There’s a beautiful verse in our reading from Leviticus 21. It’s a verse that shows the Lord’s care for those with disability (21:22). On a first reading this passage may cause those with disability to feel excluded, quadriplegic Joni Earekson Tada confesses this is how she felt when she first read the chapter. She says she slammed her Bible shut, but thankfully she opened it again. The reason that the Old Testament priest was not to have any physical defect was because they were a shadow of our true High Priest who was to be perfect in every way. (See Hebrews 8:5). Jesus was perfect in every way so that he could make the perfect sacrifice and make perfect forever all who turn to Him in faith.
We see God’s heart for including those with disabilities in Leviticus 21:22. Such a worshipper was not to be excluded from the bread in the temple. That meant they could have fellowship with God. Whilst those with disability may feel excluded by others, disability is something that our Lord sees past.
What about the limit on who could be a priest? Well, we no longer have priests, since there is no longer any sacrifice for sins required. Our high priest, Jesus, was sacrificed so that each one can know the Lord, from those who are considered least, to those who are considered greatest (Hebrews 8:11)
And our high priest went out of his way to welcome those with disability, and who says to all who turn to Him, “you are my people” no matter how severe our disability or our sin. And Jesus not only welcomed, but forgave sin and healed the disabled. I don’t mean to make an unhelpful connection between sin and disability, that’s something the disciples do in John 9. Jesus tells them sin was not the reason the man was born blind. There’s a sense in which all the brokenness in the world is because of sin entering the world, but it’s normally very unhelpful to try and connect a disability with a particular sin. But what we see in Jesus is someone who forgives and restores. And this is a foretaste of what He will one day do for all who trust Him. When Jesus was physically present with His people He gave them a glimpse of how good His kingdom is. It will be a place with no more suffering, a place of restored physical bodies.
What a day that will be! Imagine being able to have a conversation with that person who you always struggled to understand and now you can hear them clearly. I look forward to the day I will be able to go for a walk (or even climb a mountain) with my son! Imagine, no more medical appointments, no more fighting for inclusion, no more wondering if somewhere is accessible. If we keep our eyes fixed on how glorious that day will be, we’ll be able to consider our present troubles as light and momentary by comparison.
Heavenly Father, we thank you that your Word makes specific instruction for the inclusion of those with disabilities. Thank you for your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who was perfect in every way and went out of your way to welcome those with disability. Thank you that He gave us a foretaste of your kingdom when He restored the disabled. Help us as we wait for that day when you will make all things new. You know some days are harder than others. Thank you Lord Jesus, that you when you died for us, you experienced all kinds of agony, and the suffering of bearing our sin which we need not suffer. Help us as we struggle to know your sufficient grace each day and to keep our eyes fixed on the day of your return. Amen
Light and Momentary Troubles 
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