Day 17

Covenant Blessings

from the Leviticus reading plan


Leviticus 25:1-55, Leviticus 26:1-12, Deuteronomy 4:5-8, James 1:25

BY Aurora Eagen

Today is quiet. In another corner of the house, the gentle tones of someone playing piano reverberate in the floorboards of my second-story room. I am sick in bed and enjoying my rest. The saying goes, if you don’t take rest, your body will make you rest; I have now fully succumbed to its demands.

Unlike the untimely rest forced upon me, today’s reading includes a call for consistent, rhythmic cycles of rest. The land, which God gives, is to remain fallow in certain years. The people, who God has freed, are called to a repetitive restoration process which, in time, regains what has been lost from God’s original, lavish provision. The land and the people are God’s, and the Israelites are called to demonstrate their remembrance of this through rest and restoration.

Inherent in the choice to rest is an expression of trust. When we rest we trust that even as we cease from our labors, our provision is still assured. When I trust in what I possess—my skill sets, my savings account, my investments, my work ethic, my knowledge, my wit, my attractiveness—it is difficult to justify rest. After all, do I possess enough to acquire what I perceive I need? When I trust in the God who possesses all, I acknowledge that it is actually from Him that I receive all blessings. This kind of rest is not just an activity (or lack thereof) but a state of being which reflects our trust in an abundantly hospitable Father. We are God’s guests in a world not of our making, but He has invited us to enjoy His good possessions.

These laws beckoned the Israelites to be molded into people of trust. To obey these laws, they had to acknowledge God provides the blessings which make our efforts fruitful.

In the genesis of this infant nation, the blessings given for keeping the covenant culminate with the best of the best: “I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people” (Leviticus 26:12). When we don’t receive the kinds of provision we desire, God’s dedication and commitment to us (and our flourishing) remain our greatest blessing. By devoting ourselves to Him, we can more fully receive God’s lavish gift of His own wholehearted and attentive devotion.

The Israelites were far from the promised land. The wander in the wilderness would be long and full of uncertainty, but one promise was never far from them, and is never far from us–God is with us. While we may all be waiting longingly on some external blessings, this blessing remains nearer than our very breath.

We can rest in this.

Post Comments (54)

54 thoughts on "Covenant Blessings"

  1. TIna says:

    Susan, I am so so very sorry for your loss. My heart truly hurts for you and Andys family and the wider and those that knew and loved him..
    I have not the words.. BUT GOD… He has the words silently felt and heard within in that still small voice. He comforts in those moments when noone or anything else can .. and He will give, I pray, His peace that surpasses ALL understanding to your heart and mind.
    Praying, dear Susan, that God hold you and yours so close in these days, weeks and months ahead..
    Sending heartfelt love, hugs and prayers.

  2. Rhonda J. says:

    Prayers for comfort Susan, and also for Andy’s family.

  3. Alayna P. says:

    ❤️

  4. Kimberly Z says:

    Learning to wait or in this case rest is something I desperately struggle with. Things in my life right now like being a single 30 year old have really consumed my thoughts like they have never before. I fear I won’t find a husband or have children of my own and it truly eats at me. Learning to trust Gods timing is so different for everybody. I envy my friends and family who haven’t had to go through this struggle but I know everybody’s struggles are different. Yet I can’t seem to find comfort that if it’s on my heart God can make it happen. Because he doesn’t have too if he doesn’t want too. This longing has made its way into current relationships and made me realize my insecurity is real. Praying this season will pass. Praying for all those who are also struggling.

  5. Kimberly Z says:

    Learning to wait or in this case rest is something i

  6. Kimberly Z says:

    Praying for your loss Susan and that you guys can all feel the love surrounding you during this time.

  7. Michelle Perrigo says:

    Rory! I’m so proud of you. Thank you for these words. It’s so encouraging to know that God indeed walks among us.

  8. Jennifer Anapol says:

    This was probably my favorite devotional for Leviticus so far. I love the idea of resting in God’s promises and trusting that he will provide. I’m pretty good at resting. As a mom of two small children, I don’t always get the opportunity; but when I do, I’m good at it. I pray I would rest from other things as well. I pray that as I rest, I would trust that God will provide all that I need.

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