Leviticus 9:1-24 And it came to pass on the eighth day, that Moses called Aaron and his sons, and the elders of Israel;… Who would see God? Let the soul make ready. To whom will God show Himself? They who make ready by sacrifices. I. TO SEE THE LORD DEMANDS SPIRITUAL PREPAREDNESS IN MAN. 1. For man to meet God without readiness would entail on him terror and death. 2. But man may meet God with readiness, prepared even to behold His glory. 3. When man meets God thus prepared, the meeting is propitious and privileged. II. SACRIFICIAL MERITS PREPARE MAN FOR SEARCHING MANIFESTATIONS OF GOD. 1. By affecting the complete removal of his sin (by sin-offering), and therefore cancelling his condemnation. 2. By presenting an offering of self-devotion (burnt-offering), and thereby obtaining the Divine favour. 3. By conciliatory acts of propitiation (peace-offering), thus removing all estrangement. 4. By covenanted communion with God (meat-offering); fellowship with God in the sacrificial feast. When Jehovah meets a soul thus "made nigh" by sacrificial merit, not only is there "no condemnation," but "access unto grace" is assured, and even "joy in God" (cf. Romans 5:1, 2, 11). III. AMID MOST GLORIOUS DIVINE MANIFESTATION THE SOUL PREPARED BY SACRIFICE STANDS FEARLESS AND BLEST. 1. Revelations of God come now to privileged souls, and are "times of refreshing." 2. The unveilings of death, which will bring the soul to God's clear presence, will not terrify the believer: it will be "far better." 3. The Lord's appearance "in great glory" at the judgment will be welcomed with joyous acclaim by those who "look for His appearing." 4. And in the splendour of heaven the ransomed hosts will stand without rebuke, realising in God's presence "fulness of joy." (W. H. Jellie.) Parallel Verses KJV: And it came to pass on the eighth day, that Moses called Aaron and his sons, and the elders of Israel;WEB: It happened on the eighth day, that Moses called Aaron and his sons, and the elders of Israel; |
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