Delving into Leviticus, Again

Good morning/afternoon/evening! I'm glad you stopped by today to read what I have to say on one of today's readings. Actually, I bet you're just hear to find the answer to yesterday's question of the day. Or maybe to see if I've dug up some quirky video to post.

*Sigh* That's OK too, I guess. Either way, I'm glad you're here! Now, let's get on with the important stuff: the answer and the video, which is posted all the way at the end! At least read the reflection BEFORE you watch the video, OK?


Here's the question and answer from yesterday:
Feb. 18- The Lord told Aaron and Moses the Israelites were allowed to eat what kind of animals?
Leviticus 11:3, “You may eat any animal that has a divided hoof and that chews the cud.” (Not exactly what I want to be thinking about first thing in the morning!)

And here's the question of the day:
Feb. 19- What was the Ethiopian reading as he sat in the chariot?


And here's the reflection of the day:
Leviticus 8 and 9 actually have some action going on in them--hurray! These chapters tell the story of the ordination of Aaron and his sons as "priests." Before worship, the tabernacle and the priests who will serve in it must be consecrated, or set apart for a divine use. A priest was the intermediary between God and the people, overseeing the holy business of the temple and the sacrifices.

It's fascinating really; God uses Aaron even after the golden calf debacle. God has a penchant for crack vessels and imperfect leaders: Jacob the trickster, David the adulterer, Paul the persecutor, and Peter the denier, among others.

In fact, according to Ex 19:6, all of Israel was called to be a "kingdom of priests," but the sin of the golden calf shot that idea all to heck. And yet God continues to call surprisingly flawed people to be a part of His mission and ministry.

It's nice to know God doesn't demand perfection in His servants in order to be ordained. He only seeks a willing heart, a heart willing to trust and obey. God doesn't demand perfection from us, so why do we expect it from ourselves? (This is as much my question to me as it is to you!)

Next time we're worrying about being perfect, let's not; instead, let's work on the willingness of our hearts to be a part of God's messy plan of salvation. It probably won't be pretty or organized (we are humans after all!), but it will be God's plan, and we know at least IT will be perfect, even if we're not.

This is my favorite "servant" related song--it talks about the imperfection of God's servants, wanting to serve yet being reluctant at the same time. Maybe you know it; if not, I found a video where someone put they lyrics along the bottom of the screen, so you can follow along with the words.




Go out this day and work on being Christ's hands and feet!
Allison