Leviticus 9:7-10:20
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Today in Leviticus chapter 9 we read about Aaron & his sons beginning their priestly ministry. I liked verse 24 as a closing verse to this chapter: "Fire blazed forth from the LORD's presence and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar. When the people saw all this, they shouted with joy and fell face down on the ground." I think what this verse does for me is to really confirm that all of the Offerings we are reading about in Leviticus were ordained by God at that time and that what we are reading about in Leviticus is truly part of God's story. Not that I ever doubted this fact - but, when you read about God consuming the offering in fire in such a dramatic fashion, you realize that God was fully pleased with the priest's and the people's obedience. The Offerings are part of God's story - and are foreshadowing the final Offering of Jesus on the cross. Do you believe the Offerings are a part of our spiritual history?
In Leviticus chapter 10 we read about the disobedience of Nadab and Abihu. You'll recall 2 days ago that we read in Leviticus Chapter 6 verse 13: "Remember, the fire must be kept burning on the altar at all times. It must never go out." Commentaries state that the fire was never to go out because the fire was started by God. Humans were not to bring man-made fire to the altar, or they would die. I realize that this can seem like a very harsh punishment for disobedience. Commentaries suggest that because Nadab and Abihu were in such high spiritual leadership positions, their disobedience carried the risk of leading many people astray. One commentary at this link suggests that Nadab and Abihu may have been intoxicated on wine, based on God's subsequent instruction for priestly worship in Leviticus 10:9 - "You and your descendants must never drink wine or any other alcoholic drink before going into the Tabernacle. If you do, you will die." It may help to remember that we saw disobedience from others earlier in the Bible - and we'll see disobedience again later in the Bible - without the consequence of immediate death. But, in this case, disobedience brought death. Think about the risk of disobedience in our lives today. Yeah, sure, maybe we can get away with something dangerous/disobedient 9 times out of 10 - but, there is always the risk that perhaps the 10th time could prove lethal. So - why take the risk of disobedience at all? Is it worth it? Ever?
Worship Video: Today’s readings reminds me of the song "Legacy" by Nicole Nordeman:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ah1COE39ARs
Do you know your eternal Legacy? Click here to meet your Legacy Maker!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Fire blazed forth from the Lord’s presence and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar. When the people saw this, they shouted with joy and fell face down on the ground." Leviticus 9:24 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you will shout for joy for the Lord. Pray that you will humble yourself to fall before the Lord face down on the ground.
Comments from You - What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
Love, Trust, and Obey Jesus,
Mike
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