Leviticus 22:1-33
So you shall keep my commandments and do them: I am the Lord. – Leviticus 22:31
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The high standards applied to the priests’ duties in ch.21 also was applied to the handling of offerings given to the Lord by the people. Even though the portion given to the priests was not the part burnt directly unto God but given as their food, it was still to be considered holy. That meant that they couldn’t do whatever they wanted with it. We have read the detailed laws on how many days the food offering would be clean for, where they could eat it, who could eat of it, etc. In addition, no lay (non-priest) person, foreigner or hired worker could eat of the holy things, regardless of their cleanness. Following these laws was another way that the priests embodied the perfect holiness of God.
One modern-day application of this law is the practice of providing pastors with a stipend as they commit to full-time church ministry. Just as the ancient priests were given food through the offerings, so the modern day pastors and missionaries are provided with a living through the offering given by the church worshippers. This is so that they can focus on their ministerial duties and not be distracted by trying to make a living or providing for their families at the same time. This, however, would still be a very narrow application of the passage for today.
Yesterday, we meditated on the priesthood of all believers and were reminded that all Christians are called to be God’s mediating priests in this world. It’s not just the full-time ministers who are doing God’s work and are called to be holy, but every member of Christ’s body is now a priest of God. What then does this mean?
Some of us may think that, once we’ve given of our 10% tithes and some weekly offerings to God, the remainder of what we earn is ours to spend however we want. But if we believe our whole lives are to be offered as a living sacrifice, that we are God’s priests no matter what our earthly professions are, then even our salaries and finances belong to God and should be set apart to be used the way God commands. The money and resources we have are not just for us to enjoy and splurge on ourselves. We are stewards of what God has given to us, and we are to use it for his Kingdom’s purposes. And we’re not talking about absolute amounts; some earn more than others. Rather, the way we think about our finances, the way the spend our money, the values we employ in making these decisions are all very clear ways of measuring how we practice God’s holiness in our lives.
Reflection:
As God’s royal priests in this world, do you believe that all that you have is from God, that all of it should be spent for God’s purposes? What is one hindrance that is keeping you from surrendering your whole life, including your finances, as a living sacrifice? What is one expenditure that God is convicting you to reevaluate and redirect for a better use?
Prayer:
Father God, you are our Creator and Provider. You have given me everything I need and so much more. Forgive me for the times I viewed money as the end goal, rather than a means to worship you with. Teach me how to live out holiness in every aspect of my life, even in how I view the financial blessings you’ve given me. Rather than being tight-fisted and insecure, I want to surrender my life, my all to you, trusting in your goodness. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Click to read
The high standards applied to the priests’ duties in ch.21 also was applied to the handling of offerings given to the Lord by the people. Even though the portion given to the priests was not the part burnt directly unto God but given as their food, it was still to be considered holy. That meant that they couldn’t do whatever they wanted with it. We have read the detailed laws on how many days the food offering would be clean for, where they could eat it, who could eat of it, etc. In addition, no lay (non-priest) person, foreigner or hired worker could eat of the holy things, regardless of their cleanness. Following these laws was another way that the priests embodied the perfect holiness of God.
One modern-day application of this law is the practice of providing pastors with a stipend as they commit to full-time church ministry. Just as the ancient priests were given food through the offerings, so the modern day pastors and missionaries are provided with a living through the offering given by the church worshippers. This is so that they can focus on their ministerial duties and not be distracted by trying to make a living or providing for their families at the same time. This, however, would still be a very narrow application of the passage for today.
Yesterday, we meditated on the priesthood of all believers and were reminded that all Christians are called to be God’s mediating priests in this world. It’s not just the full-time ministers who are doing God’s work and are called to be holy, but every member of Christ’s body is now a priest of God. What then does this mean?
Some of us may think that, once we’ve given of our 10% tithes and some weekly offerings to God, the remainder of what we earn is ours to spend however we want. But if we believe our whole lives are to be offered as a living sacrifice, that we are God’s priests no matter what our earthly professions are, then even our salaries and finances belong to God and should be set apart to be used the way God commands. The money and resources we have are not just for us to enjoy and splurge on ourselves. We are stewards of what God has given to us, and we are to use it for his Kingdom’s purposes. And we’re not talking about absolute amounts; some earn more than others. Rather, the way we think about our finances, the way the spend our money, the values we employ in making these decisions are all very clear ways of measuring how we practice God’s holiness in our lives.
Reflection:
As God’s royal priests in this world, do you believe that all that you have is from God, that all of it should be spent for God’s purposes? What is one hindrance that is keeping you from surrendering your whole life, including your finances, as a living sacrifice? What is one expenditure that God is convicting you to reevaluate and redirect for a better use?
Prayer:
Father God, you are our Creator and Provider. You have given me everything I need and so much more. Forgive me for the times I viewed money as the end goal, rather than a means to worship you with. Teach me how to live out holiness in every aspect of my life, even in how I view the financial blessings you’ve given me. Rather than being tight-fisted and insecure, I want to surrender my life, my all to you, trusting in your goodness. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.