Holy vs Common: What is stopping you from knowing the difference?

April 10 2026

Shmini "Eight”

TORAH: Leviticus 9:1-11:47 | PROPHETS: II Samuel 6:1-7:17 | GOSPEL: Matthew 3:11-17

There are influences in our lives that can dull our ability to discern—things that quietly blur the line between what is holy and what is common.

In this week’s Torah portion, Shmini (Leviticus 9–11), we are brought face to face with a sobering moment in Scripture. Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, approach the presence of God and offer what the Bible calls “unauthorized fire.” In an instant, they are struck down.

It’s a moment that stops us in our tracks and forces us to ask: What happened? What could have led them to such a serious mistake and consequence? Scripture may give us a clue:

Leviticus 10:9 “Drink no wine or strong drink, you or your sons with you, when you go into the tent of meeting, lest you die. It shall be a statute forever throughout your generations.”

And then immediately:

Leviticus 10:10 “You are to distinguish between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean.”

Could it be that what they were under the influence of affected their ability to discern?

Just one chapter earlier, we see a completely different picture. Aaron carefully follows the process God commanded—cleansing himself and the people. And what happens?

The presence of God falls.

The people shout.

They worship.

God’s holiness is revealed in power and beauty.

Today, it seems we may be facing a similar challenge. We are living in a time where the line between holy and common is becoming increasingly blurred. The ability to discern what is truly set apart for God is fading. And perhaps part of the issue is we are allowing influences into our lives that dull our spiritual sensitivity.

Even in the Great Commission, we often emphasize

“go” and “make disciples,”

but sometimes overlook another critical part:

"teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you."

Holiness is not just a concept—it is something we are called to walk out.

This theme doesn’t end in Leviticus. It carries throughout Scripture.

God speaks through the prophet Ezekiel about restoring His holy name among the nations—not just through words, but through action:

Ezekiel 36:23–24“And I will vindicate the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations… And the nations will know that I am the Lord… when through you I vindicate my holiness before their eyes. I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries and bring you into your own land.”

God is actively restoring what was profaned. He is making His name holy again—and part of that is bringing His people back.

Jeremiah echoes this call, inviting the nations to respond:

Jeremiah 31:7 “Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and raise shouts for the chief of the nations; proclaim, give praise, and say, ‘O Lord, save your people, the remnant of Israel.’”

And again:

Jeremiah 31:10 “Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, and declare it in the coastlands far away; say, ‘He who scattered Israel will gather him, and will keep him as a shepherd keeps his flock.’”

When we align ourselves with God’s heart—when we declare what He is doing and rejoice in His faithfulness—we begin to step into a deeper understanding of His holiness.

So the question remains:

How do we discern between the holy and the common today?

It begins with surrender.

It begins with asking God to remove anything in our lives that clouds our vision or dulls our sensitivity to His Spirit.

It means choosing reverence over familiarity. Obedience over convenience. Holiness over compromise.

The Torah portion ends with a clear and timeless call:

“Be holy, for I am holy.”

This is not just a command—it is an invitation.

An invitation to walk in alignment with God’s heart.

An invitation to live set apart.

An invitation to see clearly again.

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NEXT PORTION April 17 2026 Tazriah-Metzora "She Bears Seed" "Infected One"

TORAH: Leviticus 12:1-15:33 | PROPHETS: Isaiah 66:1-24 | GOSPEL: Mark 9:40-50