Throughout the Old Testament, there are a number of dietary restrictions that were placed on the ancient Israelites. These restrictions were given to the Israelites through Moses in the book of Leviticus, and were intended to keep the Israelites safe from harmful diseases and illnesses.
Many of the animals that were forbidden for consumption by the Israelites were actually animals that were known to be carriers of diseases.
For example, pigs were forbidden for consumption because they were known by God to carry trichinosis, a disease that can be fatal if left untreated. Other animals that were forbidden included shellfish, which were known to carry toxins, and birds of prey, which were known to carry disease.
Some might argue that these dietary restrictions were unnecessary, or that they were simply arbitrary rules meant to control the behavior of the Israelites.
However, it’s important to remember that these rules were given to the Israelites by God Himself, and that they were intended to protect his people from harm. In fact, we know now with modern science that the dietary restrictions protected the Israelites from the health consequences they would have otherwise sustained had they eaten these animals.
These dietary restrictions are a reminder that God does not make stupid rules.
Even when some of his commandments seem like mere restrictions or limitations, they are ultimately for the betterment of his people. That is something we can still learn from today. Whatever rules we read about in the New Testament are there for our benefit. They are there to protect us from the consequences of our own choices.
Left to our own devices, we engage in behaviors that damage us personally and societally. They damage our personal health and life fulfillment. And they damage the fabric of society.
Look around at the groups of people with no morals and no guiding Christian principles. They live lives of difficulty and confusion.
The Bible is a practical book of knowledge, not just a book of rules of ancient stories.
As Christians, we can learn an important lesson from these dietary restrictions. Just as God gave these rules to the Israelites for their own protection, he also gives us commandments and guidelines that are meant to protect us and help us grow spiritually.
Sometimes, these rules might seem restrictive or difficult to follow. For example, Christians are called to avoid sexual immorality, to speak the truth, and to love their neighbors as themselves. These commandments might seem like mere restrictions that limit our freedom.
However, just like the dietary restrictions in the Old Testament, these commandments are ultimately for our own good. When we follow God’s commandments, we grow in our faith and become more like Christ.
In our culture and within our own personalities, there is often a tendency to view rules and restrictions as weaknesses, and to see breaking the rules as a sign of strength and independence. I know this is my dominating thought, as a person who despises any impingement on my ability to choose.
However, as Christians, we should recognize that following God’s commandments is a sign of moral strength and masculinity. It takes courage and conviction to resist temptation, to speak the truth in a world that values lies, and to love others even when it’s difficult.
The dietary restrictions in the Old Testament are a reminder that God does not make stupid rules. Even when his commandments seem restrictive, they are ultimately for our own good. As Christians, we should embrace God’s commandments as a means of growing in our faith and becoming more like Christ. This applies to issues of masculinity as well, as following God’s commandments requires true strength and courage.
