- And the Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the priests, the sons of Aaron, and say to them, No one shall make himself unclean for the dead among his people. Leviticus 21:1 – Likely you are not an expert on what pagan cultures were like around 1400 B.C. when the events of Leviticus were taking place (nor am I an expert). What we can gain from Leviticus is a snapshot of what these cultures were like and what practices they held to. What we are seeing with many of the laws God was giving is a call to separate from the practices of the cultures around them. The pagans were living this way, so God’s people were to live the opposite. We see this sort of separation outlined in the laws given in our chapter around the priest’s role with dead bodies. In the pagan world the priests were the primary ones to handle the bodies. Whether it was the simple removal and burial of the body or having dead bodies as a part of their rituals, these priests were often in contact with the dead. Yet we see God’s priests were called to separate from the dead. No contact with these bodies and only with certain family members passing were they allowed to participate in the funeral arrangements. Why was this so? Again, God wanted a distinction between His people and those of the world. He is holy and He is calling His people to be holy within an unholy world. God cares deeply about this distinction within the lives of His people; is that a distinction you care deeply about? So much of our culture today is about blending in and carefully examining what we do, say, and post so we don’t get canceled or hated on. The Lord though is calling His people to be distinct and distinct doesn’t blend in. Take then a look at your life, would it blend in with the lives of those who don’t follow Jesus or would it stand out and be distinct? I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3223
- Leviticus 21 Daily DEVO Speak to Aaron, saying, None of your offspring throughout their generations who has a blemish may approach to offer the bread of his God. Leviticus 21:17 – At first this seems harsh to limit those with physical imperfections from the service of God, but God had His reasoning. What more I want to focus on is that this is not the case anymore. Due to the perfection we find in Jesus all can faithfully serve Him. This includes the spiritually strong that have been placed in broken bodies. You must remember your brokenness doesn’t discount you from service to God. Whether your struggle comes in physical, mental, or emotional limitations God has made it available to you to serve Him where you are as you are. The only thing holding you back then is your choice to serve Him today or not. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 903
- No man of the offspring of Aaron the priest who has a blemish shall come near to offer the Lord’s food offerings; since he has a blemish, he shall not come near to offer the bread of his God. He may eat the bread of his God, both of the most holy and of the holy things, but he shall not go through the veil or approach the altar, because he has a blemish, that he may not profane my sanctuaries, for I am the Lord who sanctifies them. Leviticus 21:21-23 – This last portion of the chapter begins to talk about people who have some sort of “blemish.” Examples of this given are things like being blind, a limb too long, injured hand, or a hunchback. They weren’t allowed to come into the temple to worship due to this blemish. Yet God still allowed them to eat the holy bread. So while they weren’t allowed into the temple, God was still providing for their needs. What’s beautiful is now God has provided for all their needs through Jesus. Now, blemish and all, any can approach not just the temple of God but the throne of God. Our need of food provision is taken care of by God but now our need of life, forgiveness, salvation, and redemption is taken care of by God. If God has come through for your “daily bread” needs give Him praise today for that. If God has come through for your eternal needs as well, give Him deep praise for that. Today we walk in the blessing the people of Leviticus could only dream of. We are able to approach God and live. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1944
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