Joe Amaral is one of Canada’s leading experts on understanding the New Testament in the context of the Old Testament. Originally self-published, his book Understanding Jesus was published by FaithWords, who have just released What Would Jesus Read, a daily devotional. To learn more about Joe’s books and videos, visit First Century Foundations.
Our post here is actually two consecutive devotionals from the book.
Leviticus 9:22 Then Aaron lifted his hands toward the people and blessed them. And having sacrificed the sin offering, the burnt offering and the fellowship offering, he stepped down.
This passage is about the beginning of the priests’ ministry and their responsibilities. You have to remember that at this point in time, the people themselves were not able to approach God. They couldn’t even come into the tent. The priest did everything for the people when it came to their spiritual lives.
The priests sacrificed the animals on the people’s behalf and would make atonement for their souls. There were many daily rituals and rites that could only be performed by the priests. But they were also responsible for blessing the people. They would speak God’s Word and blessing over them. It’s a pattern that needs to be carried out today by believers.
We are all priests. We all have the responsibility to be a blessing and to bless those around us, both in word and in deed. As people of faith we need to be a light in a dark world. People are verbally beaten down on a daily basis. Be like Aaron: speak a blessing over and into people. Live like a priest today.
Leviticus 9:23 Moses and Aaron then went into the tent of meeting. When they came out, they blessed the people; and the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people.
Everybody loves to read about the glory of the Lord appearing to people. Not just in ancient times, but still to this day. How do we get to see His glory? Is it when we whip ourselves into a spiritual frenzy during worship? Is it when we pray for hours at a time?
It’s not that God can’t or won’t move during these times. However, we seldom think of the context in which God moved in this particular passage. It’s no secret, yet very few catch it. Here it is… are you ready for it? The priests had just finished performing the sacrifices as God required; then they emerged and blessed the people. After that, that’s when the text says the glory of the Lord appeared to the people. Did you catch it? The priests obeyed God’s commands… and He appeared to them.
That’s the not-so-secret to seeing God’s glory. He has called us to live a life of obedience. When we walk in His ways, it brings glory to His name. And in turn, He shows us His glory. Obey Him today and release His power and glory in your life.
Joe Amaral
Christianity 201 