THE STORY OF JESUS: Leviticus 8-10
“This is what the Lord has commanded you to do, so that the glory of the Lord may appear to you.” (Leviticus 9:6)
Why does God have to make it so tough for the people to worship Him?
Aaron loses two sons because they did it wrong, yikes.
And yet, it is the heart that God is concerned about, not the precise rituals.
When Aaron’s other sons burn up the sin offering instead of eating it, they’re not punished.
Aaron explains it was out of reverence for God (10:19), not carelessness.
God wants us to respect Him, and to honor Him sincerely.
We also need to remember that He is laying a foundation for the future of Israel.
Nadab and Abihu were made examples of, and they had plenty or warnings before it happened.
My sense is that they were more concerned about their position, power and prestige than their purpose.
God sees the heart, He knows the motive, He knows why we’re doing what we’re doing, and for who.
“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24)
Jesus is reminding us here that sincere heart worship is what God desires.
When we attend worship, sing, recite creeds, give an offering, profess our faith, what is in our heart?
When we represent Him to others (by serving, leading, witnessing), is it really Him we are serving?
God is not waiting to send fire if your heart is wrong, but we need to remember we are ‘playing with fire’.
Do we really want to experience the glory of God, do we truly desire to meet with God?
Do we really appreciate how awesome and glorious God is, and what an honor it is to know Him?
Do we really sense what a huge thing it is to represent Him as His image-bearers in His kingdom?
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, sometimes I forget what a serious task it is to represent You. May I not become casual or careless, may I serve You and God in spirit and in truth!