Read Leviticus 18:1-30
Do you think it helped that God reminded them more than once that he was the LORD, their God? Why such emphasis? I imagine it was because he wanted their attention because he was going to start talking about sex. That was a hot button topic then as well, especially considering the fact God wanted them to be set apart from the culture they had left (Egypt) and the one they would soon enter (Canaan).
God knew that his model for sex was different than the world’s view and practice. You may notice right off the bat that God speaks of multiple partners. He thought of everything, certainly, but in that culture it was not uncommon for men to have multiple wives. This is known as polygamy, and according to Google it is illegal in most countries and is the practice of only about 2% of the global population. In our day, with the prevalence of divorce, people will often have more than one spouse during a lifetime, just not at the same time.
Did any of these “forbidden” sexual unions surprise you? Maybe there was a combination that went unspoken. It’s quite an exhaustive list. While God’s message is directed to the Israelites and foreigners living among them, I can’t help but think it should apply to us all. Why? Because these acts were found to be detestable to God then. Why should we think God has changed his mind? He gave his beloved people these expectations about how they should use their bodies. Shouldn’t we pay attention because we are his precious children?
That’s a big question, I know. But to see the words defiled, wicked and detestable, knowing that’s how God views these practices, doesn’t sound too enticing does it? That is, unless you have always been the rebel child. I lived plenty of years of pushing the limits to know that is NOT the way, my friends. The more I get to know Jesus and his love for me, the more I am disgusted by some of my past behaviors. That’s okay, because they are forgiven. I am free because I trust in Jesus. Here’s what it says in Galatians 5:1, “So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.”
Right there, we’re getting the message to not necessarily get stuck in all the laws and regulations we’ve been reading in Leviticus. However, for me, I take these verses very seriously as what is acceptable to God. People may say God doesn’t enforce this kind of decree. Yet I say, why provoke or disappoint him. God gives us the freedom to choose our path while hoping every second we make the right choice.
Sex is a big deal in our society. I’m only reflecting on God’s word, the LORD of my life. God wanted the attention of his people then. To disobey him then would bring all sorts of results, but never glory to God like he craves.
Let’s pray. Thank you, Lord, for the gift of sex. While there seems to be so much confusion in our day in this area, I pray for people to grasp your intention here whether it applies to us or not. I never want to do anything that disappoints you, even though I stumble every day in one way or another. Forgive me, LORD, and I thank you for your mercy and grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
