I typically do not write many posts about political figures. However, in this time of a heightened and divisive posture in our Country, politics has been at the forefront of our lives. This past Saturday, July 13th, the world witnessed the horrific attempted killing of Donald J. Trump. We all became locked onto our televisions and social media sites as we watched the details unfold.
I was watching this live and it took me a few moments to digest what happened. We all witnessed Donald Trump triumphantly rising to his feet, and, pumping his fist telling us to FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT. This scene will no doubt, be the picture of the year and will be seared into our memories. No matter what your political leanings may be, attempting to murder anyone is never warranted.
Over the past few days, I have thought a lot about this event. I was listening to a fellow podcaster, Melissa, who runs the Freedom Force Battalion, and she shared a verse from Leviticus 8:22-24, “And he brought the second ram, the ram of consecration. Then Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the head of the ram, and Moses killed it. Also, he took some of its blood and put it on the tip of Aaron’s right ear, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot. Then he brought Aaron’s sons. And Moses put some of the blood on the tips of their right ears, on the thumbs of their right hands, and on the big toes of their right feet. And Moses sprinkled the blood all around on the altar.”
In her podcast, she referenced this verse knowing that Trump had his right ear grazed by the bullet that whizzed past his head. While we cannot overly scripturalize every event that happens, this one could actually be more symbolic than we think. I wanted to dig into this scripture a bit more as I continue to ruminate on the events of the past few days.
This part of the book of Leviticus is specific to the consecration of the Priests. God was very specific in His instructions on the sacrifices made to Him, and of course, in how the Priests were to blessed and sanctified. The Hebrew word for “consecrate” means “to fill” or “fill the hand.” God needs those who will serve Him to “fill” themselves with the work God had for them. These Priests were being “set apart” for service to the LORD.
Many people ask, “What does the Old Testament mean to us in our lives today?” The more you study God’s Word, understanding His laws, biblical history, and genealogy, the more important these areas become. It’s like reading any important work. To fully comprehend the text, it is vital to spend time studying, researching, and digging into the written words. God’s Word, which is the most important book any of us will ever read is no different. As Christians, we each have a responsibility to know God’s Word. Therefore, this requires us to spend time reading His Word and studying His Word.
OK, back to the symbolism of this event with Donald Trump. Is it too crazy to believe that God would want to “consecrate” His chosen leader today? I don’t think so! But you may ask, “Why would this consecration would require such a dramatic event?” Well, if we take a look at Revelation 5:10, as believers, we have all been called to be priests for His Kingdom. Each of us has a responsibility for our role as a Christian.
Let’s break down a bit, the way the Priests were consecrated in Leviticus:
Right side: Most people are right-hand dominant and is therefore thought of as the side of our body with more strength. Even the right hand of the father blessed his son to carry on the family blessing. Jesus is seated at the right hand of God. (Revelation 3:21)
Ears: Ears are important to “listen” and “hear” from God. “ How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans 10:15 & 16. As each of us follows our Lord, Jesus Christ, we must be “tuned in” to Him. Our ears must be trained to hear His voice. The blood on the ear points to God’s instructions being heard.
Thumb: Thankfully, God designed us with the amazing “opposable” thumb. This design allows humans to be able to do many things. With the right thumb receiving the blood, means we are to do His work. Our hands must be busy with the work of the Lord.
Big toe: Have you ever thought how difficult it would be to walk without a big toe? This appendage allows us to balance, walk effectively, and to run. So why would the big toe be part of the consecration ceremony? As we think about how God requires His followers to walk upright with Him, this makes sense. We are to walk with the Lord throughout our days as believers. (Deuteronomy 5:33)
Donald Trump was hit in the right ear by a bullet causing bleeding. He reached to his ear with his right hand and, he lost the shoe off of his right foot. Is this a coincidence? Perhaps! But maybe, God used this incident to clearly show that Donald Trump is the man He has chosen to be the leader of our Nation. The symbolism is rich and important throughout the Bible. This symbolism is still important today!
Applying this symbolism to our own lives we must ask ourselves as Christians these same questions. How are you standing on the right side of your faith? Are your ears tuned in to hear His voice? Are your hands doing the work of the Lord? Are your feet walking in the truth of His Word? These are important questions for each one of us. As we reflect on the incident we all just witnessed, the symbolism is certainly a great reminder to us all of how we are living our lives for Christ. May you be truly blessed as you live out your faith!