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lev 26

Read chapter 26 of Leviticus this morning (cf Deut 28-29) re the blessings and judgments of covenant faithfulness, and unfaithfulness, respectively. Some observations:

--God seriously desires trust, humility and obedience from his people.

--He desires to bless his people with good relationships and joyful prosperity in his land.

--The punishments for disobedience come in stages, lesser to greater, which is evidence that they are intended to turn the people back to himself. His desire is restoration.

--Confession, repentance and restitution restore relation with God. He is faithful to his covenant and will not abandon his people.

--God cares for his creation and wants the land to have its sabbath rest. Creation is not to be abused.

--Only Jesus can fulfill completely what is expected in terms of obedience and righteousness before God. The older covenant gives way to the New. Jesus' nature miracles (e.g. feeding the 5000 where all ate and were satisfied) are evidences of this. These miracles are foreshadowings of creation blessing to come in the new heavens and new earth, "wherein righteousness dwells".

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