The sacrificial, offering, and purification systems of the ancient Israelites may seem strange to many of us. However, the ancients had a very different worldview than we do in the West today; but that doesn’t mean that their worldview was wrong or inferior in comparison to how we now see the world. In fact, still today, much of agrarian society outside of the western world thinks along these same lines as the ancient Israelites (think tribal: Arctic, African, Asian, Amazonian, and island peoples). As we study Leviticus, we will be stepping into the rituals and practices that the LORD instructs the Israelites to carry-out in order to live together with Him and with one another. As we go through these rituals and sacrifices, we keep in mind what the author of Hebrews says as he opens his letter: “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe” (1:1–2).

Go and spend some time with/among people who, to you, may seem to have strange systems. This might be connecting with a refugee family or a newly immigrated citizen at your work place. It could be eating or shopping at the Hmong Village in East St. Paul, or on University Avenue between Rice Street and Snelling Avenue. Pray that in these relationships that you might be able to someday point to the Son, whom God now speaks through.