We begin our second month together by reading Leviticus chapters 8-10.
This is all about the ceremonial process of ordaining Aaron and his sons into the priesthood. Each had to be consecrated to the Lord.
Laboring for the Lord
Doing the business of God is an awesome responsibility that no one should take lightly. James 3:1 warns, “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” (NIV).
I often hear preachers who seem oblivious to these commands. They believe if they can draw a large enough crowd and collect enough money; they have done their duty. I do not see the commandment to grow your church anywhere in scripture. God grows the church (see 1 Cor 3:5-7).
In Leviticus 8:23 we see Moses taking the blood of the peace offering and putting some on their earlobe. This is so they will have an ear tuned to listening to God’s word. Hearing Him as they serve the people.
They have blood put on their right hand, to signify the work which they must do. They are to let all their actions glorify God. (see 1 Cor 10:31)
They place the blood on their right toe, because they are not supposed to sit and wait for the people to come to them. They should go wherever God leads them. God knows what people need and will provide the leaders to them.
God is listening, are we?
I believe He has heard America’s prayers. Not our wishes, but the righteous prayers of His children who have sought His guidance for our nation.
Though we did not deserve it, He has provided us a path. It is our responsibility to go down that path, always listening for His voice and performing the labor required.
8:36 says that Aaron and his sons did all that God commanded. We must be as faithful. God has provided us all we need and we will see His glory upon our land, if we do.
When Moses and his sons went into the tent of meeting and did all the Lord had commanded, the glory of the Lord appeared for all to see.
Disobedience has a price
Then in chapter 10, we see that two of his sons, Nadab and Abihu, acted on their own. Not waiting on the Lord’s commands, they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord. For this, the fire came out and consumed them.
While Aaron, seeing his sons destroyed, may have wished to react, verse 3 shows God reminding them all of His holiness and the honor due Him.
Aaron remained silent.
Moses then appoints others, because the work must continue. The question is, will you wait upon the Lord and do according to His commands, or will someone else gain that opportunity?
You may think, I don’t want the responsibility of being a priest or preacher. Then, by all means, you should not be in such a role.
This does not ease you from the duty to serve the Lord with the gifts He has given you.
We are all called to serve in different ways. The body of Christ, aka the church, requires all its members to join to carry the load. It is too heavy for only a few.
