Expecting Rain

Leviticus 26:1-13

God forbids idols, images, sacred stones, or carved stones for bowing down to. He commands Sabbath observances and reverence for the sanctuaries.

So in a world overrun with television, photo albums, facebook, and trinkets (and that's just in my house) what qualifies as an idol? Is the literal worshiping of it the key- or were sculptors of the day not admired for their talent? And what does it all mean for us?

He goes on to tell them what's in it for them if they comply.

1. Rain. Lots of it. Enough to keep the crops coming. They'll have all the food they want. He says they'll still be eating last year's harvest when they have to move it out to make room for this year's. Grapes are specifically mentioned, so perhaps they'll not be thirsty either.

2. Safety. Lots of it. God will give them peace in the land. They won't need to be afraid when they sleep. If they have enemies, the enemies will not be victorious. Five Israelites are enough to match up with 100 of the enemy. 100 could chase off 10,000.

3. Virility. They'll be fruitful-and God will keep His covenant with them.

4. His love. God's dwelling place will be among them. He will walk among them. And in a huge case of understatement- or perhaps an issue in translation... He won't abhor them.

This last bit is kinda scary. Obey me and I won't hate you. This is a bit different than the "God is love" description we get later on. However, pre-Jesus, this God of fear and trembling paints a quite imposing picture.

And on the eve of Easter, perhaps it really illustrates what our fate would be before our maker were it not for our Savior putting our shortcomings on his shoulders.