MBM Rooty Hill / Bible Talks

God gives true rest, relationship with Him, as we re-orientate and remember what He's done.

Leviticus 18 outlines a series of sexual prohibitions within a family context, emphasising the importance of maintaining purity and avoiding incestuous relationships. These verses specifically forbid sexual relations with close relatives like mother, daughter, sister, granddaughter, aunt, or uncle's wife. The chapter aims to establish clear boundaries for sexual conduct and protect the sanctity of family relationships.

As much as we try, we all miss the mark before God. No matter our earnest, diligence, and effort, we are all still tainted by sin. So how can God remain with us when we so regularly fail. How can he be with those who perpetually fail? In Leviticus 16 we explore the high point of Leviticus as God makes a way through atonement for him to live with his people. This significant day not only reveals God’s purpose for his ancient people, but points forward to something even better.

In Leviticus 12–15 we have a series of law relating to defilement and cleansing. At a surface level these laws seem odd to the modern reader. Yet upon digger we discover they reveal something about God’s character as well as pointing us to the good news of Jesus.

As Christians how should we think about this topic? How does God speak about this this topic?

Mal explores this topic from the neglected book of Song of Songs as we explore God's wisdom on this important area of life.

While Christians are no longer bound by the dietary laws of Leviticus 11, the heart of the passage still speaks. These laws were like training wheels, teaching God’s people to pursue holiness and to be distinct from the world. That hasn’t changed. In Christ, Christians are called to a deeper holiness—not one of outward food restrictions, but of inward purity and moral discernment. So even as we enjoy our bacon and prawns, Leviticus 11 reminds us that God's people are to reflect His character in every area of life. Our freedom in Christ isn’t a license to live carelessly—it’s an invitation to live set apart, on purpose, for Him.

What does it take for sinful people to live with a holy God? In Leviticus 8–10, we witness the ordination of Israel’s first priests and the high-stakes moment when they begin their sacred ministry. God’s glory descends, fire falls, and the people rejoice—but the joy is quickly shattered by tragedy when two priests take matters into their own hands. We explore the weight of God's holiness, the grace of His provision, and our desperate need for a mediator. In the end, even the priests need a priest—and only Jesus can ultimately stand in the fire for us.

In the busyness of everyday life there are many moments we live unaware of God’s presence. Sadly there are many times in life we choose to actively ignore God. Whether intentional or unintentional we often miss the mark in our relationship with God through sin. This leads to either hiding from God, or feeling so ashamed that we dare not come to God. In Leviticus 4 we discover the grace of God who invites sinners to a relationship with him. Leviticus 4 reminds us that we come to God on his terms. We need forgiveness and to be cleansed, and he does this the shedding of innocent blood. In this image we have a picture of an even greater reality found in Jesus.

In light of who God is and what He’s done, the proper response is to give to Him our very best.

According to the Apostle Paul, ‘All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness’ (2 Tim 3:16). While most of us would agree with that, there are some parts that are more difficult to see the usefulness and relevance of. The book of Leviticus would have to be near the top of those books which baffle us. Food laws, sacrifices, and other regulations often feel disconnected from our world. In spite of this, understand the context and framework of Leviticus provides the basis not only for knowing God’s holy character more deeply, but also understanding the importance of Jesus’s sacrifice.