Reading through the book of Leviticus is somewhat what I imagine listening to a full Justin Bieber album would be like. I can only imagine that, even given the opportunity, I would have to turn off Bieber’s music halfway through the first song. If I was told that God had something important to say to me through said pop idol’s music, I think I could will myself through it, but it would be difficult. Much like reading through the book of Leviticus.
But maybe I’d find something beneficial, which is exactly what I’m finding in what can’t possibly be Moses’ most-read book. Yet if you move past hour of endless fun in reading which parts of the sacrifices the priests are supposed to eat and which parts they are supposed to poke and wave, there are some really great offerings (pun intended).
A couple of weeks ago I blogged about Aaron’s sons offering a strange fire and God making an offering out of them with His own fire. Just as interesting as the ‘strange fire’ is the reaction of 3 main characters.
Let’s begin with Moses.
“Moses said to Aaron, "This is what God meant when he said, To the one who comes near me, I will show myself holy; Before all the people, I will show my glory." (Leviticus 10:3a, The Message).
That doesn’t sound like a lot of sympathy. There’s not even a nominal ‘sorry about your boys, bro.’ Moses then moves right on, getting Aaron’s remaining sons to step up and take their brother’s places. I suppose when you see God working, it’s best to tend to His business.
Secondly we have Aaron.
“Aaron was silent” (Leviticus 10:3b, The Message).
Caught between seeing a holy God’s actions and knowing he just lost two of his sons, Aaron probably chose what was best. When you see God working, it’s a bad idea to argue or change the focus.
Lastly we come to God’s first recorded words to Aaron after his sons died in God’s presence.
“God instructed Aaron: "When you enter the Tent of Meeting, don't drink wine or strong drink, neither you nor your sons, lest you die. This is a fixed rule down through the generations. Distinguish between the holy and the common, between the ritually clean and unclean. Teach the People of Israel all the decrees that God has spoken to them through Moses" (Leviticus 10:8-11, The Message, emphasis added).
“Distinguish between the holy and the common.” When God is working, realize that this is not something ordinary. We need more people to see and know the difference between what men can do and what God is doing.
Everything about the Law, including the tedious-to-read parts, was about God. The focus should never change. We should never doubt it. We need to recognize His work.
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