How does Leviticus 22:9 highlight the seriousness of approaching God with reverence? The Verse in Focus “Therefore they shall keep My charge, so that they do not bear sin and die by it if they profane it; I am the LORD who sanctifies them.” (Leviticus 22:9) Key Observations • “Keep My charge” – a divine command, not a suggestion • “Bear sin and die by it” – explicit warning of lethal consequences • “Profane it” – treating the holy as common breaks covenant fellowship • “I am the LORD who sanctifies” – God alone sets apart and defines holiness Seriousness Highlighted • Life-or-death stakes stress that God’s holiness is not negotiable • The priests’ unique access required heightened accountability • Reverence safeguards both the worshiper and the community from judgment • God’s self-disclosure (“I am the LORD…”) anchors obedience in His character, not mere ritual Supporting Scripture • Exodus 19:12–13 – boundaries at Sinai under threat of death • Numbers 3:4 – Nadab and Abihu die for offering unauthorized fire • Hebrews 12:28–29 – “let us offer to God acceptable worship… for our God is a consuming fire” • 1 Peter 1:15–16 – “Be holy, for I am holy” Reverence in Practice Today • Approach worship conscious that God still sanctifies and judges (1 Corinthians 11:27–30) • Examine motives; treat Scripture, ordinances, and fellowship as sacred • Serve with humble gratitude, remembering privilege and responsibility • Guard against casual attitudes that erode awe and invite discipline Takeaway Leviticus 22:9 frames reverence as a matter of covenant life or death. God’s holiness demands careful, obedient approach; His sanctifying grace enables it. Holding these twin truths keeps worship both humble and joyful. |
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