Feb 15 (Daily reading: Leviticus 8-10) Before Aaron made the sin offering for the people, he made one for his own sins (9:8, 15). As we serve one another as priests, praying for one another and encouraging one another, we must always ask forgiveness for our own sins so that God can use us as a blessing to others (see 1 John 1:8-10).
When God accepted and consumed the burnt offering of the people, “they shouted for joy and fell facedown” (9:24, NIV). There is no greater joy than knowing that God is pleased with our service to Him and to others! The way to be sure of this is by walking with God. Enoch had a reputation for walking with God, and “he was commended as one who pleased God” (Heb. 11:5, NIV).
Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu paid with their lives when they did their own thing and did not follow the commands of the Lord (10:1-2). Yet they were part of a group of seventy-four people who had been invited by God to go up on the mountain to worship Him from a distance. There they saw God in His magnificence (see Ex. 24:1, 9-10). What changed for them? What must we learn from their mistake? It is a great honor to receive God’s call, and to know His presence! But we must guard our hearts, lest we become proud. Isaiah reminded us that God’s ways are higher than our ways (Is. 55:9). Paul received an exalted vision from God, but he was given a thorn in his flesh so he would not become proud (2 Cor. 12:7). “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (Ja. 4:6). Hear this word to the wise: “If you are proud, you will fall” (Prov. 16:18, New International Reader’s Version).
– Al Gary
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