Scripture crumbs from Leviticus 11:44-46

For I am Yahweh your God, so you must consecrate yourselves and be holy because I am holy. You must not defile yourselves by any swarming creature that crawls on the ground. For I am Yahweh, who brought you up from the land of Egypt to be your God, so you must be holy because I am holy.

This is the law concerning animals, birds, all living creatures that move in the water, and all creatures that swarm on the ground

It is my tendency to push back at rules – to question and test and determine the necessity of the rules. Our human mindset is drawn to and naturally embraces the thought that rules are made to be broken.

So what of God’s law? In Leviticus, God outlines numerous, very specific laws concerning worship in His tabernacle, as well as the lifestyle and even the food His people are to eat. The two-year-old in me wants to ask, “Why? Why? Why?” out of curiosity and wanting to simply understand. The 14-year-old in me also struggles with “Why?” with a touch of attitude, wondering what is the point of all the rules. The 32-year-old parent in me knows there is usually a reason for every rule, and as a parent I expect my child to obey.

God addresses the why questions with an emphatic response: “For I am the Lord your God, so you must…” I am your God. I redeemed you. You must be holy because I am. This is the law.

Or, in other words, because I said so.

When God gives instruction, He reminds us that He is worthy of our complete trust and devotion. He is the One who personally came to deliver us from the slavery of sin and purchased our freedom.

God, give me your strength to do what you say. You are my God and my Redeemer. Help me to trust you and obey, simply because You say so.