1. God's holy people (1-21)

God was molding an undisciplined nation of former slaves into a holy people who could be a kingdom of priests. The laws about clean and unclean animals were not just health rules. God wanted to teach them not to follow the customs of the Canaanites, but to obey his word. Eating is a very personal thing. When God's people obey God in the matter of eating, then they can obey him in everything. God used these laws to train his people; later, Jesus declared all food clean (Mark 7:29).

2. So that God may bless you (22-29)

Tithing means giving a tenth of one's income to the Lord. The heart is connected to the pocketbook. The tithe was to be used in two ways: Each year, a part was used to eat together and rejoice in the presence of God; every third year, tithes were set aside to care for the needy. God's people must not be selfish. He wants his people to be mindful of others.

Application: Lord, thank you for making me holy by the blood of Jesus. Help me to welcome your training and grow in holiness.
One Word: Live as God's holy people