The Message of Leviticus (3rd Book of Moses)

Theme: Holiness, closeness to God, and lived-out faith in everyday life

══════════════════════════════════════════════

Central Message

God is holy – and He calls His people to live holy lives as well.
Leviticus shows how people can relate to a holy God – despite their guilt.
It’s not just about sacrifices, rules, or rituals, but about a heart attitude: purity, obedience, community, and devotion.

══════════════════════════════════════════════

What is the Book of Leviticus about?

1.Sacrificial Laws (Ch. 1–7):
How sin is forgiven and how people can thank God.
The sacrifices point to Jesus, the perfect sacrifice.

2.Priestly Service (Ch. 8–10):
Aaron and his sons are appointed as priests – a picture of Jesus as our High Priest.

3,Purity Laws (Ch. 11–15):
External purity as a symbol of inner purity. God wants us to live intentionally in all areas of life.

4.The Day of Atonement (Ch. 16):
The central day of the year – forgiveness of sins for the whole nation. A prophetic reference to Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.

5.Holy Living (Ch. 17–27):
God shows what holiness in everyday life looks like: honesty, mercy, justice, purity, social responsibility, and true worship.

══════════════════════════════════════════════

Why is Leviticus still important today?

It shows how serious sin is – but also how great God’s grace is.

It helps us understand Jesus better, as many sacrifices and rituals point to Him.

It challenges us to dedicate our whole lives to God – not just on the Sabbath, but every day.

It reminds us that holiness is not a burden but an expression of love for God.

══════════════════════════════════════════════

What does Leviticus say to you personally?

“God wants to live with me – right in the middle of my everyday life.”

“He invites me to live differently – not perfectly, but wholeheartedly.”

“Holiness means aligning my thoughts, feelings, and actions with God’s heart.”

~~~~~ ~~~~~

July 16, 2025
DAILY BIBLE READING
Leviticus 1 – An Offering Pleasing to God
The Burnt Offering – A Symbol of Total Devotion

══════════════════════════════════════════════

Bible Text – Leviticus 1 (KJV)

1 And the Lord called unto Moses, and spake unto him out of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying,

² Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man of you bring an offering unto the Lord, ye shall bring your offering of the cattle, even of the herd, and of the flock.

³ If his offering be a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the Lord.

⁴ And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.

⁵ And he shall kill the bullock before the Lord: and the priests, Aaron’s sons, shall bring the blood, and sprinkle the blood round about upon the altar that is by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

⁶ And he shall flay the burnt offering, and cut it into his pieces.

⁷ And the sons of Aaron the priest shall put fire upon the altar, and lay the wood in order upon the fire:

⁸ And the priests, Aaron’s sons, shall lay the parts, the head, and the fat, in order upon the wood that is on the fire which is upon the altar:

⁹ But his inwards and his legs shall he wash in water: and the priest shall burn all on the altar, to be a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord.

¹⁰ And if his offering be of the flocks, namely, of the sheep, or of the goats, for a burnt sacrifice; he shall bring it a male without blemish.

¹¹ And he shall kill it on the side of the altar northward before the Lord: and the priests, Aaron’s sons, shall sprinkle his blood round about upon the altar.

¹² And he shall cut it into his pieces, with his head and his fat: and the priest shall lay them in order on the wood that is on the fire which is upon the altar:

¹³ But he shall wash the inwards and the legs with water: and the priest shall bring it all, and burn it upon the altar: it is a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord.

¹⁴ And if the burnt sacrifice for his offering to the Lord be of fowls, then he shall bring his offering of turtledoves, or of young pigeons.

¹⁵ And the priest shall bring it unto the altar, and wring off his head, and burn it on the altar; and the blood thereof shall be wrung out at the side of the altar:

¹⁶ And he shall pluck away his crop with his feathers, and cast it beside the altar on the east part, by the place of the ashes:

¹⁷ And he shall cleave it with the wings thereof, but shall not divide it asunder: and the priest shall burn it upon the altar, upon the wood that is upon the fire: it is a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord.

══════════════════════════════════════════════

Introduction

The Book of Leviticus begins with a powerful scene: God calls Moses from the Tent of Meeting – the place where He dwells among His people. He then gives precise instructions regarding the offerings.

Today, this might seem strange to us – sacrificing animals? Blood? Fire?
But these rituals are not empty or cruel; they are deep spiritual images.
They show how sinful people can approach a holy God.
And above all, they point to Jesus Christ – the perfect sacrifice.

══════════════════════════════════════════════

Commentary

1. Place of Encounter: The Tent of Meeting (Verse 1)
   God speaks from the sanctuary – He invites us to meet Him.
   The relationship with Him begins with His initiative.

2. The Voluntary Offering (Verses 2–3)
   God forces no one. “Whoever wants to bring an offering to the Lord…”
   The burnt offering is voluntary, yet complete.
   The animal had to be without defect – a reference to Jesus (cf. 1 Peter 1:19).

3. Laying the Hand on the Offering (Verse 4)
   The person identifies with the animal – a symbol of transferring guilt.
   Through the offering, atonement is made.

4. The Fire on the Altar (Verses 5–9)
   The animal is burned completely – nothing is left.
   The burnt offering symbolizes total devotion.
   It is a sweet aroma to the Lord – not because of the smoke, but because of the heart behind it.

5. Other Animals: Sheep, Goats, Birds (Verses 10–17)
   God makes it accessible to everyone, even the poor (e.g., doves).
   Everyone can bring an offering to God – it’s not about the value, but the intent of the heart.
   Whether rich or poor – all are invited to dedicate themselves to God.

6. Order and Purity
   The priests are to wash, arrange, and burn the offering – God is a God of order and purity.
   Nothing is random. Holiness is never accidental.

══════════════════════════════════════════════

Summary

The burnt offering represents total devotion to God.
It prophetically points to Jesus, who gave Himself fully for us.
Everyone was allowed to offer – it was accessible to all.
The offering should be voluntary, wholehearted, and done out of love.

══════════════════════════════════════════════

Message for Us Today

Even though we no longer offer animals, God still calls us to give ourselves:
Am I willing to offer myself as a living sacrifice?
Do I live with a heart that is a “sweet aroma” to God?

Romans 12:1 says:

“Offer your lives to God – as a living, holy, and pleasing sacrifice.
This is your true and proper worship.”

══════════════════════════════════════════════

Reflection Questions

What would it mean for me today to give my whole life to God?
Not just on Sundays or when it’s convenient – but in my thinking, speaking, acting, and planning?
Maybe it’s time to give the Lord not just a part, but everything.

~~~~~ ~~~~~

July 13 – 19, 2025
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING
Ellen G. White │ Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 17
Jacob’s Flight and Exile
Read online here

══════════════════════════════════════════════

Introduction

Jacob does not leave his home as a hero, but as a fugitive—not because of external enemies, but because of inner guilt. And yet, on this very path—full of fear, uncertainty, and self-doubt—God’s faithfulness is revealed in a remarkable way. Chapter 17 of Patriarchs and Prophets vividly describes how God, despite guilt and flight, not only forgives His servant but uses him to fulfill His promises.

══════════════════════════════════════════════

Commentary

1. Jacob flees – alone, afraid, and broken

Jacob leaves his parents’ home out of fear of Esau’s wrath.
He is filled with guilt and remorse, feeling abandoned—by his family and perhaps even by God.
In this solitude, he begins to pray honestly. His prayer is not prideful, but marked by humility and desperation.

2. Heaven opens – the ladder from heaven (Genesis 28)

In a dream, Jacob sees a ladder connecting heaven and earth.
Angels ascend and descend—a picture of God’s service to us.
God Himself stands above the ladder and repeats the promise made to Abraham—now it applies to Jacob!
Jacob not only receives assurance but also a promise: “I am with you… I will not leave you.”

3. Jacob awakens – from sinner to worshiper

Jacob realizes: “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it!”
He sets up a stone pillar, names the place Bethel (“House of God”), and makes a vow—not as a bargain, but out of gratitude.
He vows to remain faithful, to give a tenth, and to follow God.

4. Jacob in Haran – faithful despite disappointment

In Haran, Jacob meets his future wife Rachel.
He serves seven years—out of love, faithfully and patiently.
But Laban deceives him. Instead of Rachel, he is given Leah.
Jacob is betrayed—yet he stays.
In total, he serves 20 years, is cheated multiple times, but God blesses him despite all human injustice.

5. The return – decision in distress

Jacob realizes it’s time to return home.
He prays again—remembering God’s promise at Bethel.
God answers: “Return… I am with you.”
Laban pursues him—but God protects Jacob.
A peace covenant is made, marked with the name Mizpah – “The Lord watch between you and me.”

══════════════════════════════════════════════

Summary

Jacob begins his journey as a fugitive burdened by guilt, fear, and uncertainty. But God meets him—not with punishment, but with grace. On the difficult road into exile, Jacob grows spiritually, is shaped through trials, and ultimately remains faithful to God. A deceiver becomes a shepherd, a father, and a bearer of the promise.

══════════════════════════════════════════════

Message for Us Today

We too experience times of guilt, loneliness, and uncertainty. We may feel like failures, misunderstood, or taken advantage of. But God does not abandon us.
It is often in the deepest valleys that He reveals His faithfulness.

Jacob’s story shows us:

• God starts new journeys with broken people.

• Your past does not determine your calling.

• God is faithful to His promises—even when we fail.

══════════════════════════════════════════════

Reflection Question

• Have I ever encountered God like Jacob—in the midst of crisis?

• What is my “Bethel”? Where has God shown me His presence?

• Am I ready, like Jacob, to entrust God with my life, my gifts, and my tithe?

• What do I need to let go of today in order to follow God’s call to return?

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/16-07-2025-leviticus-chapter-1-believe-his-prophets/

16.07.2025
The Gift of Words
Words that Build or Destroy Life

──────────────── ────────────────

Bible Verse

“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.”
– Psalm 34:13

──────────────── ────────────────

Introduction

We all talk – all day long. At breakfast, at school, on WhatsApp, Insta, Snapchat, Discord, or just hanging out with friends.
Our words often just come out – without much thought.

But let’s be honest:
How many times have you said something and immediately thought, “Oh no, I really shouldn’t have said that”?
Or: How many times has someone’s sentence hurt you deeply – even if they didn’t mean it that way?

Words aren’t just harmless airwaves. They carry power.
They can build people up – or tear them down.
They can give courage – or really wound.

God gave us the gift of speech – a real gift. And today we want to take a closer, honest look:
How do we actually use this gift?
And how can we learn to use our words to bless instead of hurt?

──────────────── ────────────────

Devotional

Words can comfort, heal, and bring hope – but also destroy, wound, and divide.
David writes in Psalm 34:13 a clear instruction: “Keep your tongue from evil.” Why is that so important?

Ellen White writes in The Adventist Home, p. 435:

“The words we speak have a power far greater than we understand. They are an influence that continues like ripples on water.”

Our words are like seeds: they produce fruit – good or bad. And every one of us sows daily.
A hurtful word can be like poison that lingers. A kind word can be like healing medicine.

Jesus Himself says in Matthew 12:36:

“I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.”

That sounds serious – and it is.

So what does it mean to keep your tongue?
It doesn’t mean staying silent. It means speaking intentionally – with kindness, honesty, and love.

──────────────── ────────────────

Story – The Scars of the Nails

There was once a boy named Elias. He had a problem many teenagers face: he was impulsive and often spoke without thinking. His words were fast, sharp – and sometimes hurtful.

His father, a quiet, wise man, watched this with concern. One day, he gave Elias a bag full of nails and a hammer.

“Every time you hurt someone with your words – whether on purpose or not – go to the garden and hammer a nail into the old wooden fence behind the house.”

Elias was confused but obeyed. On the first day alone, he hammered in 37 nails.
The following days, it was still many – but slowly, the number dropped. Elias started to realize how damaging his words could be.
He began trying harder to speak calmly and think before speaking.

After a few weeks, he proudly said to his father:

“Dad, today I didn’t hammer in a single nail! I think I’ve learned to control my tongue!”

His father nodded. Then he said:

“Very good. Now, for every day you don’t hurt anyone, pull out one nail.”

Elias did as instructed. It took weeks, but eventually, the fence was nail-free.

But then his father led him to the fence and said with a serious voice:

“Look at this fence. The nails are gone – but see the holes that remain?
Those are the scars of your words.
You can remove the nail – you can apologize – but sometimes the wound remains in the heart.”

Elias lowered his head. In that moment, he understood:
Words leave marks.

──────────────── ────────────────

What can we learn from this story?

It’s not enough to just stop talking – we need to learn how to speak wisely.

A hurtful word cannot be “taken back.” Even an apology doesn’t erase every trace.

That’s why it’s so important to “keep your tongue,” as Psalm 34:13 says.

Ellen White confirms this truth:

“A careless word may wound a heart and discourage a soul. But a loving word can bring comfort where hope seems gone.”
– Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 336

──────────────── ────────────────

Reflection – What does this mean for you?

Think back for a moment: What was the last thing you said – this morning, at school, during an argument?
Did it build someone up – or tear someone down?

God calls us to speak blessing, not cursing.
He wants our words to show others that Jesus lives in us.
Ellen White says:

“The tongue that is under Christ’s control will speak gentle, healing words, spread peace, and be a light in the darkness.”
– The Ministry of Healing, p. 491

──────────────── ────────────────

Today’s Reflections

Before you speak, ask yourself: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?

Choose to encourage someone today with your words.

If you’ve hurt someone: Be brave and ask for forgiveness.

Ask God to help you guard your tongue – especially in challenging moments.

──────────────── ────────────────

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
You gave me the gift of speech – and with it, responsibility.
Help me choose my words wisely. Let my tongue speak not evil,
but truth, hope, and love.
Remind me daily that words have power –
and that through my speech, I can show that You live in me.
Give me a pure heart, so that my words will also be pure.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

──────────────── ────────────────

Takeaway Thought for Today

“Words are like seeds – be mindful of what you sow.”

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/16-07-2025-the-gift-of-words-heart-anchor-youth-devotional/