Read Leviticus 8
Today in Leviticus we see the beginning of the ordination of Aaron and his sons for the priesthood. As their sin is atoned for by a gruesome sacrifice, we are reminded of Jesus' gruesome and bloody sacrifice that atones for our sins. Also, God ordains the priests to speak God's Word to the people, to pray for them, and to offer sacrifices for them. Still today God ordains servants to serve on behalf of God's people. And so, we are thankful for pastors (and yes, pastors are thankful for pastors, because pastors need pastors too!) who faithfully speak of God's forgiveness through the sacrifice of Jesus. They also pray for the people, serve them, and teach them the Word. God is gracious to put in place servants to encourage us in our faith-walk.
Read Romans 8
Oh, there is so much we could meditate on in this chapter! How gracious God is to give us all this Good News in one chapter! And this chapter has not gone unnoticed by the Christian world.
J. S. Bach wrote a motet called "Jesu Meine Freude." In this motet he used the hymn we know as "Jesus Priceless Treasure" (LSB 743). This hymn is basically an emotional love song to our Savior. But Bach does something interesting in his motet. Right in the middle of the love song he plants Romans 8:1, which in the ESV is, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Bach is telling all the singers and the hearers that we love because Jesus first love us and gave himself as the sacrifice for our sin. The source of our love and joy and eternal happiness is Jesus, who suffered the condemnation for us. Though we deserved it, there is now no condemnation for us.
And Paul builds on this Good News in the rest of this chapter as he assures us of (and encourages us toward) the new life we have in the Spirit (v. 1-11), promises us that we are heirs with Christ (v. 12-17), assures us of future glory (v. 18-30), teaches us that the Spirit intercedes for us in our grief and weakness (v. 26-27), tells us that God works out all things for our good (v. 28), and that nothing can separate us from God's love (v. 31-39), and assures us that we are conquerors through Jesus (v. 37). Thanks be to God!
Another great hymn for your meditation today is "Through Jesus' Blood and Merit" LSB 746. It is based on Romans 8. I encourage you to sing it today.
Ask Yourself:
What tends to get me discouraged? What verse from Romans 8 can I memorize to help me?
Who around me seems frustrated? Who is going through a hard time? How can I encourage them with Romans 8?
How does this chapter of the Bible help put things in perspective for me?
Pray:
Father, by Your Spirit, direct our hearts to Christ, where true joys are found. Comfort us when we are afraid. Lead us to see You as our dear Father and to see ourselves as Your dear children. Never leave us or forsake us. Turn our complaints into prayers and our condemnation into glory. keep us in Your love to the end. Amen.
(compiled from prayers in TLSB, p. 1924-1926)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
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