Wow! This is some heavy duty reading. And if the laws for the children of
Israel seemed strict, the laws for the priest were even more so, as today’s
reading shows.
When it came to the priest’s attitude, word, dress or action,
nothing but perfection was accepted. In fact, we see that if any of the priest’s
descendants had any blemishes at all, which included anything from a crooked
back or flat nose, they were not to come near the holy place to make offerings.
While the physical ceremonial laws are no longer binding, Leviticus 21 and 22 still give a solemn picture
of the sacred responsibility that “priest” or “leaders in the house of God”
hold. As shepherds of the flock and examples to the people, it’s even more
vital that they be seeking purity of heart, for they touch the sacred things of
God. During Israel’s journey through the wilderness, if the whole congregation
sinned, the Elders were the ones called forward to take responsibility for the
sin, even if they themselves were not guilty (Lev 4:15). At the time of the
end, we are told that those who have not taught the truth will bear the
responsibility for the sins of their congregations. In Ezekiel’s day, when
destruction was commanded, the slayer was to begin at the house of God,
destroying first those spiritual leaders that had been unfaithful. (Ezek 9:6)
And so it will be in the final Day of Judgment, for judgment always begins at
the house of God.
As I read these chapters I also see how often the Israelites put the “form” before the “heart reform.” (Haven't we
done the same?) They thought if they gave the offering, it was good enough. But
God said “No! Your obedience is more important than your sacrifice.” (I Sam
15:22) Otherwise you miss the whole point. And the point is, sin cannot exist
in the presence of God! It separates us from God. It holds back the Holy
Spirit. It corrupts the service we render. As the Bible tells us in Isaiah 59:2, sin
even keeps God from hearing us. But worst of all, as long as we hold on to sin,
He cannot save us!
My prayer is that we would not profane the worship due
our God with a mere “form of godliness.” Let’s put aside all pretense, pretending,
and all that which is profane, and let us ask Him to reform our hearts today
that the blessing of His Holy Spirit may truly fall upon us!
Tomorrow's Reading: Lev. 23-24 and Acts 12
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