There are several ideas that are repeated many times in this short chapter. First, the Israelites were to be set apart from the people of Egypt and of Canaan by their worship of God and by following His statutes. Second, this chapter states clearly that violating these godly standards for sexual behavior is the basis for Him casting the Canaanites out of the land and giving it to the Israelites. Finally, he warns the Israelites that if they choose to violate these standards, they, too, will be cast out of the Promised Land. (SPOILER ALERT: They did and they were.)
What is even more striking is that all of these behaviors have become normalized in our society or are rapidly on their way. As they've become more and more common, we've also seen a degrading of morality and human decency in all aspects of behavior. From murderous incidents of road rage to unthinkable abuse of children, the news is filled with stories that reveal a society that is unraveling in many respects as a result of its disregard for God and His standards. After all, without those standards, "each one does what is right in his own eyes."
Even those of us who love God and seek to follow Him often fail to follow His standards. If we don't violate the particular standards in this chapter, we likely fail at the most basic commandments: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. And love your neighbor as yourself."
Instead of railing about how far our nation and our world have run from God, my prayer is that I would do a better job of showing people why they should run TO God. When I allow people to see all that God has done for me, His goodness and grace and mercy will be irresistible.
What is even more striking is that all of these behaviors have become normalized in our society or are rapidly on their way. As they've become more and more common, we've also seen a degrading of morality and human decency in all aspects of behavior. From murderous incidents of road rage to unthinkable abuse of children, the news is filled with stories that reveal a society that is unraveling in many respects as a result of its disregard for God and His standards. After all, without those standards, "each one does what is right in his own eyes."
Even those of us who love God and seek to follow Him often fail to follow His standards. If we don't violate the particular standards in this chapter, we likely fail at the most basic commandments: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. And love your neighbor as yourself."
Instead of railing about how far our nation and our world have run from God, my prayer is that I would do a better job of showing people why they should run TO God. When I allow people to see all that God has done for me, His goodness and grace and mercy will be irresistible.
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