Hello hello! Today's reading continues on the trend of God giving very specific rules for the people but this time turning God's attention to the priests. This is a special scripture passage because this is the first time (at least as far as I can remember) where God specifically "ordains" someone for a specific role of being the mediator between God and the people of God. Although it is dense, I encourage you to consider this scripture passage through your own lens of how you view pastors, priests, or other "holy" people. Do you view us at "higher than thou" or do you view us a common people? Do you prefer it when pastors are adorned in robes and other ceremonial garbs or do you prefer it more when they are dressed down? Do you prefer preaching from the pulpit or the floor? All of these questions help shape your theology of what it means to be "set apart" by God and it's an important step in your discipleship to determine what speaks to you and why. Anyways, I'll save my rambling for down below. Let's read the scripture beloved friends.
Scriptures to Read
Audio Bible
Questions to Consider
What does this teach me about God?
What does this teach me about humanity?
What does this teach me about myself?
What part of the psalm stuck out to me? Why?
- My Thoughts -
Ah, the first introduction of the holiness code. I felt...uncomfortable reading this segment. I hated how priests were elevated beyond their fellow person. I hated how the priests were given an extra helping of a DAILY sacrificed animal simply because they were God's chosen. But I think that's because of my theology about pastors. Remember how I asked you to consider what "style" of pastor you want? Well here is mine. I like pastors that preach from the floor in jeans and a t shirt. Who walk around, who interact with the church and who talk in casual tones. Not worrying about a perfect script because they themselves are imperfect. This is in direct contrast to what we see in Exodus. So it makes sense that I am against it. But, I recognize that for some people they prefer pastors to feel elevated above others because it is not only an "inspiration" but also because the pastor becomes for some the physical manifestation of God. I hear this mostly from my Catholic friends, but I suspect that some of you feel the same way as well.
Regardless of how you view a pastor, we are all called to be holy. What is holy? Holiness is defined as a number of times in this scripture lesson. It means to be set apart. To be different from culture. We are called to fight for justice, to care for the forgotten, to give voice to the voiceless, and ultimately become less of our flawed human selves so we can become more of the perfect one manifested in Jesus Christ. Since beginning your journey in faith, how do you feel different from before? How do you feel more "holy" (set apart)?
Prayer
God, help me to be holy. Help me to speak kindness when I hear cruelty. Help me to love fearlessly when I feel scared. Help me to act with justice when I witness injustice. Help me to be the light when I encounter darkness. In your most holy name I pray to you. Amen.