The Inaugural Divine Service

Rev. David Appold, pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Paducah, KY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Leviticus 9:1-24.  Having come to the eighth day of Aaron’s consecration, the LORD gives instructions for the high priest to begin his role among the people. The LORD’s purpose is realized when His glory appears to all the people at the conclusion of the Divine Service and His fire consumes the burnt offering. The dual blessing that is given serves as the paradigm for God’s intention for every Divine Service. Through the sacrifices and offerings that He has commanded, He intends to put His name upon His people and bless them by His holiness among them. Through the Divine Service of Word and Sacrament now, God still gives to us His blessing through all that Jesus has done for us. “The Holiness of God” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Leviticus. Because God desired to dwell among His sinful people for their blessing rather than their destruction, He gave them the sacrifices and regulations of Leviticus to bestow His holiness upon them. In this way, the book of Leviticus points us to Christ who is our great High Priest who offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice to make us holy before God.