In Leviticus 21, we read that no one with a disability could serve the Lord.

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. 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.'”

Leviticus 21:21-23 (NIV)

However, we are told that Levities with disabilities could still share in the offerings and everything else. They just couldn’t serve as priests. If you’re like me, you’re probably wondering why.

One answer to this question can be found in this verse.

Regard them as holy, because they offer up the food of your God. Consider them holy, because I the Lord am holy—I who make you holy.

Leviticus 21:8 (NIV)

God is perfect and demands perfect sacrifices. When we read about the animals being sacrificed, none of them can have any defects. God also insisted that his priests be perfect. Now, we know they weren’t perfect because everyone sins. However, the priesthood that served God was symbolic of God. The priests represented God. Therefore, they had to look the part. If God accepted priests with disabilities, it would suggest that God accepts anything less than perfection in his people. While we know God welcomes us all, we know we are only acceptable because of what Jesus did for us on the cross. Therefore, we can view the precept regarding priesthood as another means of revealing our need for Jesus Christ. 

Another reason God didn’t want priests with disabilities serving him deals with morality. People used to (and some still do) believe that physical defects revealed an immoral character. This trope still exists in some of our entertainment. Some of our most beloved stories, like The Hunchback of Notre Dame, reflect the idea that physical defects are equal to an evil character. 

When we read the Old Testament, as I mentioned yesterday, we must consider how it relates to the New Testament since the Old Testament is the New Testament concealed. Otherwise, if we’re not reading the Old Testament through the lens of the New, we can miss the point. 

Do you know God? God knows you, and he loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, and he wants you to know him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, freed from death, and live eternally with him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and on the third day, God the Father raised you from the dead. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart and receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.

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