Leviticus 16-17
Day 1 – The Seriousness of Sin
Scripture: Leviticus 10:1–2; Romans 6:23
Aaron’s sons thought they could approach God on their own terms with “strange fire.” God’s response shows us that sin is not a small issue—it is deadly. Leviticus reminds us that sin always leads to death and separation. We are often tempted to minimize sin, excuse it, or compare ourselves to others. But the holiness of God reveals the truth: sin is far more serious than we imagine.
Reflection:
- Do I tend to downplay sin in my own life?
- Where have I been making excuses instead of confessing honestly before God?
Prayer:
Holy God, remind me of the weight of sin so I may never treat lightly what cost Jesus His life.
Day 2 – The Two Goats
Scripture: Leviticus 16:7–10, 20–22; Isaiah 53:8
On the Day of Atonement, two goats were chosen. One died, its blood sprinkled to cover sin. The other was driven out into the wilderness, bearing the guilt of the people. Neither escaped judgment. Both symbolized different aspects of sin’s cost: death and separation. Together, they gave Israel a vivid picture of what Christ would one day endure for us—cut off, cursed, and condemned in our place.
Reflection:
- How does the imagery of the goats deepen my gratitude for Jesus’ sacrifice?
- Which aspect of Christ’s work do I most need to meditate on right now—His death, or His bearing my guilt away?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for being both my sin offering and my scapegoat. You bore what I deserved so I could be free.
Day 3 – The Power of the Blood
Scripture: Leviticus 17:11; Hebrews 9:22
God told His people that the life of the flesh is in the blood, and He gave it to them for atonement. Blood symbolized life offered up in place of the guilty. The pagan nations drank blood hoping to gain life, but God said life was found in blood given on the altar. That promise pointed forward to the cross, where the true blood of Jesus was shed—not as a symbol, but as the once-for-all atonement for our souls.
Reflection:
- Where am I tempted to seek “life” outside of Christ—strength, hope, or peace in substitutes instead of Him?
- Do I rest in His blood shed once for all, or do I still try to “add” to His atonement through my own efforts?
Prayer:
Father, thank You for giving the life of Your Son for my soul. Keep me from chasing counterfeits when life is found in Christ alone.
Day 4 – Paid in Full
Scripture: John 19:30; Colossians 2:13–14
Each year, Israel had to repeat the ritual of the two goats. The ledger of sin kept filling. But at the cross, Jesus declared, “It is finished.” He didn’t just cover our sins temporarily—He erased the record of debt that stood against us. If your trust is in Christ, there is nothing left on the page. Across the ledger of your life is written in His blood: Paid in Full.
Reflection:
- Am I still living as if I owe God something, or do I live in the freedom of Christ’s finished work?
- How can I remind myself this week that my debt has been canceled?
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for writing “Paid in Full” over my life. Help me walk in the joy and freedom of forgiveness.
Day 5 – A Holy People
Scripture: Leviticus 19:2; 1 Peter 1:14–16
Leviticus constantly repeats the call: “Be holy, for I am holy.” God’s people were set apart not only by rituals but by a transformed way of life. Through Christ’s blood, we are cleansed and forgiven—but also freed to live differently. Holiness is not about perfectionism or earning God’s favor. It’s about walking as people who belong to Him, letting His grace change how we speak, act, and love.
Reflection:
- What area of my life needs to change if I am to reflect God’s holiness more clearly?
- How can I pursue holiness this week not out of fear, but out of gratitude for Christ’s finished work?
Prayer:
Lord, make me holy as You are holy. Shape me by Your Spirit so my life reflects the grace I have received in Christ.