A God That Cares

Indeed, Leviticus reveals a God who is intimately involved in every aspect of the lives of the Israelites. His concern for orderliness, cleanliness, and purity, whether spiritual or physical, reflects His nature as a God who desires holistic care for His people. In many ways, this focus on both spiritual and physical health paints a picture of a loving and present God who does not only care about people’s relationship with Him but also their well-being in all aspects of life.

The Levitical laws reveal a comprehensive view of God’s care for His people. He was not indifferent to their physical health, nor did He only care about their spiritual purity. He cared about the whole person… body, mind, and spirit. The fact that He gave clear instructions on how to handle issues of disease, cleanliness, and even health regulations for clothing and homes shows that He is concerned with every detail of life.

This is very different from the approach of other nations, like Egypt or Mesopotamia, where health was often seen through a spiritual lens, as if every sickness was a result of spiritual wrongdoing. In Israel, while there were instances where sin could lead to consequences, sickness was not necessarily seen as a punishment for sin. The Levitical system provided a clear framework for inspection and purification, a practical and organized approach for managing health and order in a community, reflecting a God who is involved in every aspect of His people’s lives.

The government of God, which was foreshadowed in the Old Testament with the Levitical priesthood, is certainly not just about spiritual authority, but it encompasses holistic care for the people’s well-being.

In the New Testament, when the Bible says that the government will be upon His shoulder, it speaks of Jesus Christ as the ultimate King and Priest. His kingdom is not just about spiritual salvation but also about justice, care for the poor, and well-being in every way. It’s a kingdom that impacts both the spiritual and the physical realms, just as God did through the Levitical laws.

The transition from Levitical priesthood to the priesthood of all believers is central in the New Testament. In 1 Peter 2:9, Christians are referred to as a royal priesthood, a holy nation, called to declare the praises of God and live as representatives of His kingdom. The Levitical priests had a specific role in mediating between God and the people, ensuring that spiritual and physical purity were maintained. Now, in Christ, all believers are called to be part of this priesthood.

This means that Christians are meant to carry God’s government on their shoulders, actively participating in the well-being of both the spiritual and physical aspects of others’ lives. We are called to be involved in serving people holistically, recognizing the interconnection between their spiritual and physical lives. Our calling is not just to speak spiritual truth but also to care for people’s needs, whether it’s emotional, social, physical, or spiritual.

The Holy Spirit, now poured out on all believers, empowers Christians to live out this priestly role. Just as the Levitical priests were tasked with overseeing the spiritual and physical health of the people of Israel, so today, believers are called to take up this responsibility in a broader sense. Through the Holy Spirit, we have the power to speak life, heal, and bring peace to situations where we see both spiritual and physical needs.

Practical Implications for Believers Today

• Holistic Ministry: As a royal priesthood, we are called to engage in both spiritual and physical ministry. We should care for people’s bodies (through healing, care, and advocacy for justice) as much as we care for their souls (through preaching the gospel and discipleship).

• Community Care: The Levitical priesthood was not isolated but engaged with the community. Likewise, Christians are not meant to live in isolation but are to be actively involved in the lives of others, helping with physical needs (like feeding the hungry, providing shelter, and caring for the sick) as much as addressing spiritual needs (like preaching the gospel, offering prayer, and counseling).

• Kingdom Responsibility: Living under God’s rule means we should act as agents of order, peace, and righteousness, in both the spiritual and physical realms. We are not just focused on personal salvation but on the well-being of the larger community as we reflect the kingdom of God in a broken world.

God’s deep concern for order, health, and holiness in the Levitical system serves as a precursor to the broader role of believers as part of God’s royal priesthood today. We are not only called to serve in spiritual matters but also to care for the whole person, recognizing that God’s kingdom affects every area of life. Just as the Levitical priests were involved in the daily lives of the Israelites, we are called to bring God’s order, care, and healing into our communities today.

~ priest covenant