Leviticus chapter 10 verses 16-20 (NIV)
When Moses inquired about the goat of the sin offering and found that it had been burned up, he was angry with Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s remaining sons, and asked, “Why didn’t you eat the sin offering in the sanctuary area? It is most holy; it was given to you to take away the guilt of the community by making atonement for them before the LORD. Since its blood was not taken into the Holy Place, you should have eaten the goat in the sanctuary area, as I commanded.” Aaron replied to Moses, “Today they sacrificed their sin offering and their burnt offering before the LORD, but such things as this have happened to me. Would the LORD have been pleased if I had eaten the sin offering today?” When Moses heard this, he was satisfied.
Matthew chapter 5 verses :23-24 (NIV)
Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
John chapter 7 verse 24 (NIV)
” Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.”
Aaron’s two older sons had died because of their sin before God. They were called to be priests but didn’t follow the law. They paid the price for that sin with their lives. In spite of this, Aaron and his older sons had to continue ministering before God on behalf of the people, preparing and offering the sacrifices as prescribed by the Lord, but later that day, Moses noticed that his remaining nephews had not eaten the sacrifices as laid down in the law and he was angry. But Aaron justified their actions explaining that it would not have been right to do so because of the sin that his sons, their brothers had committed. When this was pointed out to Moses, he realised that this was the right thing to do. In his anger he had made a rash judgement.
Jesus taught that we need to be very careful not to make an unconsidered judgement, and this is especially true when we are angry or holding a grudge. Things are not always the way the appear at first glance. And
Jesus also taught that we should not come before God ourselves in worship if our hearts are not right before God. That is after all what many of the religious leaders of the time were condemned. for was it not?
Dear Lord,
Thank You for this reminder that although we are able to come before You in praise and worship because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we should not do so lightly, but reverently and with a thankful heart, because You are a Holy God and worthy of praise. Amen.