"Torat Kohanim"

L E V I T I C U S - An Introduction

"A charge to keep I have,

A God to glorify,

A never-dying soul to save,

And Fit it for the sky.

To serve the present age,

My calling to fulfill:

O may it all my powers engage

To do my Master's will!

I remember growing up in a close knit Baptist Church family.  Every Sunday I would watch my Great Grandmother, "Jelly," as she slowly and painfully rose from her usual spot on the third row pew, on the right side to  go before the church, stoop down on her "one good knee" to lead morning devotion.  One of the songs  she would lead the church in was the line hymn, "A Charge To Keep I Have."  As a little girl, I always thought she was wailing and moaning because she was on that one good knee and the congregation was somehow experiencing the same pain by osmosis or something!  As you listen to the video, you'll understand what I'm talking about.  Thankfully I grew up and learned the lyrics only to find a wonderful and beautifully written warning to all charged with the keeping of the Temple or in my case, the Church.  So listen closely and enjoy.  In the meantime, let me get to this post.

We have finished Elie Wiesel's NIGHT and are now returning to Reading The Bible Again for the First Time.  This week we will be sticking our naked minds and wicked thoughts into the book of Leviticus. 

I'm sure many of you may think the book of Leviticus, or its early rabbinic name, "Torat Kohanim," (the Priests' Manuel), would or should strike fear and terror in the heart and mind of a skinny, little, ugly, nappy-headed, black girl with a particular particularity that is particularly particular for most, especially one being in the vocation of ministry... Yes?  Well, I'm sorry, but let me remind you of something; "I ain't nevah scared!"  But what say you?  Are you afraid little girl?  What about you little boy?  Well sit back, relax and be ye not afraid!  Because the problem with Leviticus is how it has been interpreted, misinterpreted, used, misused and abused to set apart, ostracize and condemn those that contemporary Preachers and religious leaders have determined to be unfit, out of order, morally deficient or depraved, and unworthy of God's love, mercy, protection and infinite grace.  In its  purest sense, Leviticus (the Priests' Manuel) is about Israel's Priesthood - and I doubt very seriously that contemporary Preachers who journey down this road for social, economic and political expediency are on the rode to converting to Judaism.  I'm jes saying...

In short and in preparation for your reading, here's a tip and don't forget it...  The book of Leviticus is primarily about rituals, specific sacrifices and duties of Israel's Priests.  And, about the Priests making the distinction between the "holy and the common and between the unclean and the clean" (Leviticus 10:10).  A more universal understanding that is implicit within the book's title is an awareness of the moral character, code of conduct and a certain standard by which the Priests are governed - though there are no hard and fast laws for the Priests alone - it is a standard set forth in the Torah.  I'm sorry, what was that you said?  Make it plain?  Alrighty then...  Take for example tithes and offering;  Now there's a topic, I'm sure we can all get our minds around.  It is not only important to bring an offering into the Temple/Church, but it is equally (if not more) important that the Priests/Preacher consecrates the offering respectfully and properly appropriates it toward all matters pertaining to the preservation and success of the Temple/Church and the worship experience.  When was the last time you heard a sermon about that?  I'm willing to say - NEVAH!

As we delve deeper into the book, for obvious reasons, I will use Priests and Preacher, Temple and Church interchangeably.  But know this, the Priests of the Temple, Preachers and religious leaders of the Church are consecrated, sanctified and set apart as holy unto God.  They, WE, are to be exemplary stewards of that which we have been "called" and given charge of.  This is not a willy-nilly charge or vocation.  It is purposeful and should have deliberate intent.  For where we lack honesty and sincerity, there, most assuredly, we shall be held to account. 

Arm me with jealous care,

As in Thy sight to live;

And O Thy servant, Lord, prepare

A strict account to give!

Help me to watch and pray,

And on Thyself rely,

Assured, if I my trust betray,

I shall forever die."
(Charles Wesley, based on Matthew Henry's commentary on Leviticus)

© Dorinda G. Henry, 2011

THEOLOGIA HABITUS EST!