years. In the fourth year, the produce was reserved for use in the sanctuary of God. It was only from the fifth year that the owner could eat its fruit. This law should have helped the Israelites understand that their needs did not come first. They had to trust that Jehovah would provide what they needed and give priority to his service. He would see to it that they did not lack food. And God encouraged them to make generous donations to the sanctuary, which was the center of their worship.

The law of Leviticus 19:23-25 ​​reminds us of the words that Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount: “Stop worrying […] about what you are going to eat and drink.” And he added: “Your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.” God will give us what we need, just as he does with birds (Matt. 6:25, 26, 32). We trust that Jehovah will take care of us. In addition, we help those in need with discretion and we are waiting to contribute to cover the expenses of the congregation. Jehovah notices our acts of generosity and will repay us (Matt. 6:2-4). If we are generous, we will show that we have understood the lessons of Leviticus 19:23-25.

How has your discussion of this portion of Leviticus benefited you?

Our analysis of various verses in Leviticus chapter 19 has taught us several things we can do to be holy like Jehovah. When we follow his example, we show that we are striving to be holy in all our conduct (1 Pet. 1:15). Many people who do not serve Jehovah have noticed our good conduct. Some have even been moved to give glory to Jehovah (1 Pet. 2:12). Now, Leviticus chapter 19 has many more lessons for us. The following article will analyze more verses and help us to see other areas of our life in which we can be holy, as the apostle Peter said.

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