DEVOTION – DAY 469

Leviticus 21:17 “God Wants Us To Be Holy”

Leviticus 21:17 “Say to Aaron: For the generations to come, none of your descendants who has a defect may come near to offer food of his God.”

In the context of Leviticus 21, God set out detailed requirements for the priesthood that was to be from the family line of Moses’ brother, Aaron. Only the priests from Aaron’s line were allowed to offer animal and bread sacrifices to God at the Tabernacle. The animal sacrifices were to be without blemish. Just like the offerings were to be without defects, the priests themselves must be without defects. In this way, God was teaching His people that He is Holy and He wants His people to be holy. The New Testament teaches Christians that they are all called to priests – to minister to fellow Christians and non-Christians. 

Thus, in today’s context, when we serve as priests – serving in various ministries, or when we share the gospel with friends and relatives, or when we pray for those who are ill, or when we offer a listening ear to someone who is hurting, we must examine if we have any blemishes or defects. Since we are called to do spiritual work, we must rely on the power and strength of the Lord to do His work through us. We will be ineffective when there are blemishes or defects in us. What are some blemishes and defects that we may have? These would be any bad habits, unconfessed sins, unforgiveness or bitterness, addictions and so on that we happen to have. All these areas must be brought to the Lord in order that we can humbly ask that He cleanse us of all unrighteousness. Only then, can we be effective in our roles as priests.

I know someone who was gifted to serve. But he was divorced and he had not forgiven his wife for ending their marriage. After a few years had passed, he was still bitter towards her. When he asked whether he could serve, I had to gently tell him that unless he forgives his wife and ask the Lord to help him deal with his bitterness, he will be serving under a heavy burden and he would not be effective. He would be unable to be used greatly by God no matter how hard he tried. He had to deal with this defect before he can do anything for the Lord.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we worship you for you are Holy, Holy, Holy, the Lord God Almighty. Please help us to search ourselves and humbly ask you to cleanse us of all unrighteousness in order that we can be effective servants for you. We pray this in the precious name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

  1. When you serve the Lord, do you rely on your own strength and power to serve or are you fully dependent upon the Lord to empower you to serve?
  2. Why is it important that you serve the Lord fully dependent on His power? Discuss.
  3. What are some “defects” or “blemishes” that you have that you need to go to the Lord for cleansing before you start serving the Lord? Will you do so?
  4. Share some examples of how you have been a priest to other fellow Christians and non-Christians.