“[We have accepted responsibility for]…
the holy offerings;
for sin offerings to make atonement for Israel;
and for all the duties of the house of our God…”
Nehemiah 10:33d
Last time we looked at the final three feasts in Leviticus 23, creatively reimagining structures in our nation and grateful that, because of Jesus, our atonement is finished. Today we will see offerings and maintenance for which our returned exiles also took responsibility.
First up is responsibility for the holy things. Holy here is qodesh – apartness, sacredness, most holy, sanctuary, sacred gifts, things dedicated. In the NIV, this is translated “holy offerings,” and in The Message it is “Dedication Offerings.” But in the Hebrew it is simply “holy things.”
I appreciate the conflation of things with offerings. When set apart and dedicated to God, any simple thing moves to an offering. In Jesus, all things, each aspect of our lives, can be dedicated to Him, a sacred gift.
If you’re like me, that can be a challenging thought in a season of shelter in place. Sometimes it feels like passing the time or waiting until something changes. More mundane than sacred. And yet, I have experienced more spaces operating like as sanctuaries. The rare moment when everyone is occupied inside and I get to take a lap around the block alone. Or the whole block is outside in the sunshine and I can lay with my puppy on the couch in its beams.
But the sacred extends to unexpected connections with students from afar or being entrusted with difficulties by someone near. A surprising, “Thanks, Mom,” along with overhearing Dad’s challenge to learn something new. Trying a recipe, heart to hearts on the phone, practicing a skill, and praying for a world in need are most holy.
So is grief at loss, anger toward injustice, and lament over how far away from Shalom we roam. Irritation at those nearest and an ache for the furthest. Frustration over one more socially distanced meeting and hollering hello to neighbors on a walk. It is set apart when it’s done for Him, a holy offering in a confusing time. Keep on, friends.
The next responsibility listed is sin offerings. Sin here is chatta’ah – sinful, habitual sinfulness. Oh dear. Sin is hard enough, but the reminder of habitual sinfulness is rough. Can you relate? Ways you know from experience you don’t want to live, yet continue to pursue, only to reap consequences?
Well, the next section is for us. After all, this responsibility isn’t for sin, but rather a sin offering. And why were such offerings necessary? To make atonement (kaphar – appease, cover over, pacify, make propitiation, cleanse, forgive, be merciful, pardon, cancel, purge away, make reconciliation.)
An atonement offering was necessary for the same reason making up with someone is important: there is no other way to sustain a genuine relationship. Forgiveness must be sought before pardon can be bestowed. Repentance, and reparations before reconciliation and restoration. The need for cleansing to cover us when we want to dig in our heels or run. Love requires it and our hearts were made for love.
The final responsibility in our verse today is for “all the work (melekah – business, cattle, labor, project) of the house (bayith) of Elohim.”
The priests and Levites had a big job, friends. Grain offerings, peace offerings, drink offerings, slaughtering animals and cooking portions for their pay. There was serious work going on in the House of Elohim. The same is true now, even in our virtual existence.
Those to whom God has entrusted the shepherding of His people have a big job. I see so many pastors and worship leaders and staff members and group leaders creatively loving their people. But let’s remember the responsibility it is and show gratitude, serve them and their families, and pray diligently.
Because holy surrounds us all.