Day 50

Read: Leviticus 9:1 – 11:47

Today’s reading covers the inauguration of the Tabernacle and the critical importance of strict obedience and awe-inspiring glory to God. True worship involves following divine instructions, treating God as holy, and embracing purity in daily life.

Chapter 9 of Leviticus, starts with the eighth day, a time of new beginnings. Aaron and his sons obediently follow all instructions and the “glory of the LORD appeared to all the people” (Leviticus 9:23). God accepted their sacrifices, and as a result the people shouted for joy and fell facedown (Leviticus 9:24). The word “glory” in Hebrew is “kabod” and literally means “to be heavy.” The Lord’s glory is the overwhelming heaviness of His presence. We can bring glory to God as we seek to extend His influence in the world by our lifestyles and actions. The only adequate response to the revelation of the glory of God is worship expressed in words and actions.

On the flip side… Chapter 10 of Leviticus reveals what God can do to those who disobey. Nadab and Abihu offer unauthorized incense, which violated the sacred protocol. While they may have been motivated with intense passion at the revelation of God, their actions were not obedient. These brothers had been placed in a position of leadership by God and may have forgotten that their responsibility was to serve, or perhaps they viewed themselves above the law. Whether they took advantage of the authorities God had placed over them, had no fear of God, or simply acted out of defiance, their actions constituted deliberate disobedience to the Lord and they experienced the Lord’s judgment. Leadership brings not only privileges, but also responsibilities.
Are we approaching God on His terms, or are we trying to bring our own “unauthorized ways” into our walk with Him?

Chapter 11 focuses on outlining clean and unclean diet. We learn from this chapter that holiness isn’t just for priests or special moments. Holiness must define our everyday. Levitical dietary law comes from this chapter and became part of the Hebrew religion, law, and culture during the times of the Old Covenant. Under, the New Covenant in Christ, we receive God’s blessings by grace and not by works (Romans 4:13; Galatians 5:22-23).
How can we bring holiness into our daily routines?

Prayer:

Lord, help me to approach You with the reverence You deserve. Thank You for Your glory. Give me the wisdom to follow Your ways rather than my own, and the dedication to live a holy life, set apart for You. Amen.