Communicated sanctity.
When any victim had been presented in sacrifice to God, and had been slain, its blood (the "blood of atonement"), and also its flesh, became "most holy" (Leviticus 6:29). And whatsoever was touched by the one or the other received, in virtue of such contact, a communicated sanctity (Leviticus 6:27, Leviticus 6:28). The lesson here conveyed is that whatsoever comes into close association with a holy one or a holy thing does thereby acquire a measure of sacredness, and should be treated accordingly by us. This imparted sanctity gives back again to that which acts upon it some additional importance; it reflects that which it receives on the object from which it comes. We have abundant illustration of this truth; sanctity is communicated—
I. FROM THE GOD-MAN TO HUMAN NATURE. Man is far more to Got and to the spiritual universe now that the "Word was made flesh," that "himself" was "partaker of flesh and blood." In Jesus Christ the Divine touched the human, and henceforth the human is holy.
II. FROM THE LIFE AND DEATH OF JESUS CHRIST TO THE LIFE AND DEATH OF MEN. Poverty, shame, sorrow, tears, the grave,—are not these other than they were, sacred things, since he "had not where to lay his head;" since the crown of thorns rested on that sacred head; since the Man of sorrows bore his burden; since "Jesus wept;" since they "laid him in a sepulcher"?
III. FROM THE SERVICE TO THE SANCTUARY. "This is none other than the house of God."
IV. FROM THE FUNCTION TO THE MINISTER. "Esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake."
V. FROM THE SPIRIT TO THE BODY. The exceeding preciousness of the human spirit imparts a sanctity to the body which is its residence and organ.
VI. FROM THE TRUTH TO THE WORD. We must deal reverently with the words in which the eternal truth of God is uttered.—C.