07/24/2008
Leviticus 17:10 - 12 (HCSB) 10“Anyone from the house of Israel or from the foreigners who live among them who eats any blood, I will turn against that person who eats blood and cut him off from his people. 11For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have appointed it to you to make atonement on the altar for your lives, since it is the lifeblood that makes atonement. 12Therefore I say to the Israelites: None of you and no foreigner who lives among you may eat blood.
===
You may see Kosher food and Kosher deli’s here and there, but perhaps you do not know what that means. The verses above are but a sample of the laws that contribute to Kosher preparation. Kosher meats are carefully prepared so that all the blood is drained before it is sold or cooked.
Most of us consider the eating of blood somewhat barbaric and don’t give much thought to it, but the fact is that most meat sold has some blood in it. That blood is usually cooked out but some remains. Kosher meats, however, are thoroughly cured and inspected by rabbinic authorities to ensure the Levitical laws are kept.
We have talked about blood before, but one must wonder, what is the preoccupation with blood?
Remember that when Cain killed Abel, God said “Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.” And in these verses, God declares that the life of a creature is in the blood. Of course we know that nothing can live without its blood. But I believe that God is intending a more symbolic meaning here.
Because of sin, a blood sacrifice was required. And an eventual, perfect sacrifice was yet to come. God wanted the Israelites to remember and be cognizant of their coming redeemer in every aspect of their lives, even in things as mundane as eating a meal. Whenever the Israelites prepared their food, they were obligated to follow these laws, thus bringing to mind the significance of blood, their sin, and their redemption.
Although most of us do not follow the Kosher laws today, we must strive to keep in mind what was done for us on the cross. Our sins were paid with a blood debt, once and for all. Our savior then took those sins to the grave, but he rose from the grave demonstrating His authority over life and death.
Everything you do, even things as mundane as eating a meal, should be accompanied by a remembrance of God and His love for you.
Jeff Justus
Cleff Publishing
www.cleffpublishing.com
©2008 Cleff Publishing, all rights reserved.
Terms of Usage: This devotional may be copied or forwarded for personal use without permission, but must include the author, publisher, web link, and copyright notice. Use in another published work must obtain permission first.