Two Birds (and One Flies Away!)

Dear Church,

Do you remember when you first saw Christ in the Old Testament? I don't. However, I do remember the first time I saw Christ in Leviticus! I was a young man, still attending Heath High School. I had been exposed to some national teachers and the Bible was opening to me in a new way. I was reading through Leviticus and came to the first nine verses of chapter 14. Boom! I saw Christ in every step of the preparation, sacrifice and release of those birds. Somehow, that changed my life forever. Leviticus 14: it's amazing how an obscure ancient ritual could be so alive in the (then) 20th century.

I am praying that as you read through the last half of Leviticus in these next weeks you will see both Christ and the loving heart of a Holy God.

The last half of verse 18 in chapter 19 is a key to much in the Kingdom. I hope it lives big in your heart. If by chance you go back to read those verses in chapter 14, and I hope you do, prayerfully consider every aspect of the ritual in light of the crucifixion of Christ.

Serving a Holy God with you,
Billy

Hints to Leviticus 14:1-9:

—Hebrews 13:12 (KJV 1900) 12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.

—Psalm 51:7 (KJV 1900) 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

—Hebrews 10:5 (KJV 1900) 5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: (earthen vessel)