SUMMARY: Separate
OVERVIEW: God distinguishes between clean and unclean animals. While there were potential health reasons for these instructions, there was a spiritual principle of separating oneself from things other nations might do.
BIG IDEA: A disciplined life is a healthy life.
KEY VERSE: Leviticus 11:45 (God to the Israelites)
For I, the Lord, am the one who brought you up from the land of Egypt, that I might be your God. Therefore, you must be holy because I am holy.
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
My child, all food is clean for you today. Eat freely. Eat joyfully. Use the table to meet with friends, make friends, or spend time with me. Celebrate and remember over a meal, strategize and dream dreams, or mourn with family members. Let food strengthen your physical body. There are no longer spiritual rules of what you can or cannot eat. Dietary laws had a physical and spiritual purpose, but Jesus’ life and sacrifice fulfilled the law.
However, separate yourself from sin. Follow me as I lead you. I will empower you to live for me. Choose to follow me, even at the expense of how others may treat you. Israel’s food laws were a visual separation from how others lived. Other people knew who followed me by how they ate. I want people to know you follow me by how you live, how you speak, how you conduct yourself in everyday life. Living for me is a way you can express love for me.
NEXT STEP
Are there certain habits you need to stop (or start) to reveal your identity as a follower of Jesus? Pick one and ask a friend or family member to help you come up with a plan. Don’t strive to be perfect, but strive to show your love for God.
MUSIC VIDEO
BONUS Video Clip