God’s mediators performed the duties of His Law for the sake of His grace.

And the LORD said to Moses, “Speak to the priests, the sons of Aaron, and say to them… ‘They shall be holy to their God and not profane the name of their god. For they offer the LORD’s food offerings, the bread of their God; therefore they shall be holy.” Leviticus 21.1, 6

In a very real sense the mediators God put in place in ancient Israel – judges, priests, and Levites – were the key to the Law performing its work of sanctifying the people and bringing them into the presence of God and His grace. Without judges to understand, teach, and interpret the Law, civil society would more quickly have become what it was during the period of the judges. And without faithful priests and Levites, the worship of God would have been neglected, and paganism would undoubtedly have sprung up in all the cities of the land.

The lesson here is simple but crucial: The Law of God requires faithful, careful, and exemplary leaders who will attend diligently to all the details of God’s Law, so that the Law might perform its gracious and sanctifying work among the people of God. Unless the teachers of the Law study and teach it, men will not be able to know sin or how to love their neighbors as themselves. Unless those entrusted with the ministry of the Word and sacraments are faithful in their duties, how shall the people grow in knowing the Lord or participating in Him?

While all believers have responsibility for understanding and keeping the Law of God, a special burden is laid on those who are entrusted with mediatorial roles within the community of God’s people (Ezek. 34.1-10). Rulers must teach and judge. Ministers must preach and preside over the service of worship. Deacons must serve. And all must be done according to the principles and precepts of the Law of God, and all the Word of God, so that holiness and righteousness and goodness may flourish among the people of God (Rom. 7.12).

For a fuller study of the pattern of worship revealed in Scripture, order the book, The Highest Thing, by T. M. Moore, from our online store. These studies and brief essays will help you to see how the pattern of sound worship, which began in the Law of God, comes to complete expression in the rest of Scripture. Pastors, we’re getting ready to start the next season of The Pastors’ Fellowship. Write to me today at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for information about how you join in these online discussions. Our theme for the coming series is “The Worldview of God’s Law.” There is no charge for participation, but you must reserve a place for these monthly gatherings. Subscribe to Crosfigell, the devotional newsletter of The Fellowship of Ailbe.