Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was.

High priests were appointed to rule in spiritual matters over the people of Israel. This role was not one that was applied for, and there was no election process — they were God appointed. And while some in that society viewed the high priests as a “cut above”, they were really sinners like the rest of the people. They had to offer sacrifices for their sins just like everyone else.

While I am sure the comparison game was alive and well in Jewish society (ranking our worthiness or righteousness by how much better we are than others), it was not God’s system. Under the law, all were sinners. Our sin misses the mark of perfection.

But God provided a way for the people back then to sacrifice an animal, and with the shedding of blood the sins they repented of were forgiven.

I think it is an important thing to contemplate that the spiritual leaders of Israel were human and sinners like the rest of us. They, too, needed a Savior to save them from the pit of hell. It is good for those of us who lead or aspire to lead to understand the same.

God uses and works with people not based on how they look on the outside, what lineage or groups they belong to, or accolades they have garnered. He uses people if they have fully committed and surrendered hearts to him.

Lord, thank you for always wanting a relationship with your people, even though we blow it big time, at times. Help me to fill up on strength and confidence from you, my Good Father!