DAY 165 - BIG PICTURE IN A YEAR - THE LAW
THEN AARON LIFTED HIS HANDS TOWARD THE PEOPLE AND BLESSED THEM. AND HAVING SACRIFICED... HE STEPPED DOWN... FIRE CAME OUT FROM THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD AND CONSUMED THE BURNT OFFER- ING AND THE FAT PORTIONS ON THE ALTAR. AND WHEN ALL THE PEOPLE SAW IT, THEY SHOUTED FOR JOY AND FELL FACEDOWN.
Exodus 17:15
Reading: Glance through the book of Leviticus; Leviticus 10: 3; Matthew 18: 5-6
Ever wondered what the book of Leviticus is all about? It's actually an instruction manual for the Levites, the priests. Today, we are joining Moses as he initiates the priesthood on behalf of the Lord. God institutes a priesthood whose role it is to take care of the people, and to ensure that they know these laws.
Moses wrote the book of Leviticus to tell the priests what their duties were in serving God and serving the people. He also reiterated the laws which the priests were to teach the people; and what punishments or offerings the priests were to carry out to reinforce these laws. The whole book is about how the people of God were to live in relationship with God, and with one another.
The role of the priesthood was incredibly important to God - so much so, that when the priests disobeyed God’s specific instructions, or put their own judgment above His word, the consequences were dire. Aaron lost his own sons!! God had chosen them to minister to the people and to minister before Him, taking care of His tabernacle, and later the Temple. They were to be holy, as He is holy. He could have no one who despised His word or His presence serving before Him and leading the people.
The priests were also there to help the people to remember that they were reconciled with God, the One who dwelt amongst them. Each time they felt guilt or sinned, they could be reconciled to Him; each time they just wanted to fellowship with Him – they were able to approach the priests to do so, at any time. The priests were mediators, not to show the people that they were removed from God’s presence – but the exact opposite – to show them that they had access to God’s presence.
Are you a priest that invites people into the presence of God? That is what God wants for His church, the kingdom of priests. He wants us to show others how they be reconciled to God and come into His presence.
Prayer
How amazing are You Lord, who has made a way for us to enjoy Your presence, each and every day! Use me, Lord, to show others that they have access to Your presence. May my life be an invitation of love.
For the family
Discuss with your children how their actions can invite others into the presence of God. The Bible says that God’s goodness leads people to repentance. So encourage them to be loving towards others in their actions.
Print the below worksheet and have your children name the items and colour them in. Some of the priests were also given the task of taking care of the most holy things.