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Leviticus 9:5-6, They took the things Moses commanded to the front of the tent of meeting, and the entire assembly came near and stood before the Lord. Then Moses said, “This is what the Lord has commanded you to do, so that the glory of the Lord may appear to you.” 

On the eighth day, the priests (Aaron and his sons) can begin their ministry.  Their first act is to sacrifice a bull calf and a ram as a sin offering to the Lord.  It is worth mentioning that the last time Aaron was the main character in the text, he allowed the people to make a golden bull calf to which they bowed down and worshiped.  God could have taken his life then and there but instead we see God's great mercy.  Rather than death for allowing idolatry, Aaron is now high priest.  Aaron is now the representative for the people before God, responsible for the sacrifices that atone for the sins of the community and individuals - a hugely important task. 

Take a closer look at today's focus Scriptures.  The priests are getting ready to begin their ministry and Moses has everyone stand before the tent of meeting, the place where the presence of God dwelt.  And then he proclaims, "This is what the Lord has commanded you to do, so that the glory of the Lord may appear to you."   

Isn't that what it's all about?  The glory of the Lord appearing to the people.  We worship to praise God and to experience even just a piece of his glory.  Their worship in Leviticus may have looked very different from ours at New Hope but that is essentially what it's all about.  We seek, we yearn, we are desperate to experience the presence of the living God, to see his glory in our midst.   

Let's pray...God, show us your glory.  How we need you!  How we need to experience you in real and tangible ways in our lives.  God, we worship you and give you praise on this day.  Show us your glory.  In the Mighty Name of Jesus, Amen.