Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18 (NRSV)
Read Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 19The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Verse 2Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them: You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy. Verse 15You shall not render an unjust judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great: with justice you shall judge your neighbor. Verse 16You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not profit by the blood of your neighbor: I am the Lord. Verse 17You shall not hate in your heart anyone of your kin; you shall reprove your neighbor, or you will incur guilt yourself. Verse 18You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.
Devotion
In our congregation we will celebrate Confirmation Sunday this week, asking fifteen and sixteen year olds to renounce sin and the devil and to take greater responsibility in the life of the church and its mission in the world.
A scholar has suggested that Leviticus 19:2 is a theme verse for all that follows: “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” What fifteen or sixteen year old is ready for such a grand and scary calling? Just when they are so eager to “fit in” with their peers, we invite them to be different.
But that is just the challenge God makes to all Christians. We are called to be holy—special, different, set-apart—just as God is holy. In a world that often ignores God, we worship and pray, proclaim the Gospel, serve all people, and strive for peace and justice. May we, young and old, rejoice in this high calling.
Prayer
Gracious God, we pray for young people who face many challenges and who hear many voices that compete for their attention and their loyalty. Help them—and all of us—to know your grace and your invitation to serve you with our whole lives. Amen.