February 19
Lev 7:28-9:6 | PS 37:12-29 | Prov 10:5 | Mark 3:31-4:25
When we read Scripture, nothing is random, it is all inspired and purposeful. We read the application of blood in the ordination of the priests in Leviticus 8:22-23, “Then Moses presented the other ram, which was the ram of ordination. Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the ram’s head, and Moses slaughtered it. Then Moses took some of its blood and applied it to the lobe of Aaron’s right ear, the thumb of his right hand, and the big toe of his right foot.” We must remind ourselves from 1 Peter 2:9, that we who are in Christ are now God’s holy priests. So with this in mind, the blood on the ear represents the need to attentively listen to God’s Word. The blood on the thumb symbolizes the need to execute God’s will, and the blood on the right toe reflects the priest’s walk of holiness. Just as Aaron and his sons were set apart or called to holiness, so are we who have been washed by the blood of Jesus Christ.
Being religious, going to seminary, belonging to a particular denomination or congregation does not make you holy. Many look the part, some who are elevated are deaf to God’s message as illustrated by the purpose of Jesus’ parables as He states in Mark 4:9-12, “Then he said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”… He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secret of the Kingdom of God. But I use parables for everything I say to outsiders, so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled: When they see what I do, they will learn nothing. When they hear what I say, they will not understand. Otherwise, they will turn to me and be forgiven.” Jesus was referring to the religious who’s who of that time who could not comprehend His teaching. He goes on illustrating the point of having sensitive ears in 4:24-25, “Then he added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.”
Concerning our walk, read the words in Psalm 37:23-24, “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” May we take seriously our role as priests. This does not mean one needs to be a pastor, elder, or ministry leader. Everyone who has repented and accepted Jesus Christ’s sacrifice as atonement for their sins is in Christ. We are called to holiness and we should diligently and seriously move forward in the role given to us by God. Our walk should not be haphazard but intentional. We need to tune our ears to His calling and use our hands as His vessels during our time on earth.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: