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Leviticus - Sandy 3
Sermon Summary
Sandy teaches that God’s holiness is both good and dangerous, calling us to draw near through Jesus—the ultimate sacrifice—and to live daily surrendered to God’s way rather than our own, trusting in His grace and mercy to walk faithfully with Him.
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Leviticus, often overlooked for its meticulous detail and repetition, reveals a God who is both holy and good—a God who desires to dwell among His people but insists on order, reverence, and careful obedience. The Israelites, like Adam and Eve in Eden, were called to be caretakers of a sacred space, hosting the divine presence in the midst of their camp. The tabernacle, surrounded by the tribes, became a new Eden, a place where heaven and earth met, and where offerings transformed into smoke, rising as a pleasing aroma to God. This was not just about ritual, but about transformation and drawing near to the Creator.
The ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests was a moment of new creation, marked by washing, anointing, and symbolic acts—blood on the ear, thumb, and toe—signifying the call to hear God’s word, do His will, and walk in His ways. The priests stood as royal representatives before the people, but in humility before God. Their consecration culminated in a seven-day feast, embodying the ideal of humanity dwelling with God, and on the eighth day, God’s glory appeared to all Israel. Fire from God consumed the offering, and the people responded with awe and joy, experiencing the wonder and majesty of God’s presence.
Yet, this joy was quickly shattered when Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, offered unauthorised fire—doing things their own way rather than God’s. The same fire that brought joy now brought judgment, consuming them instantly. Their failure was rooted in a lack of discernment, likely due to drunkenness, and a disregard for the holiness of God. This echoes the story of Adam and Eve and serves as a warning: God’s holiness is both beautiful and dangerous, and drawing near on our own terms leads to destruction.
Holiness is not about appeasing an angry God with endless sacrifices, but about obedience, surrender, and relationship. Jesus, our ultimate “draw near thing,” has become the once-for-all sacrifice, making a way for us to approach God without fear of condemnation. The call now is to daily offer ourselves as living sacrifices—ears to hear, hands to do, feet to walk in God’s ways. When we fail, the path back is not through appeasement, but through confession, repentance, and trust in God’s covenant faithfulness. We have been given everything we need for life and godliness; the invitation is to do it God’s way, not our own.
Key Takeaways
- 1. Holiness Is Both Beautiful and Dangerous: God’s holiness is not merely a distant attribute but a living reality that is both good and perilous. To draw near to God is to encounter a beauty that transforms, but also a power that cannot be approached carelessly or on our own terms. The story of Nadab and Abihu is a sobering reminder that God’s presence is not to be trifled with, and that reverence and obedience are essential when approaching the Holy One.
- 2. Discernment Is Essential for God’s People: The priests’ primary calling was to discern between what is holy and what is common, and to teach this discernment to the people. When discernment is lost—whether through carelessness, pride, or intoxication—God’s people are in danger of bringing harm upon themselves and others. True spiritual maturity is marked by the ability to distinguish God’s ways from our own and to lead others in the same.
- 3. Obedience Is the Pathway to God’s Presence: God’s instructions for worship and sacrifice were not arbitrary, but designed to create a space where His people could safely encounter His glory. Obedience is not about earning God’s favour, but about aligning ourselves with His order and purposes. When we do things “our way,” we risk missing out on the fullness of God’s presence and blessing.
- 4. Jesus Is Our Once-for-All Offering: Unlike the endless sacrifices of Leviticus, Jesus has become the ultimate offering, making a way for us to draw near to God without fear of condemnation. Our response is not to try to appease God through our own efforts, but to surrender daily, offering ourselves as living sacrifices. In Christ, we are invited into a relationship marked by grace, not fear.
- 5. Confession and Repentance Restore Fellowship: When we fail or fall short, the way back to God is not through self-punishment or endless striving, but through honest confession and repentance. God’s covenant faithfulness remains, and He calls us to name our sins, turn from them, and trust in His forgiveness. This is the ongoing rhythm of life with God: hearing, doing, walking, and returning when we stray.
Daily Hope Devotionals
Day 1: God’s Holiness Is Both Good and Dangerous
Scripture:
Leviticus 9:23-24 (NIV)
Moses and Aaron then went into the tent of meeting. When they came out, they blessed the people; and the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people. Fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell facedown.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus%209%3A23-24%20&version=NIV
Devotional:
God’s holiness is described as both beautiful and awe-inspiring, yet also dangerous for those who approach Him carelessly or without proper preparation. The tabernacle, with its meticulous rituals and sacred space, was a place where heaven and earth met, and where God’s presence dwelled among His people. The elaborate consecration of the priests and the detailed instructions for sacrifices were not arbitrary, but necessary for sinful humans to safely draw near to a holy God. This dual nature of holiness—good and dangerous—reminds us that God’s presence is a gift, but not to be taken lightly.
Reflection:
In what ways do you approach God casually or without reverence, and how might you cultivate a deeper awe for His holiness in your daily life?
Prayer:
Lord, Your holiness is beautiful and good, yet it is also a holy fire that demands respect. Help me to approach You with reverence and awe, knowing that drawing near to You is a sacred privilege and a serious calling. Keep me mindful that Your holiness is both a gift and a warning. Amen.
Day 2: Doing It God’s Way, Not Our Own
Scripture:
Leviticus 10:1-3 (NIV)
Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, contrary to his command. So fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord. Moses then said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord spoke of when he said:
“‘Among those who approach me
I will be proved holy;
in the sight of all the people
I will be honoured.’”
Aaron remained silent.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus%2010%3A1-3&version=NIV
Devotional:
The story of Nadab and Abihu is a sobering reminder that God’s instructions are not suggestions, but the only way to truly draw near to Him. When Aaron’s sons offered unauthorised fire, disregarding God’s command, they faced immediate and tragic consequences. This event echoes the story of Adam and Eve, showing that doing things “my way” leads to separation from God and even destruction. God’s holiness requires obedience, not innovation or self-will, and He calls His people to honour Him by following His ways rather than their own.
Reflection:
Where in your life are you tempted to do things your own way instead of God’s, and what would it look like to surrender that area to Him today?
Prayer:
Father, teach me to surrender my will to Yours. When I am tempted to do it my way, remind me that Your way is perfect and safe. Help me to listen, obey, and walk in Your ways, not relying on my own understanding or desires. May I live as a living sacrifice, fully dedicated to You. Amen.
Day 3: The Gift and Responsibility of Discernment
Scriptures:
Malachi 2:7 (NIV)
For the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, because he is the messenger of the Lord Almighty and people seek instruction from his mouth.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Malachi%202%3A7&version=NIV
Devotional:
Priests were called to discern between what was holy and what was common, a task that required sobriety, attentiveness, and a heart aligned with God. When Nadab and Abihu lost their ability to discern—likely due to drunkenness—they failed in their calling and brought disaster upon themselves. Discernment remains a vital gift for God’s people today, enabling us to recognise what pleases God and what does not, and to teach others the truth of His covenant. We are invited to cultivate discernment through dependence on the Spirit, the Word, and a life of prayerful attentiveness.
Reflection:
What is one area where you need God’s discernment today, and how can you intentionally seek His wisdom before making a decision?
Prayer:
God, grant me the gift of discernment to know what is holy and what is common. Help me to be responsible in my calling, to hear Your word clearly, to do Your commands faithfully, and to walk in Your ways humbly. May I never lose sight of the sacredness of the tasks You entrust to me. Amen.
Day 4: Jesus Is Our Once-for-All “Draw Near Thing”
Scripture:
Romans 8:1-2 (NIV)
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208%3A1-2&version=NIV
Devotional:
Unlike the endless sacrifices of Leviticus, Jesus became the perfect and final offering, making a way for us to draw near to God without fear of condemnation. Through Christ, we are no longer required to bring repeated sacrifices; instead, we are invited to daily surrender ourselves as living sacrifices, trusting in His finished work. In Christ, there is no condemnation, and we are freed from the fear of God’s wrath, able to approach Him with confidence and gratitude.
Reflection:
How does knowing that Jesus is your once-for-all sacrifice change the way you approach God in prayer and worship today?
Prayer:
Jesus, You are my once and for all offering, my perfect draw near thing. Thank You for making a way for me to come boldly into Your presence without fear. Help me to daily commit myself to You, knowing that through You I am made holy and accepted. May I live in the freedom and grace You have won. Amen.
Day 5: Confession, Repentance, and Living as a Living Sacrifice
Scripture:
1 John 1:9 (NIV)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%201%3A9&version=NIV
Devotional:
God’s desire is not for endless rituals to appease His anger, but for hearts that confess, repent, and walk in obedience. When we sin, the way back is not through self-punishment or trying to earn God’s favour, but through honest confession and turning back to Him. We have been given everything we need for life and godliness—His Spirit, His Word, His grace. Each day, we are called to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, with ears to hear, hands to obey, and feet to walk in His ways.
Reflection:
Is there a specific sin or area of disobedience you need to confess to God today, and what step of repentance can you take to walk in His ways?
Prayer:
Lord, I confess my sins and turn away from my own way. Cleanse me and renew my heart. Help me to live each day as a living sacrifice, hearing Your word, obeying Your commands, and walking in Your ways. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that never fail. Lead me not into temptation but deliver me from evil. Amen.
Day 6: The Anointing and Consecration of the High Priest
Scripture:
Leviticus 8:6-12 (NIV)
Then Moses brought Aaron and his sons forward and washed them with water. He put the tunic on Aaron, tied the sash around him, clothed him with the robe and put the ephod on him. He also fastened the ephod with a decorative waistband, which he tied around him. He placed the breast piece on him and put the Urim and Thummim in the breast piece. Then he placed the turban on Aaron’s head and set the gold plate, the sacred emblem, on the front of it, as the Lord commanded Moses.
Then Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the tabernacle and everything in it, and so consecrated them. He sprinkled some of the oil on the altar seven times, anointing the altar and all its utensils and the basin with its stand, to consecrate them. He poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus%208%3A6-12&version=NIV
Devotional:
This passage shows us the careful and holy preparation of Aaron as the high priest. The washing with water symbolises cleansing and new beginnings, just as the flood and the Red Sea marked God’s saving acts in Israel’s history. The sacred garments remind us that serving God is a royal calling, a holy responsibility to represent the people before God. The anointing with oil sets Aaron apart, marking him as chosen and empowered by God to enter the most sacred place and mediate between God and His people.
Like Aaron, we too are called to be set apart, to live lives consecrated to God. This means daily surrender, allowing God to cleanse us, clothe us with His righteousness, and empower us by His Spirit. The high priest’s role was both majestic and humble—standing as a king before the people, yet humble before the true King. May we approach God with that same reverence and humility, ready to serve and to draw near with hearts prepared.
Reflection:
How are you daily allowing God to cleanse and clothe you for His service?
In what ways can you live as a “royal priesthood,” representing God in your daily life?
Do you recognise the need for God’s anointing and empowerment to walk in holiness?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for setting me apart as Your child and servant. Cleanse me, clothe me, and anoint me with Your Spirit. Help me to live with reverence and humility, faithfully representing You in all I do. May I draw near to You with a prepared heart, ready to serve and worship. Amen.
Day 7: Living as a Royal Priesthood
Scriptures:
Leviticus 8:23-24
'Moses slaughtered the ram and took some of its blood and put it on the lobe of Aaron’s right ear, on the thumb of his right hand and on the big toe of his right foot. Moses also brought Aaron’s sons forward and put some of the blood on the lobes of their right ears, on the thumbs of their right hands and on the big toes of their right feet. Then he splashed blood against the sides of the altar.
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/LEV.8.23-24
Leviticus 8:30
'Then Moses took some of the anointing oil and some of the blood from the altar and sprinkled them on Aaron and his garments and on his sons and their garments. So he consecrated Aaron and his garments and his sons and their garments. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/LEV.8.30
Devotional:
The anointing of Aaron and his sons was not just about ceremony; it was about their calling to be God’s representatives on earth. The blood on the ear, hand, and foot symbolised their need to hear God’s word, to do His commands, and to walk in His ways. This is a powerful picture for all believers today. We are called to be a royal priesthood, set apart to live in God’s presence and to represent Him in the world. This means daily surrender—listening to God, obeying His will, and walking faithfully in His path. It’s a holy calling that requires humility and dedication.
Reflection:
Are you living as a royal priesthood, hearing God’s voice, obeying His commands, and walking in His ways?
What does it look like for you to be a representative of God in your family, workplace, and community?
Prayer:
Father, thank You for calling me to be part of Your royal priesthood. Help me to hear Your voice clearly, to obey Your commands wholeheartedly, and to walk faithfully in Your ways every day. May my life reflect Your holiness and love to those around me. Amen.
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