Read Leviticus 17:1-16
Don’t drink blood–we’re not vampires! We know vampires aren’t real, but who else would be a fan of a blood cocktail? God’s intention here is to caution us from consuming something we shouldn’t. Our passage repeats the reason for refraining from ingesting blood, which is, the life is in the blood.
Of note, these regulations call out all native Israelites and foreigners living among them. This is a rule included in the Old Covenant. The restrictions set out here are not simply a suggestion either, are they? If someone ignores this counsel, they will be removed, “cut off from the community.” God’s message is to be taken seriously. Can you imagine being removed from everything you have ever known?
Prohibiting sacrifices other than by a priest assures that nobody will slip into pagan practices. You might think of it like this. Because life is in the blood, pagans greedily want to drink it thinking they’ll have a better life. For believers, knowing the life is in the blood, we know that life belongs to God, not us, and is to be dedicated to God.
It’s all about keeping an attitude of holiness and obedience to God. We’re called to shut out distractions contrary to God’s plan. Since the life is in the blood, the priests have been adequately prepared to handle the blood as God intends. Again, those people who disobey will be penalized by being cut off from the community.
That may seem like a steep penalty. It’s possible our own sinfulness may not cut us off from God or our community of believers, but it does separate us. That’s why we need a Savior to rescue our wandering hearts and minds. Looking back, cherish every moment you can see God’s fingerprints all over your life.
One last question to ponder. How does the handling of blood in this chapter affect how you reflect on the blood Jesus shed for you?
Let’s pray. Lord, my life is in you, my life is in you. Thank you for bringing me to this moment. I acknowledge that there is life in the blood. I want to dedicate my life to serving you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
