Rookies of the Year

Leviticus 9

So Moses calls Aaron, his sons and the elders and lets them know that opening day is imminent. He gives them specific instructions about their own sacrifices (bull calf for a sin offering, ram for a burnt offering) and what they are to tell the people to bring for their own sacrifices (male goat for a sin offering, one-year-old calf, and one-year-old lamb for a burnt offering, an ox and a ram for a fellowship offering, and a grain offering mixed with oil). Of course, these animals for the sacrifices are to be without blemish. This is happening because today, God makes an appearance.

So they do it- Moses gives us the play by play- details about blood on the horns, liver coverings, washing of inner parts, blood sprinkling and other gruesome yet somehow boring specifics of this slaughter-fest.

But it surely wasn't boring for them. I'm sure they were a bit unnerved keeping all the detail straight- but ultimately they were probably quite exhilerated. Finally, the work we've been training for- we're actually serving an amazingly important role for our community and more importantly for our God. We've found a way to truly make a spiritual difference in the lives of those around us and whatever inconvenience comes with it is totally worth it.

They're living the dream.

Moses and Aaron enter the tent of meeting and when they come out they bless the people. And the glory of the LORD appears to them all. Fire comes out of His presence and consumes the offerings. The people are awed- they shout for joy and fall face down.

All in all, a pretty good first day of work.