Sacrificial Sequence

Nº 240

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - March 7, 2023

Some people do not like to hear much of repentance; but I think it is so necessary that if I should die in the pulpit, I would desire to die preaching repentance, and if out of the pulpit I would desire to die practicing it. - Matthew Henry

I always get bogged down in the lengthy and tedious sections explaining the sacrificial processes when I read Leviticus. I get lost ploughing through who does what and have difficulty remembering what is killed, burned, waved, eaten, or poured.

Hidden within the complexities and excruciating details is an obvious truth that applies to us today.

Aaron, the high priest, and his sons who were also key spiritual leaders were required to make their personal sacrifices first. After God removed their sin, they were qualified to present sacrifices on behalf of the nation. “Aaron came to the altar and slaughtered the calf as a sin offering for himself.” (Leviticus 9:8) A few verses later we read, “Aaron then brought the offering that was for the people.” (Leviticus 9:15)

The leaders needed to be right with God before they could effectively serve the general population. They needed to have their sin and guilt removed before they were ready to serve others.

Whether a parent, friend, teacher, or pastor, our first responsibility is to be right with God. Only after we have personally experienced God’s forgiveness will we be ready to reach out to help others establish, grow, and deepen their relationship with God.

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc.