“On the eighth day Moses called Aaron and his sons and the elders of Israel, and he said to Aaron, ‘Take for yourself a bull calf for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering, both without blemish, and offer them before the Lord. And 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, for today the Lord will appear to you.” ‘ And Moses and Aaron went into the tent of meeting, and when they came out they blessed the people, and the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people. 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.” (v1-4,23-24)
Upon concluding the seven days of ordination, sin and burnt offerings are made on Aaron’s behalf, and then for all of Israel. These are followed by peace offerings that double as a wave offering, and then a grain offering. Since the people have been obedient through this entire process, the Lord accepts their sacrifices and consumes them with holy fire.
Nearly 400 years later, we see a nearly identical scene at the dedication of God’s temple in Jerusalem: “As soon as Solomon finished his prayer, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. And the priests could not enter the house of the Lord, because the glory of the Lord filled the Lord’s house. When all the people of Israel saw the fire come down and the glory of the Lord on the temple, they bowed down with their faces to the ground on the pavement and worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying, ‘For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.’ ” (2 Chr 7:1-3)
I’m not sure about you, but this would be a life-changing experience for me. I think this would be more powerful impactful than parting the sea – the almighty God of Israel showing a portion of His grace, glory and forgiveness to the people by accepting and consuming their sacrifices would probably cause me to fall on my face as well. Just as Israel no doubt realized, I know that I am not worthy to be in the presence of a holy God, and my knees would probably fail if He showed Himself to me in this way.
What does this mean for us today? I am reminded to revere and respect God (to fear Him) for who He is, and to solemnly consider the weight of my sin from which I was forgiven. The most high, holy God of Israel forgives us and longs to show us His glory, if only we would listen and obey. By obeying God, as Israel did, we show our love for Him and each other, fulfilling the two greatest commandments.
Here is a verse that I feel sums it up: “And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” (Mk 12:33) God prefers our love and obedience over our confession of sin – not to say that we shouldn’t ask for forgiveness when we sin, but to say that obedience is the much higher goal (so we don’t need to ask for forgiveness). Of course obedience is not always easy, but it is possible with the help of Jesus and the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Father God, O Holy One of Israel, we humbly come before Your throne and acknowledge who You are. You are our Creator, Lord and Savior, we owe everything to You. Thank you for Your abundant grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Thank You for continuing to teach us how to hear Your voice and obey. Thank you for the wisdom and guidance You provide, and the restored relationship that we share. May we continue to seek Your will in all that we say and do, so that we may see Your glory through our obedience. All honor, praise and glory be to You O God. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training