Leviticus 7-9; Acts 15

“Then Aaron lifted his hands toward the people and blessed them. And having sacrificed the sin offering, the burnt offering and the fellowship offering, he stepped down. Moses and Aaron then went into the Tent of Meeting. When they came out, they blessed the people; and the glory of the LORD appeared to all the people. Fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell facedown.” Lev. 9:22-24
When we read these portions of scripture and discover the requirements for offerings and sacrifices, we tremble at the thought of trying to fulfill these obligations on our own; we would always, always, always come short of God’s glory. (Romans 3:23) says “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” When we reach the ninth chapter, we see that Aaron is moving in his role as priest. Having just offered these offerings before the Lord, he comes out to the Israelites and blesses them. We see the two-fold office of the priests. First, Aaron was going before God on their behalf, because they could not come on their own. Our transgressions have separated us from God. Under the old covenant, if I wanted to approach God, I could only come to the priest with an offering, and then the priest would have to bring that to the altar before God for me. Then, having gone before God for me, he would return and bless me on God’s behalf. Therefore, we see Aaron here in this portion blessing the people as he represented God to the people. This next picture is dynamic—as the priests and congregation have followed God’s directives with placing the offerings on the altar, having followed God’s commands precisely, it says….”fire came out from before the Lord, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all of the people saw, they shouted, and fell upon their faces.” (9:24) (I would say that was the appropriate response, wouldn’t you?) Do you remember the day you knew that you were accepted? The day you realized you were a child of God. Did you shout for joy? Did you realize the miracle that took place? Today is a great day to celebrate the miracle of our salvation. Remember we no longer have to go to a priest to go before God to offer sacrifices and to receive His blessings. “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men…” (I Tim. 2:5-6) It’s no wonder the Psalmist wrote, “Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph!” (Psalm 47:1)

Shouting joyfully with you!
Pastor Carol

Next reading: Leviticus 10-12; Acts 16