Keep שָׁמַר

We are in chapter eighteen of Leviticus with our word for today. שָׁמַר keep, watch over, guard. It is used 468 times in the Old Testament. Before we jump into our chapter let’s look at a Psalm. I like how our word is used in Psalm 119 it shows the attitude we are to have with our weakness and need of God’s help to follow his direction. Psalm 119:88 In your steadfast love give me life, וְ֝אֶשְׁמְרָ֗ה that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth. In our chapter we have seen how all of these sins listed make God so sick he wants to vomit. The good news is that God wants to forgive us and has made it possible for us to receive his grace through Jesus work on the cross. Notice God’s desired outcome as he closes this chapter when he uses our word for today. Leviticus 18:30 וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֣ם So keep my charge never to practice any of these abominable customs that were practiced before you, and never to make yourselves unclean by them: I am the Lord your God. Did you catch that? Even with all of this consequences of sin God still believes in the people. He wants them to make the right choice and chose him and his instructions because it is the best thing for everyone. And because God loves us and wants to forgive us. This is one of the strongest themes seen throughout the Bible. We see these same sins listed in the New Testament with the good news that Jesus can save us from these very things that make God so sick he wants to vomit us out of his mouth. Matthew 12:31 Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 1 Corinthians 6:9–11 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. Did you see that? Paul is reminding them that they were these people who sinned in these ways that made God sick but now they are different they have been forgiven and cleansed from them. That people who have committed any of these sins can be forgiven and become God’s children is clear from these passages but we have to also understand that God expects us to repent and forsake our old lifestyle. This is also clear from these passages that I will close with. 2 Corinthians 5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Ephesians 5:1–10 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Colossians 3:1–7 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.