Disability in Leviticus
There has always been a question about the representation of disability in the Old Testament. Does it paint a negative image, or does it demand separation? The exploration of the scripture Leviticus 21:16-24 provides a fresh perspective on this matter.
16 The Lord said to Moses, 17 “Say to Aaron: ‘For the generations to come none of your descendants who has a defect may come near to offer the food of his God. 18 No man who has any defect may come near: no man who is blind or lame, disfigured or deformed; 19 no man with a crippled foot or hand, 20 or who is a hunchback or a dwarf, or who has any eye defect, or who has festering or running sores or damaged testicles. 21 No descendant of Aaron the priest who has any defect is to come near to present the food offerings to the Lord. He has a defect; he must not come near to offer the food of his God. 22 He may eat the most holy food of his God, as well as the holy food; 23 yet because of his defect, he must not go near the curtain or approach the altar, and so desecrate my sanctuary. I am the Lord, who makes them holy.’”
24 So Moses told this to Aaron and his sons and to all the Israelites.
This scripture, which specifically addresses the priests of that era, has been misunderstood over the years. It has been incorrectly interpreted as a target against all individuals, leading to misconceptions about God's views on disability. However, each word in the scripture is God-breathed, meant to guide us in righteousness. It’s not a mistake, it’s a misinterpretation.
Understanding the Old Testament and disability is crucial for inclusive faith practices. Leviticus was written specifically for the priests who needed to be perfect to approach the altar of God. This context is essential, as perfection, in this case, is not a human endeavor but is seen in Jesus, the ultimate sacrifice.
Jesus, being the ultimate bridge, enables us to live out the scripture, making it relevant even in today's context. He embodies perfection, bridging the gap between us and God, irrespective of our physical abilities. Therefore, the quest for perfection is not about human endeavor but about understanding and living out the scripture through Jesus.
God's purpose and love transcend physical abilities, a truth that is profoundly evident in disability ministries. Leviticus was not written to create separation, but rather to draw us closer to God. Understanding this is fundamental in interpreting scriptures and realizing how God's love and glory can manifest through us.
God's unconditional love for everyone is a core principle in disability ministries. It emphasizes that no one, regardless of physical abilities, is alienated from God's love or His plan. God's love transcends our physical abilities and shines through us, spreading His glory.
The question, "Why did God make us this way?" often arises in discussions about disability and scripture. The implications of this question are profound for our lives. Our unique creation, with all its apparent imperfections, is part of God's grand design. He made us in His image, and every aspect of our being has a purpose in His plan.
Remember, when reading the scriptures, it is essential to understand the context. Scriptures like Leviticus were not meant to separate us but to draw us closer to God. They teach us about the need of a perfect savior, because perfection is impossible in pure human form. It shows us His unconditional love, His purpose for us, and how we can live in His image, irrespective of our physical abilities.
The understanding of disability in the scripture and God's unconditional love is a vital step towards inclusive faith practices. It helps us understand that every individual, irrespective of their abilities, is an indispensable part of God's plan. Join us on this enlightening journey as we continue to explore and understand God's love for all His children.