Boundaries.

Throughout Leviticus, God provides laws that should not have been necessary. In 17:15, He says don’t eat roadkill (tempting, right?): “Every person … who eats an animal that died or was mauled by wild beasts… will be unclean.” God is realistic—He knows people will take things too far and push the boundaries.

The same is true for sexual relations. If you don’t think so, consider television. I once complained to my wife that though Breaking Bad (TV-MA) includes very little sex, what it does include is … “unusual.” Nothing traditional happens. The same is true for most television. If you kept a record, the people audiences see in bed together are married—to each other—about one time out of a hundred. The other 99 times, the sex is OUTSIDE the Biblical rules.

God is not surprised by that. He takes the time to clearly state some rules, providing guidance for a culture (like ours) that has moved WAY BEYOND the simple extra-marital affair. He realistically addresses other issues:

“You are not to come near any close relative for sexual intercourse. You are not to have sex with your father’s wife; it will shame your father. You are not to have sex with your sister [or half-sister]… You are not to have sex with your son’s daughter or your daughter’s daughter, because it will shame your family. You are not to have sex with your father’s sister; she is your father’s close relative… You are not to have sex with your daughter-in-law, or your brother’s wife, or your aunt… You are not to have sexual intercourse with a woman and her daughter… they are close relatives; it is depraved. You are not to sleep with a man as with a woman; it is detestable. You are not to have sexual intercourse with any animal… it is a perversion.” Leviticus 18:6-23.

God is Holy, but God is NOT naïve. He knows what is in the hearts of people. Thank Him for being merciful enough to provide clear guidance. Ask Him to help you obey.

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