Bible Pathways 02/08/2003
Read Leviticus 19 -- 21
In Today 's Reading:
Laws of holiness and justice for the people and priests; penalties for idolatry and immorality; laws regarding defilement of priests
The priests were to represent the Lord God at all times. They were also to represent Him in their own personal lives and family relationships, lest the sanctuary of God be profaned. The LORD said to Moses: Speak to the priests, the sons of Aaron and tell them: A priest may not make himself ceremonially unclean for a dead person among his relatives. . . . As a husband, he is not to make himself unclean among his relatives by marriage and so defile himself. . . . They are to be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God. For they present the fire offerings to the LORD, the food of their God, so they must be holy. They must not marry a woman defiled by promiscuity or marry a woman divorced by her husband, for the priest is holy to his God (Leviticus 21:1,4,6-7; Ezekiel 44:22). The marriage status of a priest was so important that God repeated: He is not to marry these: a widow, a divorcée, or a woman defiled by promiscuity. He may only take a virgin from his own people as a wife (Leviticus 21:14). The priest represented the Most High God. Surely a higher standard of conduct should be required of an elder, minister, pastor, or priest today (Titus 1:6-7; I Timothy 3:12).
The priest's right ear, right thumb, and big toe of his right foot were to be anointed with blood. The blood-anointed ear was a reminder to listen to the voice of God above all others; the blood-anointed hand was a reminder of the priests' privilege to serve in the tabernacle; and the blood-anointed foot was a reminder to walk in obedience to the word of God.
Since he was the spiritual leader among his people, the sacrifice for the sins of a priest required a young bull, the most highly valued animal. In comparison, this was the same sacrifice required for all the sins of the congregation. The priest was a spiritual role model who could influence the entire congregation to sin (Leviticus 4:3,22-23). As representatives of God, a priest who disregards the qualifications for service will be cut off from My presence: I am the LORD (22:3-7).
As Christians we must set the example and abstain from any conduct that may influence others to be less than their best for Christ. He has made us a kingdom, priests to His God and Father (Revelation 1:6).
Christ Revealed:
As the source of true guidance, in contrast to evil guidance through spiritualist mediums (Leviticus 20:6-8). Jesus, who is the truth (John 14:6) also sent us the Spirit of truth who guides us into all truth (16:13).
Prayer Needs:
Country: North Korea (22 million) in northeastern Asia · Major language: Korean · Violent oppression against all religions · 68% atheist; 31% Buddhism, Confucianism, and other Korean religions; 1% Christian · Prayer Suggestion: Thank God for guiding you to sacrifice freely for what pleases Him (Psalms 54:6).
Optional Reading: Mark 11
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:8
