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Leviticus-21

Leviticus 21: Holy Dedication or Holier Than Thou?​

Introduction​

Leviticus 21 can be a difficult chapter to grapple with. God lays out strict laws regarding priests, their families, and their marriages. Some may struggle with these laws and view them as restrictive or archaic. However, rather than viewing these laws as restrictive, let's consider the spiritual truths woven into Leviticus 21. This chapter can help us understand the importance and need for holiness and holy dedication.

Section 1: Holy Dedication (Leviticus 21:1-24)​

Devotional Thought: God commanded the priests to be holy, lest they profane His name. The phrase, "I am the Lord" (Leviticus 21:8) highlights the importance of holiness and how it reflects back on God's name. This sacred call to holiness extends beyond the priesthood. All of us should be holy, lest we profane His name. Today, let's meditate on the importance of holiness in our everyday lives.

Reflection Questions:

  • How do you identify areas of your life that need sanctification?
  • Are there habits or patterns that keep you from holiness?

Section 2: On Marriage and Widowhood (Leviticus 21:13-15)​

Devotional Thought: God commands priests to marry only virgins. Widows remarried are replaced, and their former husband's families are forbidden. Why? God's law teaches us about the unique roles and importance of marriage and widowhood. Honoring the holiness of the priesthood, God highlights the sacredness of marriage and the need to reserve it for those who can be devoted to their chosen partner. Today, let's reflect on how we can honor marriage and widowhood's unique importance.

Reflection Questions:

  • How do you honor the sacredness of marriage in your relationships?
  • Are there steps you can take to honor widowhood's unique role?

Section 3: On the Head (Leviticus 21:5)​

Devotional Thought: God commands priests to not shave the sides of their head or truncate the edges. However, they may make a bald patch on their head (Leviticus 21:5). Why? Some believe that priests demonstrating this distinctive haircut may have functioned as a distinct visual symbol of their priestly duty. It could also be seen as a visual reminder of their holy calling. Either way, this passage teaches us of the visual distinction we make in our lives. What unique visual distinction can we make to declare our holiness?

Reflection Questions:

  • How can we demonstrate a distinctive faith in our physical appearance, declaring holiness?
  • Are there physical symbols that you can fashion to exhibit your faith?

Conclusion:​

Leviticus 21's laws might not be easy to follow in our modern-day culture. However, it teaches us about holiness and holy dedication. Today, may we walk in a holy calling, living as a distinct people, declaring the holiness of God in all things we say, do, and wear. The priestly laws of Leviticus 21 invite us to be different, to be set apart for the purpose of exemplifying and advertising the holiness of God. May we embrace this call!