I worship…

Many years later, during the reign of King Artaxerxes of Persia, there was a man named Ezra. (Ezra 7:1 NLT)

Ever since the days of Moses, the Israelites had a system in place that helped them to draw near to the LORD.  They were terrified to come face to face with the living God because every time they approached God in sin, they got struck down.  So, an animal-sacrifice system was given to them so they would approach God with humility and an attitude of repentance.

He was the son of Seraiah...son of Aaron the high priest. (Ezra 7:2-5 NLT)

Priests had a special role in all of this.  Their job was to administer the animal sacrifice system.  A person would bring in an animal as a sin offering to the LORD.  The priest would slaughter the animal, carve it up in the specified way, pour out and sprinkle the blood on the altar, and then burn up the animal parts on the altar.  Priests helped people draw near to God.

John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 1:4-6 ESV)

The same is true of us today.  When we realize that Jesus is the final sacrifice who has freed us from the punishment we deserve for our sin, we can approach the LORD without fear.  God forgives us and reconciles with us because we approach with humility, repentance, and carrying the blood of the lamb (Jesus).  Then, since we know how to approach God with the sacrifice of Jesus, the LORD makes us “priests” to help others draw near to God as well.  This is a spiritual act of worship.

How about you?  Have you learned how to approach the LORD in repentance with humility?  Do you approach with the blood of the Lamb (Jesus) taking the punishment for your sin?  Do you help others draw near to God like a priest did back in Ezra’s day?  Do you worship?