Devotionals

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LEVITICUS AND SPIRITUAL GIFTS
By Henry Jaegers

An interesting approach in studying the book of Leviticus would be to do so with the approach of how each spiritual gift might approach this book. The problem with Leviticus is that no one, no matter what gifts they have, is challenged to attempt an exposition of this book. But then, someone may attempt to use this spiritual gift method of interpreting Leviticus. If so, this is what might happen.

Teaching: The teacher would examine everything in great detail. He might get so involved in presenting the details that he might overlook the capacity of his hearers to understand and lose them if his approach is too long. He sometimes fails to realize that others might not be so taken up with the numerous details he is presenting. Perhaps maybe a person with a gift of teaching along with a sanguine temperament might present an interesting lecture.. There would be no doubt that the teacher would bring out the details that others might miss and for this it would be an advantage especially if he kept his presentation brief.(Long discourses work better if they are presented in one or two brief sessions.)

Prophecy: the prophet would spend a lot of time in personal study in order to declare truth not obvious by all the various details. His motivation is to see the message from God's point of view and declare truth not apparent in the text. This writer has the gift of prophecy and understands what is required to present truth that motivates people to action. The prophet does not spend a lot of time with intricate details but gets to the point quickly giving an overview to the details. He will not pad the message to avoid hurting anyone's feelings and has a tendency at times to give too much truth which others are not ready for.


Exhortation: The exhorter, much like the prophet, will not spend time examining all the details except in a manner that would encourage and build up others. He is not caustic as the prophet might be, but is careful in how he presents truth. His approach may be more topical in that it would look throughout the book to find encouraging words and not dwell too much on the negative. The encourager would be careful to present steps of action to produce a more positive outcome. He might dwell for a longer period, using truths, with the motivation to help others more clearly understand God's intention. The exhorter is an encourager and that would be his approach: To use the book of Leviticus to encourage others. .He would be comfortable in presenting the restoration message to show men how God has made harmony possible.


Service: The server’s favorite portion of Leviticus would be in the meal (or grain offering) found in the second chapter. This speaks integrity of our service to God. The grain represents the produce of the land through cultivation and hard work. It gives honor to God for His provision and represents man’s energies in producing it. It is a picture of man’s labors and God’s gracious provision in enabling the man to have something to offer. It reveals a harmony between man and God pictured through the meal offering. He might spend time explaining how detail is important in our daily service to God. Giving God the greatest effort plus the greatest quality should characterize the true servant.

Mercy: The merciful person would first consider the great love of God in providing a freedom from guilt produced by the Law. Reconciliation and peace with God would dominate his message. He has the ability to look beyond what may appear to be legalistic and see the purposes of God as displayed by the rituals. God’s love and forgiveness would be his main emphasis in Leviticus. God’s dealing with the sick in dealing with leprousy, would also capture his attention.

Ruling: Throughout the book of Leviticus leadership appointed by God is clearly spelled out. The section regarding the office of the priesthood and their responsibilities is given prominence. The leader would discover how God intends leadership to function and would discover Godly principles applicable to modern society. Especially interesting to the leader is the order in which the offerings are presented and their sequence.

Giving: The subject of giving is the central teaching of the book. It begins with God’s provision for man to find release from the guilt which his sin produces. The book of Leviticus is a book of God’s Love shown by allowing a substitute for man’s sin. Man offers to God the required sacrifice and receives, in exchange forgiveness and release from his guilt. Both God’s gift and Man’s as well are emphasized in the offerings.

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