READ LEVITICUS 21
Throughout the last twenty chapters, we have absorbed the instructions from God for His people, primarily centered on sacrifices and offerings. Numerous of these sacrifices and offerings necessitate a priest for their execution, and Leviticus 21 details the guidelines specifically for the priests.
Why is this chapter relevant to us today? It is because we, as Christians, have been appointed as priests. If you are filled with the Holy Spirit, you are part of a royal priesthood. 1 Peter 2:9 states: " But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light:"
The Merriam-Webster dictionary describes a priest as "someone who is authorized to perform the sacred rites of a religion, especially as a mediatory agent between humans and God." In the Old Testament, the priests served as the intermediaries between the Israelites and God, and they were chosen for this task. Only those who were Levites, members of Aaron and Moses' tribe, were qualified (Exodus 29 & Leviticus 8), and even then, only a select few were appointed as priests.
Therefore, when Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection granted all of us direct access to God, it held significant importance! As Christians, we now have the same direct access to God that the chosen Levites had. So, what does Leviticus 21 communicate to the priests, and how can we apply it to ourselves? The chapter's essence is captured in verse 8: "Thou shalt sanctify him [priests] therefore; for he offereth the bread of thy God: he shall be holy unto thee: for I the LORD, which sanctify you, am holy."
The Hebrew term used in the verse for holy is kodesh, signifying "set apart" or "of God." The instructions are intended to distinguish those who serve as the bridge between God and His people. While the chapter outlines various specific regulations, they ultimately align with two main principles for us, as priests, to be set apart: We should live out our beliefs and maintain a kingdom-oriented perspective. We should emulate and share what we witnessed Jesus do since He serves as the ultimate high priest (Hebrews 4:14-16). To uphold a kingdom-focused outlook, we must keep in mind that this earthly life is not the ultimate purpose; eternity awaits, and our actions should reflect this fundamental truth.
QUESTIONS
1. From what you have read in Leviticus so far, why was it so important for the priests to have direct access to God?
2. As a Christian, you are called to be holy and godly. How should this impact the way you behave?
3. Name two ways you can put your beliefs into practice or maintain a perspective aligned with the kingdom in the upcoming week.