Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2021
Thursday, December 23, 2021
Jehovah will appear to them (Lev. 9: 4).
In 1512 BC, when the tabernacle was erected at the foot of Mount Sinai, Moses presided over the ceremony in which Aaron and his sons were appointed priests (Ex. 40:17; Lev. 9: 1-5). How did Jehovah show approval of the newly appointed priesthood? When Aaron and Moses blessed the Israelites, Jehovah sent fire from heaven to completely consume the altar sacrifice (Lev. 9:23, 24). In this spectacular way, Jehovah demonstrated his full support for the priesthood of Aaron. When the Israelites saw this clear proof that the priests had divine approval, they understood that they too must give them their full support. This is of interest to us, for the priesthood of Israel was a shadow of a much more important priesthood: the 144,000, who will serve in heaven together with Christ (Heb. 4:14; 8: 3-5; 10: 1). Jehovah is undoubtedly guiding and generously blessing his organization. w19.11 23 par. 13; 24 paras. 14, 16
What does the high priest burn the incense before offering the sacrifices teach us about Jesus?
Keep in mind that the high priest was to burn the incense before offering the sacrifices. This ensured that he had Jehovah's approval. What do we learn? When Jesus was on earth, He had to do something important before He could offer His life in sacrifice, something more important than saving humanity. In order for Jehovah to accept his sacrifice, he had to loyally obey him throughout his life. In doing so, he demonstrated that the right thing to do is to live as Jehovah commands us. Jesus proved that his Father's sovereignty is right and his way of ruling is just.
Why did Jehovah like everything that Jesus did during his life on earth?
Jesus perfectly obeyed Jehovah's righteous standards throughout his life on earth. No temptation or trial, not even the prospect of horrible death, weakened his desire to defend his Father's way of ruling (Philippians 2: 8). Jesus prayed with "loud cries and tears" when faced with trials (Heb. 5: 7). His sincere prayers came from a loyal heart and strengthened his desire to be obedient. These prayers were to Jehovah like the pleasant smell of incense. Everything that Jesus did during his life pleased his Father and vindicated divine sovereignty.
How can we imitate Jesus?
We can imitate Jesus by doing our best to obey God's laws and to be loyal to him. When we go through trials, we plead with Jehovah for help because we want to please him. By doing all this, we show that we support their governance. We know that you will not accept our prayers if we do something that condemns. On the other hand, if we live as God wants, we can have the confidence that our sincere prayers will be for him like the pleasant smell of incense. And we can be sure that our loyalty and obedience please our heavenly Father (Prov. 27:11).
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