In Leviticus 19 and 20 God addresses the people of Israel through Moses. He sets out his law before the people. Included in the law are the original Ten Commandments, instructions about the proper way to sacrifice, and warnings not to behave and worship as the people of Egypt and Canaan do. These are similar to the laws that He gave to Aaron, but they also include not dealing with those who practice sorcery.

God also gives instructions regarding planting orchards. They are not allowed to eat the fruit of the trees until the trees are five years old. The fourth year the fruit is to be dedicated to the Lord. This practice is to allow for the best harvest of fruit.

God spells out other laws regarding the treatment of others that are not found in the Ten Commandments. There are laws encouraging charitable generosity such as leaving some food in your fields for the poor and caring about the deaf and blind. There are laws about being just in judicial cases and business dealings, and being careful to call others to account if they are sinning. There are laws about personal conduct. There are also laws regarding not harboring hate against any other people, whether they are Israelites or aliens in their land. God tells them to love their neighbor/the alien as themselves.

All of these statutes come under the first statement God makes: You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy. God calls the people to holy living and spells out what that holy living entails because they are His people. They will be known as the people of the Holy One of Israel and their lives reflect what that means. We too, are called by a holy name. Being a Christian tells others that we are Jesus’ people. The things we do reflect on what that relationship means.

Psalm 23 is probably the most frequently learned scripture in the whole Bible other than John 3:16. It brings comfort to those who are mourning the loss of a loved one. It provides courage to those who are dealing with difficulties in life and health. It reminds us that God is in charge and will be with us no matter what happens and gives us hope till the end.

Psalm 24 also speaks to us that God is in control. Those who seek God will be able to stand before him. They will receive blessings from him. The second half of the psalm is often used on Palm Sunday. It recognizes the Lord to be the King of glory. We use it as an acknowledgment that our Lord, Jesus Christ is that King of glory.

Do you recognize the words from the psalms you have read? Often we hear these words in worship, being used as part of a prayer or in other places during our times of worship. The psalms can be used in our personal worship as well. Knowing them and even memorizing them can assist us as we live our lives of faith and deal with the things in our lives that might cause us to stray away. Find those words that God is speaking to you, remember them, and they will return to you in times of need or worship.