Whenever I read a Chapter in the Bible, I try to understand how God is leading me to be closer to Him. In Leviticus 17 is the teaching about blood and sacrifice. The curious passages for me were They must no longer offer any of their sacrifices to the goat idols to whom they prostitute themselves. v. 7. I will set my face against any Israelite or any foreigner residing among them who eats blood…for the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life. v. 10, 11. In the commentary below: The goat idols (also called demons) were objects of worship and sacrifice in ancient times, particularly in Egypt from which they had recently escaped. Eating blood was a common pagan practice. It was often done in hopes of gaining the characteristics of the slain animal (strength, speed, etc.). God’s people were to rely on him, not on ingested blood for their strength.

How could the people come to know the true God if they are still following blind, worthless gods or practices?

I have become increasingly aware or sensitive to the sadness that many I love feel. I long for them to draw strength of heart from God who gives so generously. How can we draw upon His strength and hope if we aren’t aware of that powerful love?

The people then and we today need God. The true, loving, kind God that is willing to teach us and encourage us and show us the truth of His love for us. So He began in the beginning patiently teaching our ancestors the distinction between what is real, God, and what is not. He was teaching an ancient people who needed to come out of practices that were harmful to them because they could do nothing for them.

I think pervasive sadness springs from the emptiness we feel when we are lost and floundering without an anchor to guide us. It’s a lonely place to be. We need a guide. Our hearts know we that need even as our minds flounder in empty practices. All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:25-27.

The world then gave empty practices because they didn’t know God. So He taught them patiently. God doesn’t give as the world gives. “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. John 17:1-5.

Our lives can be filled with empty practices much as the empty practices of the people then kept them from knowing the true God. God is patient not wanting any to perish. His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 2 Peter 1:3-4.

When we turn to God we choose hope. We choose His great and precious promises and we choose to give Him all of our cares, our sadness, our need. We begin to know Him who loves us and knows us and will never abandon or turn away from us. He loves you too much to ever turn away from you. Ever. Whatever empty practices have governed our lives do not matter to God. You matter to God. Take His hand and let Him guide you to Him and let your heart breathe and respond as it longs to for you.