The Work of a Priest
Marked by grace—each step a reminder that we walk not in perfection, but in the sufficiency of Christ.
April 9th Devotional – Based on Ray Stedman’s “Immeasurably More”
Scripture: Leviticus 8:22–23
In today’s reflection, Ray Stedman draws us into the symbolism of the priestly ordination ceremony in Leviticus 8. The strange but sacred ritual—placing blood on the ear, thumb, and toe of the priest—points to a life wholly touched by redemption. The ear set apart to hear God’s voice not as mere suggestion, but as the liberating word of a Redeemer. The hand consecrated to serve others in humility, knowing that we are not better than those we serve but equally in need of Christ’s continual cleansing. And the foot marked by grace, reminding us that our daily walk, though faltering at times, is carried by the blood of Christ and not by our merit. This passage calls us to listen with surrendered ears, to serve with humble hands, and to walk with grace-soaked steps. The priest’s ordination is not a symbol of superiority, but of total dependence—body, soul, and walk—on the finished work of Christ.
Journal Entry – The Holy Spirit’s Voice Through Scripture
You are My royal priesthood, not through pedigree or performance, but through My blood. I set you apart—not to elevate you above others, but to place you in their midst with a listening ear, a serving hand, and a humble stride.
Let My Word settle into the depth of your spirit. Let it speak not just to your intellect, but to the very core of who you are in Me. I do not give you information; I give you transformation. My voice breaks chains and speaks life. You hear Me not as a stranger but as one bought with a price, sealed by My Spirit, and made new.
Your hands are not your own. They are no longer tools of striving or comparison but instruments of mercy. I walk you into places where others need tenderness, not judgment. I bring to your mind the moments you have stumbled, not to shame you, but to give you the gentleness that restores rather than condemns. Your thumb—set apart with blood—reminds you that your touch is never neutral. Serve as one who has received mercy, and your mercy will carry My fragrance.
And your feet—I know where you walk. I know the moments you wander or grow weary. But I do not mark your steps by failure. I see you walking in My Spirit, even when you trip. My grace doesn’t erase your humanity; it carries you through it. You are not disqualified by your imperfections, but declared whole by My Son.
So keep your ears turned toward Me, your hands open to others, and your steps aligned with My grace. You are not walking toward approval—you walk from it. I ordained you for this path, and I walk it with you.
Scripture references: Leviticus 8:22–23, John 10:27, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Galatians 6:1, Hebrews 10:14, 1 Peter 2:9
Prayer of Confidence
Father, I thank You that I have been set apart by the blood of Christ—redeemed, made holy, and placed into Your service not as one who must prove himself, but as one who walks in the grace already poured out. I trust that Your Word speaks life into me. I trust that Your Spirit leads my hands into acts of compassion. And I trust that each step I take—though never flawless—is carried by the sufficiency of Christ. Let me walk today as a priest who is not performing, but abiding. A priest who listens, serves, and walks—not from a place of striving, but from a place of rest in You. Amen.