Free to Serve
Read Leviticus 21:6a
Today’s Truth
In the Gospel according to Leviticus, we come to a section which is specifically addressed to priests, to Aaron the high priest and his sons. This family was set aside in Israel to do a specific work of ministry in relationship to God. All the members of Aaron's family were priests by birth. They did not become priests by choice or by desire on their part, but by being born into the family of Aaron. There was no other way to become a priest. No other family was ever recognized as having valid membership in the priesthood.
In order to exercise this priesthood, a priest must be holy. Once again let me remind you that this word holy, like so many other words from the Bible, has been twisted and distorted in our thinking so that it is usually taken to mean something which is not very attractive. We are likely to think that being holy is to be long-faced and solemn and sour, but it isn't that at all! Holiness means wholeness. It means to be healed.
Discussion Questions
- How do the restrictions on defilement reflect God's expectation of holiness among His servants?
- How can we maintain purity and holiness in our roles within our faith communities today?
- In what ways does the principle of upholding integrity and purity challenge you personally?
Application
What are the incredible privileges and attendant responsibilities of being born into the family of the Lord Jesus Christ, our High Priest? Are we healed, whole, and free to serve the One who heals and makes whole?
