Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Holy Ordination: A Fragrance to Christ
Leviticus 10:16-20


Elizabeth Philip
St. John’s MTC, NY

19 And Aaron spoke to Moses, “See, today they offered their sin offering and their burnt offering before the Lord; and yet such things as these have befallen me! If I had eaten the sin offering today, would it have been agreeable to the Lord?” 
 
From the beginning, God provided clear rules and standards for priests so that the people of Israel understood His expectations. Moses had given instructions to people of Israel regarding God’s commands regarding sacrificial sin and burnt offerings. The above verse tells us that Aaron was following God’s commands even though his two sons (Nadab and Abihu) were burnt to death in the presence of the Lord for not following the Lord’s commands. Aaron was fasting and following God’s commands to save the rest of his family.
                When we face difficulties in our daily lives, we question the rules and regulations imposed to us by our rulers and authorities. As Christians, are we committed to doing what God expects us to do? Don’t we make our own assumptions and excuses by not following the rules? Are we prepared to follow God’s commands to save our family and friends just like Aaron? Romans 6:23 reads, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”. We are aware that we all pay the penalty for sin. At times, we get foolish, disobedient, and rude. We become slaves of passions and pleasures of this world. We become so consumed with worldly pleasures that we tend to forget the simple principles given to us by our God. As per Solomon’s proverbs, can anyone really say that he got rid of his sin? We have a Christian conduct – an obligation to live by the Spirit. Sometimes, it takes a painful experience to make us change our ways. We have to reach rock bottom in order to build a more positive and better character for ourselves. When we confess our sins and ask God for forgiveness, we will be saved through Jesus Christ our Savior. He will save us through grace and mercy.

PRAYER

Dear Father, when we face difficulties, help us to follow Your commands as Aaron. Give us strength as we face difficulties in our lives. Thank you for loving us unconditionally. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Obey the Lord, be humble, and you will get riches, honor, and a long life – Proverbs 22:4

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