Leviticus 9

The priests have reached the end of their weeklong ordination, and now it is time to begin their service. But what would that service entail, and are there any ramifications for us today? Leviticus 9 gives us some insight into the priestly duties, as commanded by God. 

First, God instructs Aaron, the appointed high priest, to “say to the people of Israel, ‘Take a male goat for a sin offering, and a calf and a lamb, both a year old without blemish, for a burnt offering, and an ox and a ram for peace offerings, to sacrifice before the LORD, and a grain offering mixed with oil…” (vv. 3-4; emphasis added). The priests were charged with speaking to God’s people on His behalf, conveying to them what God has put on their heart to share. Similarly, as a royal priesthood, “we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us…” And what is that appeal? To “be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Next, we see in verse 7 (emphasis added) that Aaron was to “Draw near to the altar and offer your sin offering and your burnt offering and make atonement for yourself and for the people, and bring the offering of the people and make atonement for them, as the LORD has commanded.” Aaron was to atone for his own sins, then he was to present a sacrifice on behalf of the people to atone for their wrongdoings. This reminds me that another ministry we can offer to the people around us is to intercede on their behalf, asking the Holy Spirit to bring about conviction of and turning from any unrepentant sin in their lives. Before that, though, we need to ask God to reveal to us any sin we have not confessed, as our prayers may be hindered if we are cherishing iniquity in our hearts (Psalm 66:18). 

Finally, in verse 22, we read how “Aaron lifted up his hands toward the people and blessed them…” The priests were to be inclined toward the congregation, always carrying them on their hearts and wanting God’s best for them. That brings to mind the following verses that God expects of His followers:

·       “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). 

·       “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35). 

·       “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4). 

Assuredly, love for others ought to be a primary characteristic of those in God’s royal priesthood. But it’s important to note that we can only give what we’ve received. Have you embraced the love from God that He has for you? Are you being a conduit of His love to those He puts in your path? What does your capacity for love reveal about your heart? 

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Journal responses to the following prompts:

·       How frequently do you intercede on behalf of others, particularly those steeped in unrepentant sin? 

·       Have you embraced the love from God that He has for you? Are you being a conduit of His love to those He puts in your path? What does your capacity for love reveal about your heart?