The one important lesson I'll like to share today is, - Worship God, God's way.
Worship though it's personal, it is God-centered & dedicated (lev 8)
Aaron being chosen by God might have felt proud, favored or priviledged. It is similar when we feel proud or exclusive when God calls each of us to be serving with some form of prominence or platform. We must remember, that though God engages us, worship to Him is a dedication of our lives to Him. Not for ourselves.
By this time, after the golden calf, the people of Israel must be still unclear about worship and Holiness. Their worship in the past was self originated and self honoring (golden calf). The first lessons of worship is to know that though it's personally engaging, its because God wants us near. He longs for us.The scene of moses dressing aaron and his sons signifies the redemptive purpose of God, though aaron sinned greatly in the past, God has chosen Him. God loves Him. God still clothe men (like He did for adam. And at that point of time He knows, Jesus is going the garment of righteousness for all generations). In the sight of all Israel, it is highly liberating. If I was a common Israelite, I would have thought "man, this aaron screwed it up big time for us and yet God chose Him as priest.. How great is God's love!" Redemptive purpose as so, but it doesn't mean it's about us. Centered on us.
The tabernacle and special garments (Exo 39) done in an extremely intricate way by a God chosen and gifted people highlights the fact that God is teaching the people of Israel what holiness is. It is different. It is uncommon. It is set apart. Reserved. Exclusive. Most importantly, His initiative. Shouldn't He teach us, lead us in how to approach Him? God revealed His anger when His own priest disobeyed and put unauthorized fire.
The death of Nadab and Abihu is a sad fact still evident in modern day christianity. - Christians who worship God their own way. And we die spiritually.
In our modern day "feel good" culture, the devil deceives the world by telling us "God's love is for us means we can do our own thing." WRONG! God's love ultimately teaches us to hate evil, to differentiate His voice and the devil's, becoming that distinctive light that breaks out from a world of darkness. That's who we are.
We are handpicked by God to come close to Him. Should we approach Him with reverance?
Let's not be conceited to love God our own way. Worship though it's personal. It is God's centered and dedicated.
Worship God His way today.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
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