Recap from sermon – in the case of Aaron’s sons, God instantly killed the sons but left Aaron alive. In the case of Eli’s sons, God allowed them to operate for another 10-20 years as priests, but both died as prophesied, including Eli, on the same day.
In the case of Eli and his sons, we see corruption and sexual scandal with the boys.
With Aaron’s sons, we observe something very important. In chapter 8 of Leviticus, Aaron and his boys go through consecration, or in other words, ordination. They must follow precise instructions. In chapter 9, Aaron and his sons make sacrifices with sin and burnt offerings for themselves and the people. Why? To make atonement because they are preparing for the glory of the Lord to appear. At the end of chapter 9 of Leviticus, the Shekinah Glory appeared before the people, and fire consumed the burnt offerings and fat on the altar.
Then we move into Leviticus chapter 10, which describes Nadab and Abihu burning strange fire. The sons committed sin and deviated from instructions in the Presence of God’s Glory and were immediately killed.
The warning was given in chapter 8.
“Now stay at the entrance of the Tabernacle day and night for seven days, and do everything the Lord requires. If you fail to do this, you will die, for this is what the Lord has commanded.”
Leviticus 8:35 NLT
We all seek and want a deeper relationship with God, but you must be holy if you are to approach Him. Each day, we are experiencing a greater presence and glory. We cannot take God’s grace for granted. We are all a kingdom of priests who are ministering to the Lord. Instructions come and will continue to come. We must be precise in obeying, as the Shekinah glory will fall on us. The story of Leviticus is a warning and a reality to prepare.
Offense, disobedience, sin, lack of respect to the throne and authority will not be tolerated when His Glory manifests. The Word will continue to pierce like a sword to separate the wheat and chaff. Do not expect tests to be easy. They are allowed to make you choose. Are you all in or not? Quitting is not an option. Quitting is a sin. You have no choice but to move forward. Because a day will come to test your holiness as a member of this ministry.
Additional Comments:
Those who believe you are hearing God. When Shekinah glory appears, and you think you hear His voice and it is not His Voice, what do you think will happen to you?
Do not be so eager for the prophetic when you have much to work on? If the prophetic allows you to approach God closer, you’d better have been hearing His Voice and hearing His instructions and not be deceived. Bringing demon voices and responding to them will not be a good day for you.
Stay within your lane and level of grace.
Senior Pastor Steve Kim