Leviticus – Page 5 – Be Still…

Leviticus 10:8-20 – Priestly Conduct

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After the tragedy in our last reading, having more details about proper priestly conduct is helpful to those priests just learning their jobs. Thankfully the mistake caught in this reading became only a teachable moment, and Aaron’s response of remorse satisfied Moses.

The key here for the priests is discernment. The LORD says directly to Aaron, “You must distinguish between what is sacred and what is common, between what is ceremonially unclean and what is clean.” If only Aaron’s other two sons had made a better choice about the incense, a non-sacred item they brought to the sacrificial process. We’ll get to the clean and unclean discussion very soon. Continue reading “Leviticus 10:8-20 – Priestly Conduct”

Leviticus 10:1-7 – Making Your Own Rules

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Did what happened to Nadab and Abihu surprise you? Their sinfulness was not overlooked by God. In fact, their misstep was used as a teachable moment for Aaron’s other sons and for the people. God’s appointment was not to be taken lightly. His chosen priests were not to make up their own rules.

Moses reminded Aaron that the LORD had said, “I will display my holiness through those who come near me. I will display my glory before all the people.” Nadab and Abihu were on the receiving end of God’s display of holiness—not at all what they expected, especially their father, Aaron who was left speechless. Continue reading “Leviticus 10:1-7 – Making Your Own Rules”

Leviticus 9:1-24 – On the Job Training

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We see now how Aaron and his sons enter the ministry for which they have been called and ordained. I love when God showed up in a powerful way just as Moses had said he would. “Present all these offerings to the Lord because the Lord will appear to you today.” It was as if the LORD gave his seal of approval for what Aaron had done on behalf of himself and others.

Did you notice that one of each of the offerings (except guilt) was used in this opening service. The sin offering was first as a cleansing of sin so all would be ready to be in the presence of God. In the offerings that followed, the people confessed, showed their devotion. These behaviors worked to draw the people closer to God. That has always been God’s intention. Continue reading “Leviticus 9:1-24 – On the Job Training”

Leviticus 8:1-36 – Chosen by God

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Moses listened to God’s instructions and inducted Aaron and Aaron’s sons as priests properly before the LORD. This ritual is an act of God. What a process! Moses touched on the ordination offering requirements just a bit back in Chapter 6. Here, we have a front row seat to watch the ceremony take place. You may recall God gave Moses the instructions in Exodus 29.

Moses was clearly in a place of honor that day as he installed his brother, Aaron, and his nephews into the holy position of priest. Little did Aaron know when he helped his brother lead the people out of Egypt what his future would hold and how God would use him. If Aaron was feeling at all unworthy, the ordination process was meant to cleanse, as verse 34 says, “Everything we have done today was commanded by the Lord in order to purify you, making you right with him.” Aaron, along with his brother Moses, forever changed the lives and futures of the Israelite people. Continue reading “Leviticus 8:1-36 – Chosen by God”

Leviticus 7:22-38 – Final Words

Read Leviticus 7:22-38

For now, our discussion about the sacrificial system has come to a close. I, for one, am breathing a sigh of relief. The book of Leviticus challenges readers today to whom these laws don’t seem relevant. Yet God still speaks to us through his word, even when we don’t understand how it can possibly apply to us.

These final two directions focus on fat consumption and the meat portions for priests. We’ve heard before how God wants us to avoid eating animal fat and how he cares for his servants, the priests. Through these practices, we see how much God cared for his people and wanted to be a good Father. Continue reading “Leviticus 7:22-38 – Final Words”