The Monday after the Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity Sunday
Posted on September 15, 2025 by under
Scripture: Leviticus 18:1-5 (NKJV)
18:1 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘I am the Lord your God. 3 According to the doings of the land of Egypt, where you dwelt, you shall not do; and according to the doings of the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you, you shall not do; nor shall you walk in their ordinances. 4 You shall observe My judgments and keep My ordinances, to walk in them: I am the Lord your God. 5 You shall therefore keep My statutes and My judgments, which if a man does, he shall live by them: I am the Lord.'”
Devotion
These first five verses of Leviticus 18 are the general preface to a chapter which deals with the sexually immoral behavior of the Egyptians and the Canaanites. The introductory words “I am the Lord your God” place this exhortation within the saving covenant which God had made with the Israelites. These words are a warning to those who have already become God’s people and who trust in His forgiveness and grace. Having become God’s people, they should not follow the immoral and licentious practices of the other nations.
Our present culture’s morality has continued to deteriorate to new lows. The contrast between appropriate Christian behavior, up-building conversation, modest dress, and what we see in the general public is quite far apart. The culture flaunts and parades what St. Paul blushes at in Ephesians 5:12. He says, “For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret.”
Our God encourages His people to live sanctified lives by promising both threats and rewards. In Leviticus, God promises that the believer will enjoy true life through His statutes. At the end of chapter 18, God warns that the abominable behaviors will defile a person and result in his being “cut off from among the people” (verse 29). Instead of sexual immorality, God’s forgiven people walk in God’s Word with thanksgiving (Eph. 5:3-4). We talk and “think about such things” as are pleasing in God’s sight (Phil. 4:8).
Collect: Almighty and Everlasting God, give unto us the increase of faith, hope, and charity; and that we may obtain that which Thou dost promise, make us to love that which Thou dost command; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
