Sunday, August 4, 2024

Theme:  

The book of Leviticus gives instruction about many of the cultic practices of the Hebrew people. Two of the major metaphors used in this book is that of being ritually ‘clean’ and ‘unclean.’ This ritual cleanliness was especially important for the priests as they came into the presence of God in the Tabernacle (Exodus tells the story of two of Aaron’s sons who were struck down because of their uncleanliness). Leviticus describes (sometimes painfully) what foods and activities makes a person ritually unclean. Many times, this ritual dirtiness had nothing to do with moral impurity, but was a reminder that we are subject to death outside of Eden (e.g. preparing a dead body for burial or childbirth). Sometimes this ritual purity served to distinguish the Hebrew people from the peoples around them, and the priests from the people (e.g., Kosher dietary laws or haircutting practices). Leviticus also describes the rituals and sacrifices needed to be made clean before God. This was especially especially important for the High Priest on the Day of Atonement, as he prepared to enter into the presence of God in the Holy of Holies. 

The author of Hebrews interprets Jesus through these Levitical laws, and claims that Jesus has become our new High Priest. However, unlike the earthly priests who have to make sacrifices on behalf of themselves and the people, Jesus as priest and perfect sacrifice is able to enter into the throne of God, and also makes a way for us to approach God’s throne of grace.  

Questions for Reflection: 

• What do you think it means to have a ‘pure heart’? 

• What is the significance of being able to see God? 

• How can our hearts be made pure? 

Reflections:

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

Introit: With reference to our Call to Worship scripture, and also reflective of the desire to be clean before being in the presence of God: “Lord, Prepare Me”

Opening Hymn: “Clean Hands and Pure Heart”; ‘pure heart’ immediately brought to mind the hymn we use for our Opening, “Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart”.

Transition Hymn: For the month of August, our Transition Hymn will be “O Sing to the Lord”

Special Music: Keeping with the theme of being presentable to God, I will be singing “Pleasing to You”, by Jay Stocker.

Communion Hymn: For 2024, the communion hymn is “When at This Table”.

Sending Hymn: As our sending hymn, we sing again the ‘Beatitudes’ hymn, “Blest Are They”.

Benediction: As I was looking for a benediction for the month of August, I thought the final verse of “O Christ, Surround Me” seemed an appropriate reminder in this time of increasing division and ugliness; “Christ in the eyes of all who see me, Christ in the ears that hear my voice, Christ in all the hearts that know me.”