Leviticus 10-11
Yesterday, you may recall us highlighting several priestly duties. Today, we read of another: these spiritual leaders were to “teach the people of Israel all the statutes that the LORD has spoken to them by Moses” (10:11). Similarly, as a royal priesthood, we are to implore others in our sphere of influence to follow God’s precepts as outlined in the Bible. (Here’s an important caveat, though: we must know what God says through Scripture to teach others appropriately.)
It is also obvious through our reading today that God takes adherence to His instruction very seriously. Of course, we know that to be the case because He sent Jesus Christ to die on a cross bearing the penalty for our sins. And in Leviticus 10, we see another example of how disobedience led to death, this time through the actions of Nadab and Abihu, two of Aaron’s sons. Each of these men “took his censer and put fire in it and laid incense on it and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, which he had not commanded them. And fire came out from before the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD” (10:1-2; emphasis added). Warren Wiersbe reminds us that “No amount of fleshly zeal or ‘false fire’ can substitute for Spirit-filled devotion to the Lord. Be sure the ‘fire’ of your ministry comes from God’s altar and not from this world.”[i]
As you read through this account, also note the response of Aaron, who “held his peace” when seeing what happened to his sons (v. 3). This isn’t to suggest that Aaron didn’t grieve their death—verse 19 indicates he very much did mourn—but he was willing to accept the discipline that came from God as a result of his boys’ sin. What is your typical response when you receive God’s discipline?
Most of Leviticus 11 and the chapters that immediately follow detail with great specificity the distinction between ceremonial cleanliness and uncleanliness. Those who were defiled were separated from worship among the people, but God, rich in mercy, provided a means by which an unclean person could be purified and restored to the congregation. This was an ongoing process, however, and there was only One means by which we could ever be forever cleansed—the blood of Jesus that washes us clean (Revelation 1:5).
As we’ve said many times before, God is holy, and He expects His people to be holy (set apart) as well (11:44). Although we no longer live under the Law and should not be judged by others for what we eat or drink (Colossians 2:16), our lives ought to be noted as distinct and different than those who do not follow Christ Jesus. Here’s a good barometer for you when determining whether your life is set apart. Are you consistently dwelling on and thinking about things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8)? If so, I would submit you are making the intentional decisions necessary to enter the narrow gate and walk the path that leads to life.
The laws presented by God in chapter 11 (and others to follow) were not just for the people’s spiritual benefit. Instead, many of them also served to promote a general state of cleanliness and well-being in the home. For instance, if a lizard or rat touched a vessel that was to be used for cooking, that kitchen tool was to be thrown out (11:31-35). I mean, who wants to eat off something that has touched a rat? So, to avoid throwing out a great deal of appliances, pottery, and utensils, those inside the home presumably worked hard to ensure what was inside did not attract these unclean creatures. We see here, then, that God’s commands are for our practical good as well. Friend, God cares about all aspects of your life and is involved in every detail of your day. Walk in His ways and experience the abundance He has promised to His people!
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Journal responses to the following prompts:
· What is your typical response when you receive God’s discipline?
How have you seen that obeying what God says is for your practical good?
[i] ibid, p. 265.