Deny Yourselves

 I realize what I am going to share from God's Word today will be very unpopular with many people. Just because something is unpopular is no reason not to share it. After all, it is God's Word, which is absolute truth. If we disagree with His Word or we decide not to obey it, we are the ones who are wrong, not God. Therefore, I appeal to all of us to listen to what God has told us. 

The Day of Atonement was the most holy day on the calendar for the Israelites. It is still the most holy day of the year for the Jewish people today. It was the day for dealing with the sins of all the people. (Leviticus 16:29,31) On the tenth day of the appointed month in early autumn they were all commanded to deny themselves, both native-born Israelites and foreigners. They were not to do any kind of work, because it was a Sabbath Day of complete rest, and it was a permanent law for them. It is repeated twice, "Deny Yourselves." Let's think about this for a few moments.

Most people want to do just what they want to do. They do not want to deny themselves in any way. They think that happiness comes from indulging in their desires and doing things they way they want to do them when they want to do them. If we fall into that category, we will not have a good life, we will not be able to live the Christian life. The Christian life is a life of self denial. However, it is the most joyful and fulfilling life anyone can ever live.

Jesus said it Himself, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. (Luke 9:23) Why did Jesus say that? We can't follow Him, and do His will at the same time as doing our own will. We have to deny ourselves of doing what we want to do, so we can have time and energy to do what He commands. Then, and only then, are we truly followers of Jesus. Just remember that Jesus loves us, and He wants what is best for us, so God's Word doesn't tell us to do anything that will harm us. It is all there to help us. We just have to do it out of love for Jesus who denied Himself and went to the cross to die for our sins and be able to give us salvation.

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Tomorrow, I intend to read Leviticus 17-19.