Lessons From LeviticusExemplo

Unfaithfulness to God

Leviticus 6:1–3 - The Lord spoke to Moses. He said, “Suppose someone sins by not being faithful to me. They do it by tricking their neighbors. They trick them in connection with something their neighbors have placed in their care. They steal from their neighbors. Or they cheat them. Or they find something their neighbors have lost and then tell a lie about it. Or they go to court. They promise to tell the truth. But instead, they tell a lie when they are a witness about it. Or they lie when they are witnesses about any other sin like those sins.” (NIrV)

Like so many others in the Bible, this passage throws up a curveball. Before I read this passage, I did not think that unfaithfulness to God had anything to do with other people. I assumed it was connected to my relationship with Him only. When I read the first line of this verse, I expected the subsequent verses to be about idols and sacrifice. I suspect you thought the same too. But here, as ever, I see how different I am from God. God’s heart has always been and continues to be focused on His people. So, when His people (people generally) are mistreated, the Lord sees this as a personal attack. In today’s passage, we see that stealing, lying, deceit, and bearing false witness are not just sins against our neighbor but are acts of unfaithfulness to God.

Questions: Have I been unfaithful to God by lying, stealing, or bearing false witness against my neighbor? Do I treat people with respect?

If you enjoyed this, you’ll love the author’s devotional series on Leviticus, which will continue to guide you through the book of Leviticus. Find out more here.