The Sacred Calling of God's Servants: Holiness and Excellence
Verses:Leviticus 21:1-23 (NKJV)
And the Lord said to Moses, "Speak to the priests, the sons of Aaron, and say to them: 'None shall defile himself for the dead among his people.'"
"They shall be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God, for they offer the offerings of the Lord made by fire, and the bread of their God; therefore they shall be holy."
In Leviticus 21, God emphasizes the paramount importance of holiness for His servants, particularly the priests. He desires them to be extremely holy, reflecting His own sacred character.
As servants of God, we must recognize the gravity of our role: we represent God's sacred name, handle sacred things, and minister in God's presence.
God's expectations for His servants are higher because we are ambassadors of God's kingdom (2 Corinthians 5:20) and are called to embody God's holy character.
Moses, despite being a stammerer, held a revered position next to God in the sanctuary. This underscores God's focus on inner holiness over physical perfection.
The restrictions on physical imperfections (Leviticus 21:16-23) reflect the societal and cultural context but do not diminish God's goodness or love for individuals with disabilities.
God's servants must strive for perfect holiness through separation from worldly defilement, moral excellence, and intimacy with God.
Imputed holiness, or relying solely on grace without striving for personal sanctity, falls short of God's desire.
As servants of God, let us cultivate a deep reverence for God's sacred name, pursue holiness with diligence and passion, and reflect God's character to a world in need.
This calling to holiness applies to all servants of God, including pastors and ministers, missionaries and evangelists, worship leaders and musicians, Sunday school teachers and youth leaders, and every believer called to serve and represent God.
In conclusion, God's installation of the priesthood demonstrates His high standards for those who serve Him. Though we are created beings, having a high estimation of ourselves in connection with God is not wrong. God wants His priests to be extremely holy. Holy life is an indispensable requirement from God's servants, not an optional thing.
May we strive for holiness, upholding God's sacred name and reflecting His character to a world in need.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging Your supreme holiness. Purify our lives, empower us to serve You with integrity, and may our lives honor Your sacred name. Help us to strive for perfect holiness, reflecting Your character to a world in need. Amen.