Read Leviticus 9:1-24
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.
God wants to be close to his people. He’s hands on, not distant. Too many people think God is out of reach or ignore him altogether. How tragic! I would much prefer to have the grand expectation of seeing God move, just like the Israelites anticipated during the first Aaron family showing of faithfulness. Can you imagine having seen those sacrifices just burn up in an instant? God can show up powerfully like that for us, too.
We are all given opportunities to show our faith and our devotion to God. Do you take advantage of every single occasion? Do you sing praises to God for all the wonderful things he has done? I’m sure there are times for all of us when we wish we had been more in touch with God. There’s always room to improve.
For Aaron and his family, their purpose was now underway. Their lives would literally be dedicated to helping restore God’s connection with his people. It was the priests who were given this honorable task. While we’re not priests, we are servants of the Most High God. Our lives are dedicated to sharing about God to bring more people back to Him. That’s quite an honor, isn’t it?
Sometimes we don’t feel worthy of being given such a task. We often ask, ‘how can God use me?’ These priests didn’t waver in their devotion. They got right to work and learned their mission best from the “on the job training.” Moses was there to instruct and remind them of God’s intentions.
There is no time like the present, it has been said. How are you going to show up for God? What training or practice is needed in your case? It’s time to get to work. We have a world to help rescue.
Let’s pray. Father, I thank you for how you have all things securely in your hands. Thank you for helping me overcome my feelings of inadequacy when it comes to my latest mission for you. I know I am not perfect, but in my own weakness, I am made strong by you. May others recognize your strength and presence in my life. May my example be helpful for those who don’t yet know you to see what it’s like to be yours. May I stay humble as you use me to advance your kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
