DAILY TEXT, Today Sunday, December 24, 2023, I am Jehovah your God. Have no other gods besides me (Ex. 20:2, 3).

DAILY TEXT, Sunday December 24, 2023, I am Jehovah your God. Have no other gods besides me (Ex. 20:2, 3).

Let us examine the scriptures every day 2023

Sunday December 24

I am Jehovah your God. Have no other gods besides me (Ex. 20:2, 3).

Every Christian who wants to be holy must make sure that nothing and no one is more important than his friendship with God. And, since we call ourselves Jehovah's Witnesses, we are determined not to do anything that will tarnish his holy name (Lev. 19:12; Is. 57:15). The Israelites showed that they accepted 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 5-8, 21, and 22 talk about animal sacrifices. These were to be done in a way that would not profane “a holy thing of Jehovah.” Reading these verses should prompt us to want to please Jehovah and offer sacrifices of praise that are acceptable to him, as Hebrews 13:15 encourages us to do. w21.12 5 paras. 14, 15.

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

To be holy, we must be willing to let it be known that we are different. This is not easy, because sometimes schoolmates, coworkers, family members who are not believers, and others can pressure us to do things that interfere with our service to Jehovah. When they do, we have to make an important decision. What will help us choose well? Let's look at an interesting principle found in Leviticus 19:19, which says in part: “Do not […] put on a garment made of two kinds of thread mixed together.” This law made it clear that Israel was different from the nations that surrounded it. Nowadays, there is nothing wrong with us wearing clothes that mix, for example, cotton and polyester, or wool and rayon. But it would be wrong if we were like people who believe and practice things that are against what the Bible teaches, no matter if they are schoolmates, co-workers, or family members. Of course, we feel natural affection for our family members and 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” must have helped the Israelites see their friendship with Jehovah as the most important thing. Let's look at 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, he could not eat its fruit for three years. In the fourth year, the produce was reserved for use in God's sanctuary. It was only from the fifth year that the owner could eat the fruit of it. This law should have helped the Israelites understand that their needs did not come first. They were to trust that Jehovah would provide what they needed and give priority to serving him. He would make sure 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 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 provide us with what we need, just as he does with the 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 are eager to contribute to covering the congregation's expenses. 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 analyzing this portion of Leviticus benefited you?

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

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