The Glory of the Lord

Daily Reading: Leviticus 9-10

Scripture Focus: And Moses said, “This is the thing that the Lord commanded you to do, that the glory of the Lord may appear to you.” (Leviticus 9:6)

Devotional Thought: The Lord instructed Moses and Aaron to institute the sacrificial system. It was a process with many different pieces, designed to help the Israelites understand the seriousness of their sins. Even their unintentional sins required blood sacrifice for atonement. As we read of these laws designed to show the holiness of the Lord, we also see the incredible mercy given to the Israelite people. The Lord always provided a way for his people to reconcile with him.

Aaron and his sons had successfully followed the Lord’s requirements, as was evidenced by the end result: “And fire came out from before the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the pieces of fat on the altar, and when all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces” (v.24). I imagine that the Israelites would have felt a mixture of relief at the acceptance of their offering, and fear at the incredible display of the Lord’s power.

We know that the need for this sacrificial system was abolished when the blood of the only perfect Lamb was spilled once and for all to atone for our sins and reconcile us to the Father. But, do we yearn for the glory of the Lord to appear to us still today? Moses’ words can be taken into our own hearts: “This is the thing that the Lord commanded you to do, that the glory of the Lord may appear to you,” (v.6). Do we strive to draw near to the Lord in prayer and meditation on his Word, and thus experience the same sense of wonder that the Israelites felt as they worshipped him? Let us yearn to encounter the presence and the glory of the Lord as we strive to know and love him more.

Jenny

Prayer: Lord, we long to feel your presence but acknowledge that we so often fail at making time to be with you. Please help us to desire you, and to make our time with you the highest priority in our lives.

Psalm of the Day: 1 Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! 2 Who can utter the mighty deeds of the LORD, or declare all his praise? 3 Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times! 4 Remember me, O LORD, when you show favor to your people; help me when you save them, 5 that I may look upon the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation, that I may glory with your inheritance. (Psalms 106:1-5)