REQUIREMENTS OF GOD’S CALLING

SCRIPTURE:

“‘They must not shave their heads or let their hair grow long, but they are to keep the hair of their heads trimmed. 21 No priest is to drink wine when he enters the inner court. 22 They must not marry widows or divorced women; they may marry only virgins of Israelite descent or widows of priests. 23 They are to teach my people the difference between the holy and the common and show them how to distinguish between the unclean and the clean.  24 “‘In any dispute, the priests are to serve as judges and decide it according to my ordinances. They are to keep my laws and my decrees for all my appointed festivals, and they are to keep my Sabbaths holy.” (Ezekiel 44:20—24)

OBSERVATION:

            The role of a priest in God’s household is well defined within God’s requirements of a person representing Him among his people.  It is not a role that whoever wants to play can play alone.  God has provisions for those who represent him.  The priests should not shave their heads or let their hair grow long but trimmed.  They must not enter to serve in the inner court under the influence of wine.  God also has requirements for whom they should marry.  God has his reason why these things are so. 

            The priest must teach people the DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE HOLY AND THE COMMON AND SHOW THEM HOW TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE UNCLEAN AND THE CLEAN.  The priest also has to be the judge among the people for any disputes that may arise. 

            What a great lesson for all who aspire to lead in the pastoral or priestly calling.  God calls whom he wants and puts requirements on whom he has chosen for his purpose.  This is so that the pastor or the priest may be above reproach.  They are God’s person who abides by God’s requirements and not what they think is right to do. 

            Sometimes people want to argue against God’s requirements of what and how he wants to be represented.  If God says these are my requirements, why am I discussing his judgment and choices?  It is up to God to choose whom and to place conditions on people willing to accept and obey what he has laid out in any role. 

            Living a life set apart for God and sold out to him is fitting for those whom God sees fit for his purpose and a higher calling.  Because he wants them to be teachers and examples to others.  The priest or a pastor’s role is to teach people the DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE HOLY AND THE COMMON.  They are also to SHOW THEM HOW TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE UNCLEAN AND CLEAN. 

            The role of a priest is to TEACH THE DIFFERENCE and SHOW HOW TO DISTINGUISH the things that God values.  They are not to teach their ideas and persuasion.  They are not to teach or enforce lifestyles that are common and accepted by the world.  They are mainly to teach and show what God accepts.  This is a crucial role for believers to teach and show others what God accepts and rejects.

APPLICATION:

            I want to take my role from a believer to a purveyor and a promoter of God’s accepted lifestyle.  I want to help others to know the difference between living a holy life and everyday life.  I am committed to reminding others of the kind of life that God accepts and rejects.  I want to be an obedient servant of God to proclaim His will and purpose to others around me.   

PRAYER:

            Father, I ask that you teach me how to walk in a lifestyle that is pleasing and acceptable to you. Could you teach me to teach others the difference between what is holy in your sight and what is common? Please help me to help others distinguish between unclean and clean.  Give me an undivided heart to know you more.  Help me to live the life that pleases you.  I need you more today than ever before.  In your name, Jesus, Amen!