Leviticus 21 talks about the importance of holiness in the priesthood. The Lord instructed Moses that "no one who has a blemish shall draw near." (18).
It goes on to talk about what constitutes a blemish: defects in sight, hunchback, injured foot, even dwarfs couldn't come and minister before the Lord as a priest.
Now we could get into a huge discussion over what this means, and why if God is so worried about external physical deformities why isn't he worried about internal sinful attitudes? (He is, in fact).
But I wanted to point out something that is actually kind of cool. Look at verse 22:
"He may eat the bread of his God, both of the most holy and of the holy things."
The blemished can share in the benefits of the priesthood, even though they couldn't go in themselves to minister. So what does this mean to us?
Now I don't want to get too deeply into this theologically, but even as the priesthood was a picture of Jesus' sacrifice for us, we, the blemished, are not worthy to go into the Holy of Holies. Only Jesus is worthy.
But we, who are blemished by sin, can still benefit from the fellowship and sacrifice of Jesus. If you feel like you have a defect and just aren't worthy of fellowshipping with God, don't worry. Through Jesus even us who have blemishes can still partake of His sacrifice and the fellowship with God that it brings.
Pastor Tom
Pastor Tom Fuller is the Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel Newberg in Oregon. As I journey through the Bible (5 or so chapters at a time), I try to share insight into our relationship with God and the world in which we live.
About Me
- Tom Fuller
- I am a writer, pastor, and communications professional. I spent much of my career in the TV news business and am active in web application development.
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2 comments:
When the Gospel is emphasized, it is almost always the death for our sins. Now that is wonderful and can never be overemphasized; however, Jesus also died to restore fellowship with God. Whatever our spots, blemishes, sins, He is able to wash us white as snow and make us accepted in the Beloved. A wonderful Saviour indeed.
Thanks Tom for another great insight.
And what is really wonderful is that though the priests under the old covenant could never hope to serve as priests if they were blemished, since we have been washed by Jesus' blood we are now a kingdom of priests serving at Jesus' right hand!
Tom
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