Have you ever heard of the sons of Zadok? Mention is made of them several times in the Old Testament. Zadok was a priest who stayed faithful to David even when others left to support David’s son Absalom in his attempted coup of Israel’s throne. Zadok was described as a seer; so, he was prophetic enough to recognize David was God’s choice for king. Zadok did the right thing, even when it was unpopular.
Well, the apples didn’t fall far from the tree. The sons of Zadok were also righteous and were selected to minister to the Lord in the inner court of the temple (Ezekiel 44:19 NAS). Up close and personal, their job was to prepare offerings for God. For this job, they had to dress in a linen garment, from which they changed after their job was finished, lest they “transmit holiness” to the people. Under Mosaic Law, that would have put the average people in harm’s way as they were not ceremonially pure enough to touch holiness. (Think: Uzza died after touching the ark.)
The New Covenant (life in Jesus Christ in this dispensation of grace) invites us into God’s holiness. Now, when we transmit holiness, it serves as salt and light (a positive influence toward God) for those who have not experienced His sacredness and goodness to change our lives. I am reminded of the handkerchiefs which brought healing after they were kept close to Paul, then distributed to the sick. The closer we draw near to Him in worship and time in His word, we too can transmit holiness to a generation in need of His touch.
Nan Robertson
~Christ Fellowship