Read Leviticus 21:1-22:16
The priests were called on by God and set apart for God’s purposes. So that a priest could be as holy as possible, God gave them these instructions and expectations. The priests receiving these decrees are in the line of Aaron, and they held their positions until the temple was destroyed and the sacrificial system came to an end. What wisdom can we glean from these rules?
For hundreds of years, these instructions would have been followed to the letter by priests wanting to be deemed holy in God’s eyes. It was in their job description to be holy. Because priests were also human, the tendency toward sin and selfishness was probably also very much real for them. Can you imagine the mindset of a priest in those days called to be a representative of God?
Do you think these priests were overwhelmed when it came to all the rules, including what is clean and unclean, and who could eat what? Do you think the priests ever messed up and accidentally touched a dead body or defiled themselves in other ways? If they did, how did they handle the fact it was a death sentence for them?
Thankfully, pastors today don’t fear death in that same way. However, the stress of leadership is still prevalent and can be devastating to a pastor’s faith or personal life. Imagine living in a glass fishbowl with everyone looking on to make sure you don’t mess up. The truth is, God’s approval is the only one that matters. In Moses’ day, the priests would have been a little more worried about God’s approval.
Because we have Jesus, we have a mediator that goes before us to plead our case. Jesus put his life on the line and died for us so that we can be forgiven and free. Out of our gratitude, our desire should be to live holy lives that please God, not because we “have to.” Jesus changed all that for us. But if we truly love Jesus and acknowledge what he did for us, how could we want to do anything that goes against God?
These instructions are packed with reminders of who is in charge. Sometimes, especially for us control freaks, we need to remember God is God and we are not. God is the one who makes us holy. That’s a helpful distinction that makes me think of ways God works in our lives. The goodness inside us is certainly not our own doing. God has made us that way. It’s because of God that we have holiness in our lives. How does that make you feel?
Let’s pray. Father God, thank you for how you have made me, flaws and all. I especially like the holiness parts you are reflecting in me. I know you can use each one of my abilities and even my mistakes for good. I pray for wisdom to serve you and share my faith with others. Help me to know with the situation is right and not to over share at the wrong time. I pray for church leadership and the struggles facing pastors and congregations. Give them wisdom and courage, LORD, to stand for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
