Leviticus Chapter 19 (Part
1)
Charles E.
Wigg
This chapter is full
of practical exhortations and commandments, which we would all do well to take
heed to. For the commands in this chapter relate to the very nature of God, that
He intends should be expressed in His people. While we remember that none of
these things relate to our salvation, because we are not under Law but under
Grace, yet the Christian testimony would be so much stronger if we were to put
them into practice.
The first instruction
is in verse three, and there we are told to revere our parents. I gladly admit
that I have been going to India since 1976, and I have been touched with the
respect that is shown to parents and old people by the younger generation. This
is also commanded in verse thirty two, (respect for the aged), and both have
captured my admiration. Though the Assemblies have sent missionaries to
countries such as India, yet respect for parents, and the aged is much lacking
in many Assemblies today, and is almost non-existent in society at large. I
would exhort my brethren; let us return to what the scriptures command! I would
also exhort my fellow aged brethren; let us see to it that what we teach, and
the example that we set is both the truth, and our example is a worthy one. One
hears of children threatening their parents, telling them that they are not
permitted by law to correct them any more, and that they can be put in the gaol
if they do so. Love for, loyalty to. And obedience to parents is pleasing to
God, and the sixth chapter of Ephesians tells us that there is a promise
attached to this commandment, a promise which God loves to keep.
I will cite a case in
point. There was once a man who remained single all his life, and when past his
seventieth year, he had the care of his aged mother. The rest of his brothers
and sisters suggested that he put her in a home to be cared for. He refused
however telling them that he would sell his farm, and buy a home in the suburbs
of the city of Burnie, and devote all his time to the care of his mother. If the
burden of her care became too great for him, then he would hire someone to do it
for him. He did this, and it was my sister who got the job, and she cared for
this gentleman’s mother until she died. After the old lady had died, (her son
used to smoke a pipe, and spend his Sundays fishing, and was generally derelict
in the way that he used to dress etc). My sister was a believer and suggested
that he might come to the meeting with her. He did this, and he was saved, and
is in the glory today. I am convinced that God blessed him, because of the care
that he showed towards his old mother. His example was a worthy
one!