September 3

Is it not enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel and brought you near to Himself to perform the work at the LORD’s tabernacle, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them? — Num 16:9 BSB

A little plant may grow out of a pile of manure, surrounded by filth and often covered in dust, but its white roots remain separate from the unclean soil, and its leaves and flowers have no connection with the dust that settles on them. After a summer rain, they shake off every speck of dirt, standing fresh and spotless, for their nature is inherently pure and cannot be defiled.

This is the kind of separation Christ calls us to and gives us. There is no merit in abstaining from sinful things if we still desire them in our hearts. The problem is not in the world itself but in the love of the world. The true Levite is not only separated from sinful actions but from even the desire for them. Even if he could have the pleasures that others crave, he would not want them.