Worship and holiness
Leviticus 11:1~12 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Say to the Israelites: ‘Of all the animals that live on land, these are the ones you may eat.’” (1~2)
Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #621 Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine (#204 in previous version)
The Bible speaks of many things, but ultimately only explains one thing. The Israelites failed because they did not know this one thing, and although they possessed thousands of things, without this one thing, they could not overcome disasters. The core of the Gospel God gave to us is Christ. Even in commanding the Israelites to live centered on the tabernacle, God simply wanted them to live within the mystery of Christ. You must know this accurately to properly understand today’s passage. As someone with the covenant, what must I do?
1. Be victorious centered on Christ
God’s desire is to save His people through Jesus Christ. Satan’s wish is to give you everything and take Christ from you. What would happen if you have everything except Christ? Losing all other things but gaining Christ is the greatest blessing. Peter, who accurately confessed this truth, received the greatest blessing (Matthew 16:13~20). In turn, this becomes your true confession of faith, the forces of darkness are bound, and you will enjoy the status and authority of a child of God.
2. Be victorious when you are alone during worship
The Scripture explains not to eat just anything. The holiness described in the passage is beneficial, but it is only for health purposes and has nothing to do with salvation. It is vital that you understand the Gospel properly from this. Sins, big or small, approach people as disasters and you cannot avoid them. The original sin that came from Adam and has nothing to do with me is controlling mankind and is unsolvable with the strength and efforts of man. Holiness towards the Lord is only possible when you are enjoying Christ and it is crucial to enjoy the blessing of worship when you are alone.
3. Be victorious with a mystery that others do not possess
It may seem like the same path of the wilderness, but you must enjoy the mystery that others do not know. The tabernacle signifies Christ. The day you truly accept Christ as your Lord, the forces of darkness will crumble. This truth is not something everyone can understand just because it is eloquently phrased. Hence, Christ is the mystery of God. Quietly enjoying this mystery in your field is your given authority. My status is one who has been entrusted with this mystery.
- Do I possess the mystery others do not know? Examine and meditate on what Jesus Christ has to do with you and if you are really focused on Jesus.
Immanuel Church Sunday Worship 1st Service / 2011.3.27