I’ll take “Levitical Commands” for one, two, three, four, and five hundred, Alex. Okay, then, here’s your first answer in this category . . . this is the principle underlying the command to not profane the name of the Lord . . . What is “I am the LORD”? . . . correct! Next . . . the motivator for not turning to and not making yourself idols . . . Uh, what is “I am the LORD”? . . . right again! The next answer in this category is . . . the driving force for loving your neighbor as yourself . . . Whew boy, this is getting tough . . . how about what is “I am the LORD” . . . right again! . . . you’re on a roll. Next answer . . . this is the foundational consideration for pursuing justice . . . Hmmm, could it be, what is “I am the LORD” . . . yup, you got it! Okay . . . one last answer in this category . . . the answer for “Levitical Commands” for 500 is, the mainspring principle for the people of God to pursue the holiness of God even as God Himself is holy. Wow! . . . that’s tough . . . what would motivate anyone to strive to such a high and lofty calling? . . . could it be, . . . What is “I am the LORD your God?” Yeah . . . that would be it.

Okay . . . so I don’t how the above will read . . . but it’s what came to mind as I read Leviticus 18 through 20 this morning. Three chapters of rapid fire commandments by God. And you can’t help but notice as you read them this recurring phrase, “I am the LORD” . . . sometimes it’s “I am the LORD your God.” It shows up again and again . . . stated clearly as the reason why God’s people were to conduct themselves as God commanded. As I read this I can see myself as a little kid being told to do something by my dad . . . and me asking him, “How come?” . . . and him replying, “Because I’m your father . . . I know best.” True enough . . . love ya’ Dad . . . I’ll do it.

And it’s not like you can distance yourself from Leviticus because it’s “the Old Testament” . . . or because we are “no longer under law but under grace” . . . God’s people, whether then or now, are still God’s people . . . and God is still God . . . and so, His requirement is unchanging:

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1Peter 1:13-16 ESV)

“I am the LORD your God” . . . therein lies the motivation for obedience . . . the underlying principle for living in a manner which reflects my calling as a child of God . . . the mainspring for pursuing, by His grace and through the enabling power of the Holy Spirit, holiness. Sure, it’s best for me . . . and there is blessing for obedience . . . but the ultimate reason for being holy is because He is holy. Not only does He command our allegiance . . . He alone is worthy of our best efforts to submit to His sanctifying work within us.

“I am the LORD” . . . literally “Jehovah” . . . that should be the motive for my manner. He who is the Creator should be worshipped by the creation. He who is love . . . and demonstrated His love through the cross . . . should be loved in return. He who is King of Kings and Lord of Lords should have His subjects bow the knee in humble submission to His will and ways. He is the LORD!

Yes . . . I’ll take “Spirit-powered Holiness” for 500, Alex . . . for the glory of God . . . for He is the LORD . . . amen!