S) "1 Now it came about on the eighth day that Moses called Aaron and his sons and the elders of Israel; 2 and he said to Aaron, 'Take for yourself a calf, a bull, for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering, both without defect, and offer them before the Lord. 3 Then to the sons of Israel you shall speak, saying, "Take a male goat for a sin offering, and a calf and a lamb, both one year old, without defect, for a burnt offering, 4 and an ox and a ram for peace offerings, to sacrifice before the Lord, and a grain offering mixed with oil; for today the Lord will appear to you."'"
Leviticus 9:1-4 (NASB)
O) Theories and hypotheticals have finally been replaced by action, as Moses, Aaron, and the priests began to make sacrifices to the LORD. The portion of this passage that really stood out to me, though, was Moses telling Aaron, "for today the LORD will appear to you." This sets a tone, purpose, and expectation. It also makes it clear, that the people needed to prepare to meet the LORD. To encounter Him without proper preparation meant risking their very lives. Their sins required atonement before their encounter with God.
A) Things are quite a bit different, under the New Covenant. I was, however, immediately convicted when I read this passage, though. The Bible is the holy words of God Himself (see 2 Timothy 3:16), and Jesus was the Word made flesh (see John 1:14), and yet I often approach my time in Bible study without a thought toward my own sins. While I strive to live a life of immediate repentance, it is clear to me (after reading the above verses, at least), that I should still be examining my heart before I open God's Word. I should be praying before I read, not just when I'm done. Furthermore, I often go to church without preparing my heart, either. Certainly, there are usually convictions and encouragements that draw me to repentance during the service, but I would do well to pray beforehand. With the ever-present Holy Spirit within me, convictions and repentance are quite different than they were in Moses' time. I should constantly allow the Holy Spirit to convict me, and always be in a position to repent. However, it would do me well to take special note of my heart, and seek out any hidden sins in my life, to address those before I read the Bible or worship God.
P) Father, Your goodness and lovingkindness draw me to repentance every day. Your mercy and grace are overwhelming. But I am not always mindful of these things, Father. I want to be more mindful, more conscious of You throughout my day. I read Your words every day, but I am not often positioning myself well. Help me be more faithful to praying before I read, God. Help me be more faithful before I head to church each week. I want to honor and glorify You in every area of my life, and I want to prepare my heart (as much as I am involved in that), to encounter You in the Word, in worship, and in times of prayer. Open my eyes to see any sins hidden in my life, that I may repent of them and be forgiven and healed. Let Your will be done. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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