February 7, 2008

Read Leviticus 1-3 and Matthew 24:1-28

1 comment:

Chris said...

Wow, we've gotten through 2 whole books so far! I hope everyone is enjoying this as much as I am, although if my comments become less frequent, it's because they weren't kidding about the senior level of school; it's grueling, and tired has taken on a whole new meaning.

Lev. 1:4 Something had to atone for sin, in the form of a sacrifice. Hebrews 9:22 says
"And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission." and we all know Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

So, I got to thinking about what daily life must have been like for Aaron and his sons. They did a lot of barbequing in fancy clothes. I wondered if they got tired of the smell, of the blood, of seeing the same person appear almost daily repenting of the same thing. I wonder if they got tired of always thinking of sin, for the reminder of it was before them constantly. I wonder if they were tempted to develop a superiority complex and think they were better because of their position. I wonder if the daily sacrifices ever became rote, automatic, something they did without thinking. I wonder if they ever burnt out (pun intended).

I have no doubt that most of the priests were humbled by their position and considered it a privilege to serve Jehovah. I'm sure most took it seriously and performed their duties faithfully, just as our pastors do.

There were probably a few who didn't. But why dwell on them? I'm sure there's a lesson in there, especially for those in ministry today, but I don't think I'm the one to teach it.

Being a pastor today is a little less physically bloody (mostly; again, remember the presecuted church, guys) than being a priest in OT times would have been, but I'm sure at times it's no less grueling. And I want to say thank you to those of you who are; to those who have laid down their lives, their time, their big salaries, whatever God required of them, to shepherd a flock. Locally, Pastor Don, Pastor Chris, Pastor Bob, Pastor Ray, Pastor Carl, Pastor Jim, the youth pastors....I am privileged to learn from you and thank you for your Godly examples and unwavering faith.

God bless you guys! :-)