Understanding the relevance of Leviticus for today can be hard. Yet the laws God laid down were for the people’s own good. Many of the news stories this week show the damage that is done when people don’t obey them.
I don’t think anyone thought the robbery of £40 million worth of jewellery was acceptable – it was stealing. And the possible release of the Lockerbie bomber and the publication of the name of Baby P’s mother remind us of crimes that show profoundly the abuse that happens when we fail to love our neighbour, when we oppress and murder.
Our concern to see justice done for crimes such as these demonstrates that we recognise God’s laws are a good thing.
Meanwhile the recession is now affecting nearly 1 million under-25s who are facing unemployment. Isn’t this largely the result of economic greed and injustice, something else we read about this week?
And in Burma we’ve witnessed the injustice of the further detention of Aung San Suu Kyi, which prompted international outrage.
For all of us, though, this week’s readings highlight that no matter how hard we try, we can never perfectly keep God’s laws. And the sacrifices the people offered were never going to be sufficient to pay for their sins.
This week’s news stories highlight horrific crimes and horrendous injustice. We may not carry out such acts, but we all need the atoning blood of Jesus to make us right before God. None of us can reach his standard on our own.
Let’s remember, too, why he gives his commands: for our good and for the benefit of society, because he loves us.
Susannah Clark
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