Leviticus 21:18-20 No man who has any defect may come near: no man who is blind or lame, disfigured or deformed; no man with a crippled foot or hand, or who is a hunchback or a dwarf, or who has any eye defect, or who has festering or running sores or damaged testicles.
Once again, today’s scripture sent me to Google to try to get to the bottom of what feels like “God doesn’t want anyone less than perfect to serve Him,” which is, of course, a disturbing message. Commentary says that this Old Testament mandate of priestly perfection points to Jesus.
Leviticus 21:21 No descendant of Aaron the priest who has any defect is to come near to present the food offerings to the Lord. He has a defect; he must not come near to offer the food of his God.
I just don’t think God makes mistakes, and I don’t think He is mean or cruel. I cannot imagine Him excluding anyone whose heart is for Him. And I think He calls us to love everyone, regardless of physical, mental, emotional anomalies.
Leviticus 21:22-23 He may eat the most holy food of his God, as well as the holy food; yet because of his defect, he must not go near the curtain or approach the altar, and so desecrate my sanctuary. I am the Lord, who makes them holy.’ ”
Precious Savior, I think You call me to “just love everyone” and let You sort them out later. Help me to be Your hands and feet and heart in this world. Help me, Jesus. Amen.
Leviticus 21:24 So Moses told this to Aaron and his sons and to all the Israelites.
Have a blessed day.