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Leviticus - Sandy 1
Sermon Summary
Sandy emphasises that God's desire is for us to draw near to Him through Jesus, who is the ultimate sacrifice, and encourages us to approach Him with humility, obedience, and a heart set apart for His holiness.
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Leviticus sits at the heart of the Torah, not by accident, but by divine design. It is a book overflowing with the words of God, and at its centre is the Day of Atonement—a foreshadowing of what Jesus would ultimately accomplish for us. The structure and detail of Leviticus may seem overwhelming, but just as we learn the rules of the road to drive, these laws were given so that God’s people could truly live with Him. The tabernacle, built according to God’s instructions, was a visual reminder of Eden and a pointer to the future kingdom, but even after its completion, the people could not enter God’s presence without the right “keys.” The glory of God’s fire both attracted and warned, showing that His holiness is beautiful, good, and dangerous.
God’s desire from the beginning has been to dwell with His people in harmony and partnership. Yet, humanity’s mistrust and disobedience led to separation—symbolised by cherubim and a flaming sword guarding Eden’s entrance. The real barrier was not just sin, but death itself, the consequence of turning from God. Only God could resolve this, and so He initiated a way for His people to draw near: through offerings and sacrifices, which were not arbitrary rituals but relational acts. Some offerings were “thank you” gifts, celebrating God’s goodness, while others were “I’m sorry” offerings, acknowledging brokenness and seeking restoration.
The opening verses of Leviticus reveal God’s intimate call to Moses, and by extension, to each of us. God calls us by name, inviting us into a relationship. The act of bringing an offering—literally, “drawing near with a draw-near thing”—was a full-bodied, participatory experience. The unblemished animal symbolised wholeheartedness and purity, and only what was whole could pass through the fire of God’s holiness. God’s mercy is seen in His willingness to accept a substitute, preferring forgiveness over destruction.
Leviticus also sets Israel apart from surrounding nations, not just in ritual but in lifestyle, ethics, and community. Their sacrifices, laws, and way of life were rooted in God’s character, not in appeasing or manipulating Him. Today, we are called to be distinct, not by external rituals, but by our love, humility, and nearness to God. Jesus is now our temple, priest, and sacrifice—the ultimate “draw near thing.” Through Him, we are invited to approach God boldly, to humble ourselves, and to live lives marked by His holiness and grace.
Key Takeaways
- 1. God’s Holiness Is Both Beautiful and Dangerous: Holiness is not merely a distant attribute but a living reality that both attracts and warns. Like fire, it is good and life-giving when approached rightly, but dangerous if treated casually. Holiness is about proximity—God desires us near, but only on His terms, which are always for our good. To draw near is to recognise both the wonder and the seriousness of His presence.
- 2. Drawing Near Requires God’s Provision, Not Our Performance: The way back into God’s presence is not something we can engineer or earn. The offerings and sacrifices in Leviticus were God’s gracious provision, not human inventions. They point to the reality that only God can make us “fireproof”—able to stand in His holy presence—ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, who is both the offering and the one who brings us near.
- 3. Intimacy with God Is Rooted in Hearing and Obeying: God’s call to Moses—“and He called”—is deeply personal and relational. True intimacy with God is not just about hearing His voice, but responding in obedience. Moses’ life was marked by this pattern: God spoke, Moses obeyed. This is the essence of relationship with God—listening, trusting, and acting on His word.
- 4. Our Distinctiveness Flows from God’s Character, Not Religious Ritual: Israel was set apart by more than just sacrifices; their entire way of life—how they ate, lived, and treated others—was to reflect God’s holiness. Being “holy” means being different because we belong to God, not because of external rules. Today, our distinctiveness is seen in our love, humility, and the way we embody God’s presence in the world.
- 5. Jesus Is the Ultimate “Draw Near Thing”: All the offerings and rituals of Leviticus find their fulfilment in Jesus. He is our temple, our priest, and our sacrifice—the one who enables us to draw near to God without fear. Through His once-for-all sacrifice, we are invited into a life of abundance, marked by surrender, humility, and the joy of God’s presence.
Daily Hope Devotionals
Day 1: God’s Desire Is to Dwell Among His People
Scripture:
Leviticus 26:11-12
'I will put my dwelling place among you, and I will not abhor you. I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/LEV.26.11-12
Devotional:
God’s longing from the very beginning has been to live in the midst of His people, to be with them in harmony and partnership. Despite humanity’s repeated doubts and attempts to do things their own way, God’s heart remains unchanged—He wants to be near, to share life, and to work together with us for good. The book of Leviticus reveals the lengths to which God goes to make this possible, providing a way for people to draw near to Him, even when they feel unworthy or distant. Today, you are invited to remember that God’s presence is not far off; He is here, calling you by name, desiring relationship and closeness with you.
Reflection:
In what area of your life do you most struggle to believe that God truly wants to be close to you?
How might you respond to His invitation to draw near today?
Prayer:
Lord God, You call me by name, just as You called Moses from the tent of meeting. I hear Your voice and come near, bringing my offering—not just gifts, but my whole heart. Help me to obey as Moses did, to listen and respond with faithfulness. May I draw near with the right “draw near thing,” fully surrendered and ready to meet You in holiness and love. Amen
Day 2: Drawing Near Requires Humility and Surrender
Scripture:
James 4:7-8,10
'Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/JAS.4.7-8,10
Devotional:
Approaching God is not about following empty rituals or doing things our own way, but about humbling ourselves, surrendering our pride, and coming to Him on His terms. The call to “draw near” is an invitation to bring our whole selves—our gratitude, our repentance, our need—before a holy God who desires relationship. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, and as we submit ourselves to Him, He promises to draw near to us. This nearness is not just a feeling but a lived reality, marked by obedience, repentance, and a willingness to let go of self-sufficiency.
Reflection:
What is one area where you are tempted to do things your own way instead of God’s? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him today?
Prayer:
Father, I thank You for Your grace that allows me to come close, even when I have failed. I bring my thank offering with a grateful heart for all You have given. And I bring my sorry offering, confessing the times I have chosen my own way instead of Yours. Thank You that You would rather forgive than destroy. Help me to live in the light of Your mercy and to walk humbly with You every day. Amen.
Day 3: Holiness Is About Proximity and Participation
Scriptures:
Leviticus 1:1-3
'The Lord called to Moses and spoke to him from the tent of meeting. He said, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘When anyone among you brings an offering to the Lord, bring as your offering an animal from either the herd or the flock. “ ‘If the offering is a burnt offering from the herd, you are to offer a male without defect. You must present it at the entrance to the tent of meeting so that it will be acceptable to the Lord. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/LEV.1.1-3
Devotional:
God’s holiness is both beautiful and dangerous, like fire—inviting, warming, but not to be approached carelessly. Holiness is not about being distant or aloof, but about coming close to God in the way He prescribes, participating fully with heart, mind, and body. The offerings in Leviticus were hands-on, sensory experiences that involved the whole person, reminding us that drawing near to God is not just a mental exercise but a total participation in His presence and purposes. God’s desire is for us to be wholehearted, to bring our best, and to engage with Him in every aspect of life.
Reflection:
How can you intentionally engage your whole self—body, mind, and spirit—in drawing near to God this week?
Prayer:
Holy God, You are like fire. Beautiful, warm, and yet dangerous. I long to come close to You, but I know I must come in the way You have prescribed. Help me to be wholehearted, unblemished in my commitment to You. Teach me to live set apart, holy, and different, reflecting Your character in all I do. May I embrace Your holiness with reverence and joy. Amen.
Day 4: God’s Grace Makes a Way for Relationship
Scripture:
Hebrews 10:19-22
'Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/HEB.10.19-22
Devotional:
Despite humanity’s failures and the consequences of sin, God’s grace is seen in His willingness to provide a way for forgiveness and restored relationship. The sacrificial system was not about appeasing an angry deity, but about God’s desire to forgive rather than destroy, to cover sin and make communion possible. Ultimately, this points to Jesus, who became the perfect “draw near” offering, making it possible for us to enjoy God’s presence without fear. God’s grace is not earned; it is received with gratitude and humility, and it transforms how we relate to Him and to others.
Reflection:
Is there an area of your life where you feel unworthy of God’s forgiveness?
How can you receive His grace and draw near to Him with confidence today?
Prayer:
Lord, I confess that often I want my own way. But You call me to surrender, to humble myself and submit to Your will. Help me resist the temptation to do it my way and instead follow Your path. Cleanse my hands and purify my hearts. Draw me near to You, and in Your grace, exalt me. May I be known by my love for You and for others, living as one of Your holy people in this world. Amen.
Day 5: God’s People Are Set Apart by Love and Difference
Scripture:
1 Peter 2:9-10
'But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/1PE.2.9-10
Devotional:
God’s call to holiness is a call to be set apart—not just in ritual or appearance, but in the way we love, serve, and live in community. The Israelites were known by their distinct practices, but even more so by their commitment to love God and neighbour, to care for the vulnerable, and to live differently from the world around them. Today, followers of Jesus are called to be known by their love, their humility, and their willingness to live according to God’s ways, even when it seems strange or countercultural. Our lives should reflect the holy God we worship, inviting others to see the difference He makes.
Reflection:
What is one practical way you can demonstrate God’s set-apart love to someone in your community today?
Prayer:
Gracious God, this world is broken and in need of Your healing. I lament the pain, the division, and the distance from You that I see around me. Yet I rejoice that You are here, dwelling among us, calling me to draw near. Help me to be an agent of Your love and peace, to grieve with hope, and to live as one of your people set apart for Your glory. May Your kingdom come and Your will be done in my life and in my community. Amen.
Day 6: The Beauty and Danger of God’s Holiness
Scripture:
Hebrews 9:12
'He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/HEB.9.12
Devotional:
God’s holiness is like a fire that warms and lights up the darkness. It’s beautiful and draws us in. But if we get too close without protection, it can burn us. The people of Israel knew this well. When God’s glory came down on the tabernacle, they couldn’t enter because they didn’t have the right protection — they didn’t have the right offerings or the right “fireproof gear” to come near. God’s holiness demands purity and respect. Sin and brokenness separate us from Him, like a flaming sword guarding the way to the tree of life. Without the right preparation, coming near God’s fire means death.
Reflection:
How does the Day of Atonement in Leviticus point us to the work of Jesus today?
What does it mean for you personally that God desires to live in the midst of His people?
Prayer:
Lord, I pray for a deeper understanding and appreciation of You, Jesus, as my ultimate atonement and access to God. Help me respond to Your call to intimacy and relationship, drawing near with a humble and obedient heart. Amen
Day 7: Thankfulness and Repentance in Drawing Near to God
Scripture:
Psalms 50:14
“Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfil your vows to the Most High...
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/PSA.50.14
God called Moses from the tent of meeting, inviting him into a relationship. Moses responded by listening carefully and obeying God’s instructions. This is the heart of drawing near to God — hearing His call and responding with surrender and obedience. Like Moses, we are invited to come close to God, not on our own terms, but on His terms. We bring our “draw near thing” — our surrender, our thanks, our repentance — and step into His presence with humility.
Reflection:
How do thankfulness and repentance work together in your walk with God?
What “draw near thing” are you bringing to God as an offering today?
Prayer:
Lord, give me a heart that is both thankful and repentant before You. Help me bring my best offering, my whole self, as I draw near to You. Amen
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