SCRIPTURE: Leviticus 9
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed! [Luke 12:49-50]
In Leviticus 9, the people saw fire come from heaven, and they fell facedown and shouted for joy.
Jesus speaks about this fire but is distressed about His role in it.

Fire represents purifying judgment.
The sacrificial animals that are burned are taking the judgment in the peoples’ place.
Jesus knows that He is about to be sacrificed through a baptism of fire, so that we can be forgiven.
These offerings represent both sorrow and joy.
Sorrow that we are sinners, that we have rebelled against God and disobeyed His good will, sorrow at the mess we have made of His world.
But also joy that God still loves us, forgives us (sin offering), deals with sin completely (burnt offering), blesses us (the grain offering) and restores our relationship with Him (fellowship offering).

Jesus knows that the judgment must come, He even wants it to come.
But He also knows that He is to be the sacrificial substitute in our place.
And this is why He is distressed.
He must endure the ultimate death penalty (fire from heaven) so that we can be released from it.

Aaron and his sons lead the people through the symbolic ceremonies of judgment and grace.
And God confirms their sacrifices by sending fire from heaven.
In the same way He confirms the faith of Elijah by sending fire on Mount Carmel [1 Kings 18:38].
In the same way He confirms the faith of the early disciples by sending fire on Pentecost [Acts 2:1-4].
Both are symbols of judgment and grace.

PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for sending the fire, first on Jesus, then in me. Thank You that the fire in me purifies and energizes me for living for You.