S) "1Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Speak to the priests, the sons of Aaron, and say to them:
"No one shall defile himself for a dead person among his people,"'"
Leviticus 21:1 (NASB)
O) The first thing to note is the audience of this chapter. The LORD commanded Moses, to tell the priests these things. These were not just commands for the Israelites as a whole, but especially important for the priests to follow, because they ministered in the temple, and in the holy of holies within the veil. The second thing to note, is the time that this was spoken. These people were under the Law, which was completed in Jesus Christ. Just as the veil that separated was torn (see Mark 15:38), the Old Covenant is not directly applicable. There is no more ceremonial uncleanness, and in the blood of Christ, our sins are completely atoned. So, touching a dead body will no longer defile us, separating us from God, even as we minister as new priests (see 1 Peter 2:4-5).
A) When I read this, I was immediately reminded of the story when Jesus told a follower to become a disciple, he must let the dead bury their own (see Matthew 8:22). Jesus was referring to the spiritually dead, burying the physically dead. In the same way, when I read the verse from Leviticus, I immediately read it in the context of the spiritually dead. In that context, it is still very much applicable to me now. I cannot allow myself to be drawn to sin, while I am trying to reach the spiritually dead. My first priority should be to honor God by preserving the righteousness that He gives me, by my faith in Jesus Christ. I can never allow a compromise to cause sin in my life, even in the name of reaching a (spiritually) dead person among my people (or family).
P) Father, You are holy, and so I strive to be holy. You call me to a different way, distinctly different than the culture surrounding me. I want to walk in a manner worthy of that calling. I want to honor Your name, the name I bear in calling myself a Christian, by the way I live my life. By putting the Holy Spirit within me, You have caused me to spring forth to life, and that life is alluring to the dead. In order to reach them, to bring them to Your redemption, never allow me to compromise the very life You have put inside of me, the very life that is drawing them. Give me trust in Your plan, patience in Your timing, and faith in Your name. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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