Leviticus 9 THE EIGHTH DAY All the instructions had been given; all the preparations had been made; the priests clothes were all made; the perfect animals were there to be offered; the fine flour has been made and is ready for use; the people all gather - what has been taught was now going to be acted upon and seen by the congregation. I watched from my distant place in the future and could sense both the anticipation and the fear. The cloud was over the Tabernacle. That had been built and finished exactly as God had instructed. Now the offerings are to be made that makes it possible for God's people to come to Him. In careful faith the offerings were made - first for Aaron and then each in order for the people. To go about that holy work would have meant that all who were involved would be carefully reviewing in their minds all that had been taught them. Probably the observers were wondering what God would do and how would they know He was satisfied to accept them.
The things of God should never be approached with a careless or cavalier attitude. Holy activities in holy things requires holy people to act in a holy way before the Most Holy God. In grace, God has made known to us His will in His Word. He expects us to approach Him and act according to His chosen way when we serve Him. Those people watching at the gate as Aaron and the priests began their duties, would have wondered that first time at the carefulness and caution that was taken when the animal was killed and the hands placed upon its head. Next, they took the blood and sprinkled it, took the skin and all the parts, and separated the fat from it. Then they would have seen for the first time there is a pattern to follow in our approach to God. Our attitude towards the things of God is able to be seen by those who observe our lives. Our attitude and approach to assembly life is seen by our family and even those who look on from a distance. When we leave on a Lord's Day morning, our neighbors know we are going to worship God. Our manner of dress, our conduct, even the Bible we carry in our hands indicates the degree of importance we attach to the things of God.
When we gather together as priests to worship, those who look on from the "learners' seat" will form impressions as to our willingness to follow the scriptural pattern that was taught. On occasions when we have been with new believers in a new assembly work, the attitude and actions of those who come to the Lord's Supper, sets the tone of the meeting that day and all the days that follow. Holiness is "becoming" in the house of God, and that can be seen by those who watch and listen. Much of the impact of any service we do takes its character from the way we worship and present our offerings to God. Every word we say about the Lord Jesus Christ and every song and hymn of praise gives a message to those looking on. The message of the Gospel is seen visibly when God's people gather to remember Him and show His death until He comes again.
The seven days of preparation in which Aaron and his sons did everything that was commanded them by the Lord through Moses, had prepared them for this day - this eighth day of a new beginning for the people of God. The preparation time was over. Now the time had come for the people to see, and meet, the requirements of faith. Every action, every visible evidence of the order God desired was watched carefully. The smoke of the sin offering was rising from outside the camp where it was burning as a testimony of one sinless substitute taking the place of the sinner. On the altar every part was placed in proper order and the fat placed on top.
Aaron turned and lifted his hand high toward the people so they would know they were included and blessed because of all that was happening in front of them. Nothing we do is without some consequences for good or bad. When it comes to our testimony and fellowship with God's people, it is important that the dignity, honor, respect and reverence for God we have, is evident to those who look on. Certain things are communicated without words. Our attitude toward the things of God are often more important than our actions and words.
When Moses and Aaron went into the Tabernacle and blood was sprinkled on the horns of the golden altar where incense burned before God, there may have been a quietness come over the people as they watched and wondered what was happening between those who represented them, and God. When they reappeared at the door of the Tabernacle and blessed the people again, there was evidence of God's glory seen. One thing we do know, there was fire that moved out from inside that Tabernacle and the offerings on the altar were burned before the eyes of the people. The impact of the presence of God brought to them both joy and reverential fear. That is the way our worship of God and the consciousness of His presence when we gather together unto Him should affect others beside ourselves. "Holiness becometh Thy house, O God."
The eighth day of resurrection and rest is a testimony now of the blessing we will experience in heaven when Israel is enjoying the promises of the kingdom in their "Sabbath rest" on earth. Those who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ and placed into the Body of Christ will experience rest forever because of the grace of God. That grace provided the sacrifice of Christ that is the basis of our rest forever. All that God requires has been done. By virtue of the sacrifice of Christ, atonement for sin has been made and we have "peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ." Sin and its curse have been cancelled. Satan has been defeated. God is able to bless His people and they are able to dwell in His house fully accepted as sons and daughters of God. Blessings will come to Israel when they see the Messiah in His glory and they will enjoy that eighth day rest of joy and reverential respect of the King of kings.
They came that day, the Sabbath day had passed - There was something new about to take place. Not all may, at first, the significance grasp - When faith lays hold of the blessings of God's grace. But when holy things are carried out in God's way - It will not be long until His presence is known. When we gather together our homage to pay - The "eighth day" blessings with then be shown.
An attitude of reverence and of godly fear - Accompanies those who worship and praise. There is the sense that they know God is here - When to Him their voices in worship raise. There may be only a few who there do gather - To bring to God their thank offerings in. One thing in common they share together - Is heart-felt and deep appreciation for Him.
We may never know the impact on those - Who look on, as in fellowship we meet. We don't have the right or power to impose - Faith on them, even though ours is so sweet. Perhaps in a simple word or phrase - Expressed in some way that they can hear - There will be an answer to the questions they raise - And by faith, Christ will real to them appear.
"Father, may we the people of God who regularly gather together in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, always be aware of the fact that much of what we do is seen and not just heard. May the rest we have in Christ be evident in us. May we know and live in the power of His resurrection always. Amen."