Daily Lectionary: Leviticus 18:1-7, 20-19:8; St. Luke 11:1-13
"You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination." (Leviticus 18:22)
In the name of Jesus. Amen. If the ancient Old Testament laws concerning what is clean and what is unclean are fulfilled in Christ and are no longer binding, then why not the command that forbids homosexuality?
Christ clearly brought an end to all sacrifices when He proclaimed the new covenant in His Blood for the forgiveness of sins. The ceremonial law was no longer necessary. However, Jesus also made it clear that He did not come to abolish the Law. He came to fulfill it.
Now consider the premise that God the Father gave us His Law not to bind us, but to set before us the best way to live. His Law was given in love from a Father who knows what is best for his children. That includes His commandment concerning sexuality.
God’s design is for loving, intimate relationships to be between a man and a woman, not between a man and a man or between a woman and a woman. We can come up with all kinds of reasons why men and women should be together, but the simple fact is that this design is what God has lovingly given us as His people.
Unfortunately, as human beings we always think we know better than God. We know our bodies. We know what makes us feel good. We know what feels "right." We know what we need. With that sinful attitude we reject Him and His good gifts. We cut ourselves off from His care.
Despite our pursuit of happiness through our own way, God still acts in our behalf. He sent His Son to bring you back into His love and care.
Jesus lived God’s Law perfectly for you. He lived the best life, yet His life was taken. But even that was God’s design, to offer His Son’s life for you. On the Cross, Jesus was the abomination of all abominations in order to set you free from sin and from the burden of the Law.
In Christ, God awakens you to the full reality of His love. The God Who would give up His own Son for you, is the One Who gives you a light for your path in this world. When you stray, your loving Father calls you back to Himself and showers you with His grace and mercy. What a loving Father He is! In the name of Jesus. Amen.
"These are the holy Ten Commands God gave to us by Moses’ hands When high on Sinai’s mount he stood, receiving them for our good. Have mercy, Lord!" (LSB #581, verse 1)
Easter 2007 Reflections were written by the Rev. Joel Fritsche, Admissions Counselor at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO.