Today's Reading: Leviticus 21
The word “sanctify”
means to set apart as sacred; to consecrate; to dedicate. In today’s verse, the
LORD calls upon the Israelites to set apart (sanctify) for God’s purposes the
ministers and priests who serve among them.
The call to
sanctification in Leviticus 21:8 applies to pastors and church leaders in the
same way that it applied to Israel’s priests and ministers. As spiritual
leaders of their congregations, pastors are responsible for leading and guiding
their flocks in the ways of God. This involves teaching and preaching the Word
of God (“offering the bread of your God”), providing pastoral care and
counseling, and leading the congregation in worship and prayer.
To
effectively carry out this important role, pastors must be set apart and
consecrated for God's purposes. They must strive to live lives that reflect the
character of Christ, pursuing holiness and righteousness in all that they do.
This means avoiding behaviors and attitudes that are contrary to God's will and
seeking to emulate the character of Christ in their relationships, their
personal lives, and their ministries by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Furthermore,
pastors are called to be examples to their congregations, modeling what it
means to live a life that is dedicated to God's service. This involves
cultivating a deep and abiding personal relationship with God through prayer,
worship, and the study of His Word, as well as seeking out opportunities to
serve and minister to others.
Ultimately,
the call to sanctification serves as a reminder to pastors that they are called
to a higher standard of living than the average person. They are called to lead
their congregations in the ways of God, and in order to do so effectively, they
must be set apart and consecrated for His purposes. By pursuing sanctification,
pastors can bring glory to God, inspire their congregations, and fulfill their
calling to serve in His name.
Take a moment
now to pray for the pastors and church leaders amongst you. Dedicate them to
God and pray for His anointing upon their ministry.
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