The Lord Shall Appear

By William R. Shively
Bible Book: Leviticus  9 : 1-24
Subject: Presence of God; Fellowship with God; Closeness of God
Introduction

Leviticus 9:1-6; 23-24

Since the fall of man, God has been seeking to restore man into fellowship. God’s desire is to be with His people. Sin has separated man from God. The blood of Jesus reconciles man to God so he can have fellowship with God. It should be the desire of God’s people to be in His presence.

I. APPROACHING GOD

A. PREPARATION.

1. Offerings required. vv. 2-7

a. Sin-offering. “atone for sins committed unknowingly”

b. Burnt-offering. “atone for sins and expression of dedication to God”

c. Peace-offering.  “thanksgiving to God and fellowship with God”

d. Meat-offering.  “expression of thanksgiving  and devotion”

2. Obedience required. v. 6 “This is the thing which the LORD commanded that ye should do.”

There was no offering for intentional rebellion or disobedience.

(Num. 15:30-31)

B. PROMISE

verse 6 “and the glory of the LORD shall appear unto you.”

II. APPEARANCE OF GOD

A. GLORY OF GOD

verse 23 “the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the people.”

1. Brilliance of His presence. Ex. 24:17

“And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel.” Ex. 24:17

2. Blessing of His presence.

“. . . in thy presence is fullness of joy, at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Ps. 16:11

B. GRACE OF GOD.

1. Accepting of the sacrifice. v. 24  “fire consumed the burnt offering”

2. Accepting of the sinner. v. 24

Jesus is the sacrifice offered in place of the sinner. Jesus took the consuming fire of God’s judgment so the sinner could be saved.

The Comforter Has Come

“O boundless love divine!

How shall this tongue of mine

To wondering mortals tell

The matchless grace divine-

That I, a child of hell,

Should in His image shine.”

III. ADORATION TO GOD

A. SPIRIT OF REJOICING. “They shouted.”

“I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise.”  Ps. 43:4

“But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.” Ps. 5:11

“I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.” Ps. 139:16

B. SPIRIT OF REVERANCE. “fell on their faces”

“Wherefore we receive a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire.” Heb. 12:28-29

LESSONS FOR LIFE:

1. God instructed Moses and Aaron to prepare for God’s presence. What personal preparation did you make today to meet with God? Do you expect to meet Him?

2. Are there sins you prefer more than His presence? Is the presence of God important to you? Do you see God as holy? Do you love Him?

3. Do you approach God with an attitude of thanksgiving and spirit of joy?

4. We can only approach God through Jesus. Have you trusted Him to save you?

“Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them and be their God.”

3/11/2007 #704