Leviticus 21
IN THIS chapter we have a word especially for “the priests the sons of Aaron.”
Our duties flow from our relationships, and so it was because the sons of Aaron were priests and entered into the sanctuary, which no ordinary Israelite could do, that these ordinances were given to them, the priestly family. We see here that special conduct was called for in one who was a priest and approached into God’s holy presence. Then it was under law, but now since Christ has died, under grace every believer is a priest. The privileges of only a few under law are the privileges of all under grace.
Every son of Aaron was a priest because he was born into that relationship. But this called for a holy and separated walk unto God. The priest must not defile himself by approaching death, except in the case of a near relation who had died. And we as Christians are taught to be careful that we be not drawn back into former associations and relationships out of which the Lord has once delivered us by His grace and power.
But there is, nevertheless, a greater responsibility put upon one who takes the place of a leader among God’s people. One called to such a place must be especially careful that his walk does not hinder or bring reproach upon the Word of the Lord. Needless to say, every believer should be exercised about these things, but especially those who are active in the Lord’s service.
Priests have the wonderful privilege of drawing near to God in prayer and praise, offering up spiritual sacrifices “acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” Therefore their duty is to keep clear of spiritual death, even as the Lord told one, whom He had called, to “let the dead bury their dead” (Luke 9: 60). As believers we are to reckon ourselves dead to sin but alive unto God through Christ Jesus, our consciences purified from dead works to serve the living God. Christ is now our life who by His death and resurrection has given us the victory.
If one of the sons of Aaron had a blemish he must not approach to offer the bread of his God — “a blind man, or a lame, or he that hath a flat nose,... or a man that is broken-footed, or broken-handed, or crooked-backed, or a dwarf, or hath a blemish in his eye,...” These things would hinder full enjoyment of the priest’s privileges, and this has a solemn word for us. How often do we allow ourselves to be defiled by some unholy association or failure which hinders our communion and weakens us in our service for Christ. How many of God’s dear people are deprived of their privileges by moral defilement and spiritual defects.
A blind man or one who had a blemish in his eye speaks of defective discernment in the things of God. One who had a flat nose had his sense of smell impaired, and his appreciation of the sweet savor of the sacrifices that went up to God would be limited. We read that when Mary of Bethany broke the alabaster box and anointed the feet of Jesus “the house was filled with the odor of the ointment” (John 12:33Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment. (John 12:3)). How often because of some defilement or spiritual defect are we unable to enter into and appreciate the fragrance of Christ shed forth on occasions.
A humpback and a dwarf tell of spiritual shortcomings which render one unable to rise and enjoy his high and holy privilege as a priest. The broken foot and broken hand also speak of one unable to walk properly before the Lord or to serve Him rightly because of some failure or spiritual defect.
Some of these defects were lifelong, others only for a season. But surely through them the Lord would warn us, as believers, to be watchful and not allow ourselves to become defiled and deprive ourselves of some of those sweet and precious privileges the Lord has died to bring us into. If we have failed may we go to Him about it at once and be restored to counion again, for “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:99If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9).
ML-07/23/1972