S) " 17 When he goes in to make atonement in the holy place, no one shall be in the tent of meeting until he comes out, that he may make atonement for himself and for his household and for all the assembly of Israel."
Leviticus 16:17 (NASB)
O) Aaron's first two sons had recently died, for trying to enter the holy of holies while they were still guilty of sin (i.e., no atonement had been made for them. In this chapter, Moses received detailed instructions, which he passed on to the Levites, for the atonement (which included ministering in the holy of holies). In the above verse, they are told that their atonement must begin with one, and then expand to cover many. This is a shadow of the macro-plan of salvation. God's plan for redemption began with one (Jesus Christ), then His household (the Israelites), then all who would assemble with Him (the Gentiles)..
A) By and large, the "hierarchy of needs" is completely unbiblical. Throughout the Bible, people have given despite their poverty, served despite their needs, etc. But, there is one area where it can sort of make sense: the micro-plan of salvation. That is, I cannot effectively lead someone to the salvation of Christ, if I do not know Him. So, as much as the above verse is a shadow of God's bigger picture, it's also a sort of template for my own ministry scale. I must ensure that my relationship with God is right, then my family's, then any others. My life does not need to be perfect. I am in need of my Savior every single day. But, because I need Him, I know where to find Him, so I know where to lead others to Him.
P) Father, Your goodness is beyond me. You are holy in Your grace. however I can be used to glorify You, and to share Your goodness, compassion, and lovingkindness, I gladly participate in the ministry of the gospel. Keep me humble, though, Lord. Never let me be mistaken into thinking that I am a necessary vessel, as if I am a vital vassal. Help me to keep my priorities straight. Help me to remember that anyone who follows me, will only find You, if I am following You as well. Be the center of it all, Lord. Be glorified in my life. Let it start with me, extend to my family, and expand to my community. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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