Before the Glory. Leviticus 9:23-24. Follow His instructions, don’t mess around—today is the eighth day. It’s time to begin—this is what God has always planned. Choose the right animals—those that God clearly selects and desires for sacrifices. The young calf, the rams, and the bullock are the correct choices, so do it properly. Then you will witness His glory!
Let us draw closer in faith—don’t stay away from Him. “Come near to Me.” Everyone, move closer. Distance separates God’s people from God Himself, and we don’t want that. The Lord has commanded us to draw near to Him, and His presence and the glory of the Lord will shine in our souls and spirits! Don’t stay where you are. Go to the altar where atonement has been made—where you, as a priest, can worship and remember. Go there for the people—go to the place where the Lord commanded. Leave your comfort zone—step forward to where God awaits you. The time and place for atonement are now. God’s glory will appear!
One by one, the animals are led to the altar. One by one, they die there. They are animals only, it is true, but they are sinless, clean, and capable of being a substitute. A temporary substitute, it is true, but the reality is still to come, years in the future. The Savior is coming! They sacrificed the animals, which were merely pictures. When we see Him, the glory will be revealed!
They brought the people’s offering; it was the first. Then, they brought the burnt offering and presented it according to the proper manner. Next, they offered the meat offering—visible evidence of the Christ who is to come. Finally, they brought the peace offering for the people because there was fellowship between them and God. The glory will appear!
God’s man, for the moment, was Aaron, acting as the people's representative publicly for the first time. He was dressed as God instructed—carrying out God's commands precisely. He raised his hand toward the crowd. Aaron blessed the people because he had received that authority. God knew whom He had chosen and what He wanted them to do. He offered the sacrifices according to God's instructions. The offerings were placed on the altar in the correct order. Aaron stepped back because God wanted space around the altar for His work, and when FIRE came from the Lord, everyone watching shouted in fear and fell to the ground! The glory of the Lord appeared to all the people! When we do this, we will see His glory appear.