Leviticus 6:11 – Ash Duty

Leviticus 6:11 Then he is to take off these clothes and put on other clothes, and carry the ashes outside the camp to a place that is ceremonially clean. 

There is so much emphasis among the young people today about pursuing their passion, doing what brings them joy, following their dream. But as most of us who have been around a few years can tell them, life is filled with unpleasant tasks, careers, and duties. Just ask any mom or dad on diaper duty! No matter how you spin it, diapers still stink!

Many people perform an income producing job, not because the love the job, but because they need to pay the bills. It is a bonus if we enjoy the work, find it fulfilling or are passionate about it. But for most people, work is work. And this gets some men in trouble. They make work their life, instead of making work something that is necessary to support their life, family, community.

Leviticus contains some very mundane types of activities as it outlines the way the community is to maintain their relationship with the LORD and how the priests are to facilitate that process. One of these duties is outlined in our text for the day. Many of the rituals outlined so far in this book have burning as in integral part of that ritual. And fires must be maintained.

Our text speaks about “Ash Duty” for the priests. Someone had to keep the fire going 24/7/365. And part of that was removing the ashes. I don’t know about you, but I don’t like dealing with the ashes in a fireplace, let alone from a large fire that has consumed animals and grains.

But this unpleasant duty had to be done every day. I am sure the priests rushed with excitement to the Duty Roster to see if their name came up for this duty. Just like students rushing to the bulletin board to see if they made the cut for a tryout, these priests rushed to find out what they would be doing for the day.

For most of them, if they are like us, which they were, they hoped they weren’t on “Ash Duty.” I am sure there were sighs of relief by all but one person. They knew it was necessary, but just wished someone else had been chosen.

Now maybe I am reading too much into this because I don’t like dealing with ashes. Maybe it was the favorite job. They could spend time alone. They got to go for a walk to the place where ashes were dumped. No one was supervising them every moment. Who knows.

But mundane and unpleasant tasks are necessary in all of life. And this is the reason to tip your wait staff at a restaurant very well. If you don’t want to cook and clean up for yourself, express your thanks for their willingness to do these tasks. Be generous! The same could be said of those who do your landscaping, repair your car, power wash your driveway, clean out your septic tank, ring up your order at the cash register, or any of the endless number of unpleasant tasks that make up what we call life. If you don’t want to do it, be thankful for those who are willing to do it for you.

So next time you see someone doing one of the mundane tasks, take a moment to thank them, really thank them. Let them know you appreciate what they do, and that it is valued by you. Help them feel, at least for a few moments, that their labor is sacred. And don’t be afraid to say thinks with an extra tip. Be generous!