February 4, 2025 - Leviticus 8-10

The consecration of Aaron and his sons and the unholy worship of Nadab and Abihu resulting in their deaths.  At the end of this narrative in chapter 10 is an interesting and, to me, puzzling story, that of Eleazar and Ithamar who, as the sons of Aaron and thus priests, were to eat the sin offering as a gift to them and who were chastised by Moses for not doing so.  That’s not what puzzles me; they were commanded to eat the offering and failed to do so.  One interpreter has written, “Moses voices his anger; Aaron, however, intervenes on behalf of his two sons. He argues that the events of the day have been so exceptional as to show that it is too dangerous to perform the ritual. Aaron’s defense displays his fear of the holiness of God, which Moses is glad to see in his brother” (ESV Study Bible).  Perhaps, that’s it.  The thing that stands out for me is that two things are true at the same time:  One, there is a proper way to come before God, the way of obedience to his commands; and two, our God is gracious, and his ministers must reflect that graciousness in their ministries.

A charge to keep I have,

a God to glorify,

a never-dying soul to save,

and fit it for the sky.

To serve the present age,

my calling to fulfill,

O may it all my pow’rs engage

to do my Master’s will!   -- Charles Wesley (1762)