Leviticus Chapter 16: Verses 2-3 (NLT Translation)
The LORD spoke to Moses after the death of Aaron’s two sons, who died after they entered the LORD’s presence and burned the wrong kind of fire before him. The LORD said to Moses, “Warn your brother, Aaron, not to enter the Holy Place behind the inner curtain whenever he chooses; if he does, he will die. For the Ark’s cover – the place of atonement- is there, and I myself am present in the cloud above the atonement cover.
When Aaron enters the sanctuary area, he must follow the instructions fully. He must bring a young bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering.”
Hebrews Chapter 4: Verse 16 (NLT Translation)
So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. Then we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Under the old covenant the High Priest could not enter God’s presence whenever he pleased, and he also had to be prepared before he did go in. Unlike Aaron’s sons, who were very casual and disrespectful in their attitude. Their hearts were not ready to go before God as they should have been.
Because of the sacrifice of Jesus, under the new covenant we can come before God at any time and receive His mercy and grace. But we should remember how blessed we are to be able to do so, because it cost Jesus His life to make it possible. We are still coming to a holy God and shouldn’t take that privilege for granted – otherwise our hearts are just the same as those of Aaron’s sons.
Dear Lord,
Thank You that Jesus made it possible for me to come to You for mercy and grace at any time. May I never take that for granted. I pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.