February 28

Leviticus 22:17-23:44, Mark 9:30-10:12, Psalm 44:1-8, Proverbs 10:19

Pray: We learn what sacrifices are about in Leviticus as God’s people are to take their sin seriously. Perhaps our contemporary culture has slighted this reality and we do not take our sin seriously. In fact, we don’t even blush anymore when suggestive pictures or scenes at movies reveal way too much for the imagination. Let us pray that we might have eyes to see today, not judgmental eyes but honest eyes to see ourselves as we are, not how we like to be seen.

Read: Our Old Testament passage today speaks truth into the vital importance of two sacred observances: 1) The Day of Atonement and 2) Marriage. Everyone is to fast and sacrifice on the day of Atonement and it is clear that no one is to work on this sacred day. In fact, God’s penalty for such is quite severe. Marriage too has been treated in a trite way by our culture and even by folk in the church. Yes, there are some irreconcilable differences to be sure, yet all too often we have conjured up phrases like, “No fault divorce” which is a lie for we all have sinned and fallen short of God’s will. What is vital is that when people have gone through a divorce that she and he make every effort to learn from mistakes and shortcomings which have contributed to their separation and divorce. Sacrifice is to be observed in both the Day of Atonement/Good Friday for Christians and in living out vows of marriage.

Edify: Marriage is a sacred institution. It has been under attack since its very inception. Notice the story in the Garden of Eden had the serpent/tempter, speaking to Eve alone. Yet, when it came time to eat of the fruit she and Adam were together. The Mosaic law does allow for divorce. If a husband gives a written note in front of two witnesses this makes it legal. Yet, Jesus lifts up scriptural authority here and says, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife.” There is a definitive reality that God holds marriage in a sacred trust and those who violate it for their very own selfish desires will suffer the consequences. The scripture says, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her.” This goes to the intent of why a man is leaving the wife of his youth. What can we do to honor the sacredness of marriage as followers of Christ while being careful not to condemn those who have been divorced? Always remember that the truth is to help us own our mistakes and grace is to help us overcome our mistakes.

Practice: Today, how can you begin to practice sacrificial love towards those whom you are in covenant with? If you are a parent, a child or sibling, how can you love others first and yourself second or third? If you are married, how can you love sacrificially?