The Blurred Lines of Life
Pushing the limits is something that seems to come natural to some folks. Our children (and when we were children) are prime examples of this. Unfortunately, adults do the same, pushing the limits and tightroping the line between right and wrong, good and evil, holy and unclean. That’s why we have law enforcement, lawyers, courts, and counselors. In all seriousness, it is our nature to gravitate to that which pleases our own selfish desires. But, reading through the first three books of the Old Testament, I began to think, “Why are all these rules about sacrifices listed in the Bible? What good is it for us today?” Well, I believe all these rules of sacrifice, genealogies, and other seemingly insignificant information was to tell us that God is a God of order, and He established the boundaries between what was clean and unclean.
Now, I know we no longer live under the old law as stated in the Old Testament, and for that, we can say “AMEN!” But, I believe there is a lesson in a seemingly obscure verse in Leviticus 10:8-11. Having received orders on the process of sacrifice, the Lord told Aaron “you must distinguish between what is sacred and what is common, between what is ceremonially unclean and what is clean.” If we want to find a deeper, more intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father, we must be willing to distance ourselves from the line we like to tightrope across between holy and unholy. Will it cause others to question our actions? Probably. But, I believe if we have to even remotely determine if an action will displease the Father or be considered a sin, we should stray from it. I’m not suggesting a legalistic approach to life here, but I also believe we can tend to get “fat and sassy” and apathetic in our approach to our walk with God. I know that is probably not a feel good devotion, but it’s a challenge to me too.
Heavenly Father, Today, I thank You for granting me wisdom, wisdom to do that which is beyond my current capabilities. I thank You for giving me knowledge of Your Word as I study. I ask for You to grant me discernment, and stir a holy conviction in my heart, and show me that in my life which displeases You. I love You, Lord! -Amen
Then the Lord said to Aaron, “You and your descendants must never drink wine or any other alcoholic drink before going into the Tabernacle. If you do, you will die. This is a permanent law for you, and it must be observed from generation to generation. You must distinguish between what is sacred and what is common, between what is ceremonially unclean and what is clean. And you must teach the Israelites all the decrees that the Lord has given them through Moses.”
Leviticus 10:8-11 NLT
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