Scripture:
Leviticus 10:8-11 ESV
[8] And the Lord spoke to Aaron, saying, [9] “Drink no wine or strong drink, you or your sons with you, when you go into the tent of meeting, lest you die. It shall be a statute forever throughout your generations. [10] You are to distinguish between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean, [11] and you are to teach the people of Israel all the statutes that the Lord has spoken to them by Moses.”
Observation:
Up until the last section of scripture we took a close look at. The LORD was only speaking to Moses. Now we read… The LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron. Aaron was chosen as well and the process they went through last chapter made that clear. The part I would like to sink into is found in the following verses, however. Verse 9 gives a very distinct command not to drink any strong drink when entering the presence of GOD. Aaron and his sons were to abstain from booze. As you can see the LORD took this pretty seriously. The scripture says if they were to drink alcohol before entering the Tabernacle they would die. The purpose of it is something else we should pay close attention to. Aaron and his sons were to draw a line between holy and common, and how could they do that effectively if they were in an altered state of mind? The other thing they were instructed to do was to teach the others the law that had been spoken to Moses, and honestly, who would them seriously if they were not in their right mind?
Application:
When we are called to teach or lead or pastor. We are called to a higher level of living. In the books of Timothy Paul instructs Timothy to put men in positions of leadership that walk above reproach. Leadership is a serious thing, and should not be taken lightly. Those who are called to leadership should consider the ones they are leading. In James Chapter 3 we see another example of this when James tells us that leaders will be held at a higher level of accountability. When you are chosen by GOD to lead and teach things that may be ok for others are no longer ok for you. You are to be alert and sober-minded. The enemy is real and would like nothing more than to damage your reputation as a leader or a man of GOD. My point is we are all leading someone. We are all teaching someone. Whether that’s your kids someone at work or just a friend who comes to you for advice someone is watching you looking up to you learning from you and it’s your responsibility to lead them with a sober mind.
Prayer:
Father, I hope I do justice to your holy word I know that you can use a donkey to speak for you. I am only a vessel the value held within me is you. I just want to thank you for giving me a sober mind. I pray that I can walk worthy of your calling. I know that others will read this, that have been called to lead and teach. Father that is not something you look at lightly. I pray a hedge of protection over them. I pray that you protect their walk with you. That they seek you in all they do. I pray that You give us a clear mind and clear direction and that we as a whole walk worthy of your calling. It is in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen