Read Leviticus 11:1-46
We’ve entered a new section of this law book to speak of the problem of uncleanliness and what to do about it. In our day, we tend to think of “unclean” in terms of hygiene or sanitation.
It’s hard for us to wrap our minds around this concept and why God would find it so important to reveal to his people. When something is unclean in the Biblical sense, it has only to do with a person’s relationship with God and not the extent of germs present.
The LORD chose the priests to be the judges of what was clean and unclean. Their job description keeps expanding, doesn’t it? While we don’t necessarily understand fully the extent of the importance here, suffice it to say the issue of clean and unclean was somehow an important aspect in the people’s ability to worship God. The act of worshiping was seen as involving much more than church attendance.
To be ready and able to worship, one needed to present themselves clean and prepared to focus on God and not matters of the world. Knowing the connection to worship helps us a bit in understanding the idea of clean and unclean. One could not be holy and set apart for God if they were unclean or exposed to unclean things, including certain foods.
Today’s reading about clean and unclean things speaks of which animals the people were allowed to eat. The list is clear, but we are given no reason “why” certain animals were found to be detestable. Perhaps it was something to do with avoiding pagan lifestyle choices. God’s people were chosen and set apart, and their diet was one of those distinctions.
What did you think about the animal options mentioned? I’d be missing shrimp for sure, not to mention crab and lobster on those “special” occasions. I think the main idea is that our food choices should not interfere with our time with God. I just wish we had been told why these certain animals were detestable.
This is one of those instances in Scripture when we don’t understand how it applies to us. God is definitely moving, but not in a direction we recognize in terms of food. We have to trust the Holy Spirit to give us the message we need to hear. When things are detestable to God, are they detestable to you?
Let’s pray. Holy Spirit, give me the discernment I need to navigate this world. I never want to do something that is detestable to you. Help me to push aside all troubles that keep me from focusing 100% on you. If there is a message for me today, I will listen. Renew my spirit today and refresh me to do your work. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
