30 September Leviticus 21

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood.

From the strict regulations given to the priests in Leviticus, calling them to holiness, purity, and separation unto God. We learn how seriously God regards those who serve Him; and as believers in Jesus Christ, who have become His royal priesthood, we too are called to reflect His holiness and proclaim His marvellous light to the world. This is confirmed by:

Leviticus 21:4 (NIV) “He must not make himself unclean for people related to him by marriage, and so defile himself”.

Leviticus 21:6-7 (NIV) “They must be holy to their God and must not profane the name of their God. Because they present the food offerings to the Lord, the food of their God, they are to be holy. “‘They must not marry women defiled by prostitution or divorced from their husbands, because priests are holy to their God. Regard them as holy, because they offer up the food of your God. Consider them holy, because I the Lord am holy—I who make you holy”.

Leviticus 21:12 (NIV) “nor leave the sanctuary of his God or desecrate it, because he has been dedicated by the anointing oil of his God. I am the Lord”.

Leviticus 21:15 (NIV) “so that he will not defile his offspring among his people. I am the Lord, who makes him holy.’”

If you believe in Jesus Christ, you are automatically part of His holy priesthood. 1 Peter 2:9 (AMP) “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a [special] people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light”.

A priest must not allow the sins of the surrounding world to shape his conduct. Only by trusting in Jesus can sin be removed from one’s life. To remain pure, a priest must resist following the ways of the world, choosing instead to live as one set apart for God’s holy purposes. Moreover, a priest is called to cultivate a close relationship with God, continually growing in faith and standing firm against spiritual decline. It is also the priest’s duty to raise children in the knowledge of God, teaching them His ways and leading by personal example. God expects priests to exemplify integrity and avoid hypocrisy. Through faith in Christ, one must be born again by the Holy Spirit, committing to live in God’s presence. This marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of turning away from sinful desires and drawing ever closer to God.”

A Priest Cannot Be Contaminated by Sin:

1 John 1:9 (NIV: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

A Priest Must Stay Pure and Set Apart:

1 Peter 1:16 (NIV) “For it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” Confirmed in Romans 12:2 (NIV): “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

A Priest Must Constantly Seek Fellowship with God:

James 4:8 (NIV) “Come near to God and He will come near to you.” Confirmed in Psalm 27:4 (NIV): “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.”

A Priest Must Not Be Unequally Yoked with Non-Believers:

2 Corinthians 6:14 (NIV) “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”

A Priest Must Keep Their Children Set Apart for God:

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NIV) “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Confirmed by ”Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

A Priest Must Be an Example at All Times:

A number of verses point to being an example:

1 Peter 2:12 (NIV) “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.”

Matthew 5:16 (NIV) “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

A Priest Must Be Born Again Through Faith in Christ:

John 3:3 (NIV) “Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.’”

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

In conclusion, as believers in Jesus Christ, we are called to be part of a royal priesthood set apart for God's holy purpose. Like the priests in Leviticus, we are to remain pure and untainted by the world's sins, living lives dedicated to God’s will. This requires walking in holiness, maintaining a close relationship with God, and being examples of His light to others. We fulfil our priestly role by teaching our children to follow God's ways and ensuring our lives reflect His holiness. Through faith in Christ and being born again by the Holy Spirit, we embark on a lifelong transformation journey, drawing closer to God as we deny sin and live according to His Word. Let us embrace this high calling and walk as God’s chosen people, proclaiming His excellence to the world.