Today you should read: Leviticus 21
As we read Leviticus 21 two things stand out above all others (1) the effects of sin on the world & (2) the callings of servants of the Most High God to be Holy and set apart.
This passage covers instructions given to the Priests. Priests were some of the biggest servants for God. Their calling was special. They stood as representation for humanity and offered sacrifices for the people before God (Hebrews 5:1). They were called to be separate… to be Holy… they were vital to the people of God.
However, they were human and could not do this job to the standard needed to be sustainable for all humanity. This is why Jesus came. This is why He lived, died, was buried, and rose. He became our representation… our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16)… before God. He was set apart to the fullest extent.
When we accept Jesus Christ in our lives we are adopted into the royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). We are servants and stewards of Jesus (1 Corinthians 4:1-2). He has put His treasure (the gospel) in jars of clay (us – 2 Corinthians 4:7) and He has called us to live into our new identity – holiness (Romans 12:1-2, 1 Peter 1:13-25) – and be set apart from the world (2 Corinthians 6:17) while loving them and sharing the good news of Jesus with them (Matthew 28:19-20) FOR Jesus we have the righteousness of Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Jesus, and the gospel, are the lifesource to live out this kind of life. In fact 2 Peter 1:3 reminds us that in Jesus we have all we need to live a godly life.
“As we know Jesus better, his divine power gives us everything we need for a godly life…” (NLT)
I am thankful that though I am called to live Holy and set apart from the world so that they may see my good works and glorify God (Matthew 5:16) that it is not about me, my effort, or my glory but trusting in God and His glory.
1) How have you started to live like the world?
2) How can you be set apart to glorify Jesus this week in your context (work, school, family, friends, etc)?
By: Nick Parsons — Pastoral Ministry Associate: College
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