The Holiness of Worship
Minister: |
Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: |
7/11/2010 PM
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Text:
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Leviticus 10:1-3
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Psalters: |
319, 307, 222, 373 |
- The setting.
- The book of Exodus ends with description of the construction of the tabernacle and its dedication.
- “Tabernacle” means “dwelling place” of God among His people (25:8).
- Moses, Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu and 70 elders were given a special glimpse of the glories of heaven (Ex. 24:9-11).
- Jesus, the true High Priest of God’s people, was far superior to Aaron’s priesthood.
- The form of the tabernacle showed that God dwelt in their midst even while they were yet sinners.
- In the inner Most Holy Place was the ark of the covenant, inside of which was the Tables of Commandments).
- In the Holy Place were three things representing God’s people.
- On north was the Table of Showbread (“the bread of faces” or “of the presence”) (Ex. 25:23,24; 40:4).
- On south side was the Candlestick with seven lamps (Ex. 25:31,32; 40:22-25).
- The Altar of Incense was right in front of the entrance to the Ark (Ex. 30:6).
- The Altar of Burnt-offering was outside the tent door.
- Upon completion of the construction God showed His approval with the descent of the cloud of glory (Ex. 40:34).
- After this Aaron and his sons were consecrated for service as High Priest and as priests (Lev. 8,9).
- On the 8 th day Aaron took up his duties, offering a sin offering and a burnt offering for himself and the people.
- But the same fire (like lightning) came out of the Most Holy Place and killed Nadab and Abihu.
- Their sin was that of offering “strange fire before the LORD” on the altar of incense (1). Two problems.
- He will be sanctified in them that draw nigh to Him: He is to be approached His way (not our way).
- Man’s main sin in worship is thinking we can approach Him the way we want and/or think.
- Nadab and Abihu did not take the fire to the altar of incense from the altar of burnt offerings.
- Without Christ (God’s way to approach Him) Jehovah must consume them.
- Lessons.
- The tabernacle and its ceremonies were rich in blessing, pointing ahead to the Savior.
- This establishes the “regulative principle of worship” - God will be worshiped only as He commands.
- The issue is always whether God is sanctified in us and glorified before us (3).