Standing Strong |
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Vayikra—And He Called
Leviticus 1:1– 5: 26 Isaiah 43:21– 44:23 Matthew 5:1– 24 Hebrews 10:1-18 |
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This week’s Parasha provides an insight that will make some people very uncomfortable. I frequently hear people say “G-d is not a respecter of persons and neither am I”. This is taken from the book of Acts 10:34, “Then Peter opened his mouth and said, Of a truth I perceive that G-d is not a respecter of persons.” This is said when one refers to what has been said by a leader or authority. This is said when speaking of treating a leader of the government with more respect due to the position he holds.
It seems that within the Evangelical community there is a general feeling among many that because they have the Holy Spirit living in them that they don’t need to show increased respect to others given special callings to priesthood or pastoral roles or those called to leadership.
This does not line up with what we see from this week’s Parasha. If not looked at more deeply it will cause a person to doubt the validity of Scripture or see G-d as whimsical and frequently changing his mind. This is more in line with the G-d of Islam than the G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
In this portion we see that there are very specific sacrifices to be made for specific types of sin. We also note that the atonement sacrifice for unintentional sin is higher in cost in that none of the sacrifice gets left for the priests but it is totally burned. The same is done for a sin of the cohanim (priests). We further see that the sin of a ruler of the land does not require a male sacrifice but a female. The female is of higher value because it can give birth. One male of the flock or herd can be replaced in function much easier than a female. The ruler of the land is held to a standard that requires a higher sacrifice. This is also true of the priests. Then there is unintentional sin of the nation; the priests must not be doing their job well in teaching the people. Failure on the part of the priests and teachers has a higher price. Wrongdoing, sin, on the part of priests or teachers requires a higher price.
If those as rulers, priests, and teachers had a higher price sacrifice for atonement of their sin, how can we say that G-d is not a respecter of persons? He does maintain higher standards of those called to such important roles. From him who knows much. much is required.
So what is the Acts 10:34 referenced by the evangelical above about? Let’s look at the verse in context rather than fall victim to taking a verse out of context and using it to support a false teaching or viewpoint.
In context, Peter is speaking of G-d being a respecter of persons as relates to salvation and worshipping the one true G-d together. Peter is referring to Yeshua’s actions being for the good of all men and not just one race. This is totally different than saying G-d is “not a respecter of persons” as a blanket statement.
G-d does tell us to respect those in leadership, those of authority, those called to His service, and they in turn are held to a higher standard with higher penalties for sin on their part. Is G-d a respecter of persons and their calling? This portion shows He was. Luke 12:47-48 shows He still is. “And that servant, which knew his L-rd's will, and prepared not [himself], neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many [stripes]. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few [stripes]. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.”
If the lack of respect of persons has to do with Romans 2:11, then you must also look in context to find that verse refers to judgment based upon our works, not upon nationality. It further addresses the need of all leaders and teachers to do as they teach. For more on this verse click here.
Selah |
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Isaiah 11:6 2 Thessalonians 2:15 |