On the first resurrection Sunday Luke records in his gospel account how two disciples were on their way to the village of Emmaus. Along the way, “Jesus himself drew near and went with them. (Luke 24:15b)” How wonderful would that be to have Jesus draw near as you stroll into town on a summer Saturday morning to take in our fine Ilderton farmer’s market? But wait, it gets better: Jesus calms these troubled hearts by teaching them. Luke writes, “And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. (Luke 24:27)” Wow, personal training from the master teacher himself! Later to the primary disciples, ministering also to their doubtful hearts, Jesus says, “everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled. Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. (Luke 24:44-45)”
I was thinking of this today as I reflected upon our introduction to the sacrificial system in ancient Israel. Up to Leviticus 6:7 we have learned about five primary offerings: burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt. This detailed system of ritual centred in the tabernacle, involving both priests and laity, the bloody sacrifices, the meat cooking, the consumption and disposal rites, can all seem very distant to the 21st century westerner. I hope our Sunday morning teaching and your personal reflection and devotions have begun to illumine your heart and mind, but it wouldn’t surprise me if you said, “I could use a little one-on-one instruction with Jesus on this.” Well, I have good news for you, Jesus is still in the business of ensuring the teaching and discipleship of those whom the Lord has given him. Before his ascension he promised to his disciples the sending of the Holy Spirit.
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you. (John 16:13-15)
What a wonderful, even staggering, promise to make to us! In this Sunday’s text (Leviticus 6:8 – 7:38) we will see God’s requirement that the “Fire shall be kept burning on the altar continually; it shall not go out. (see 6:9,12,13)” This continual fire must have been a great source of comfort to the Israelites. It would serve as a constant reminder of their access to God’s presence, the availability of his atonement, and his perpetual activity among them. As Christians we rightly believe that Christ never leaves nor forsakes us (see Hebrews 11:5), yet how deeply do we hold this belief? Is it a belief that leads to faith-filled trust, fellowship, and worship? When we lack understanding, be it a difficult section of the bible or a difficult season of life, do we trust the Holy Spirit to glorify Christ in us and to us such that we are given understanding, peace, and comfort?
Back to our two disciples on the way to Emmaus. After their eyes were opened to the truth that it was Jesus himself who had drawn near to them, comforted them, and taught them, they exclaimed: “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures? (Luke 24:32)” I pray that we would have our eyes opened to offering of the continual fire of God’s presence in our hearts and lives!
Much love,
Pastor Gary
As we gather for Sunday worship, we want you to meet with God and be transformed by the Word. Prepare your heart by reading the passage and listening to the songs for Sunday.