The Pulpit Commentary — Leviticus — Section 54

Vera. 1-14.-The weakness of man and the gracd of God. Measureless is the distance between man and his Maker. .And it is sometimes emphasized in such a way as to repress thought and stifle the aspirations of the human breast. In Scripture it is not brought forward as a rayless truth, but is shown to be replete with profit and joy. To consider it increases humility, indeed, but also intensifies gratitude and love. For the less has been blessed by the Greater, and we are permitted to say, looking upon the attributes of the Eternal as exercised towards us in mercy and favour, "This God is our God: we will rejoice in his salvation." L MAN IS IGNORANT : THE GB.ACE OF GoD IS SEEN IN THE DISTINCT ENUNOUTlON OP BIS WILL. The light of reason, the voice of conscience, the promptings of emotion,- these can inform us only to a slight extent of the worship and service likely to be acceptable to God. Hence the surpassing worth of the full, clear-toned, authoritative utterances of Scripture. That God is Spirit, Light, and Love, that he is holy and almighty, arc declarations for which we must be devoutly thankful. The Epicureans pictured the happy gods as dwelling in unruffled serenity far from all cognizance of or interference with the concerns of men. Inspiration removes our suspicions, reassures us with the words," The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers." Errors in the manner of our approach are prevented. Some wonld have presumptuously drawn near without the accustomed offering; others might bring nnsuitable gifts-human sacrifices, unclean •animals, etc. .A God less kind might suffer the people to incur the terrible consequences of ignorance, but no I if Nadab and Abihu perish it shall not be for lack of instruction. "Go ye into all the world, teaching them to observe whatsoever things I have commanded you." Il. M..lN IS FEARFUL AND PERTURBED IN THE PRESENCE OF GoD: IT IS GRACIOUSLY ORDAINED THAT SPECIAL MESSENGERS SHALL BE THE APPOINTED CHANNELS OF COJIUl:U• NICATION. "The Lord called unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel." When God appeared on Sinai and thundered out His Law, the terrified people implored that God might not Himself speak again lest they should die. Their entreaty was regarded, and Moses became the medium of conveying the mind of God. Should Jehovah be for ever appearing in person, bis visits would be attended with such over- whelming awe that the purport of his words might be in danger of being lost or mis- taken. When embarrassed, man's thoughts are dispersed, and memory fails. It was better, therefore, that holy men should speak unto men as moved by the Holy Ghost. The striking instance is the assumption of our nature by the Son of God, putting a veil over the features of Deity that weak sinful mortals might draw near without trembling and admire the gracious words proceeding out of his mouth. Even children hear and understand the words of Jesus. .And here we may remark that the utterances of the messengers must be received as coming from the Most High. In the appointed place God talked with Moses, and on his repeating the instructions to the Israelites they were bound to attend to them. It is equally incumbent upon us to respect the decrees of God delivered through prophets and apostles, and above all to honour the Father by honouring the Son, believing hie words, trusting him as the Teacher sent from God. Preachers are" ambassadors for Christ." We would give thanks without ceas- ing when hearers receive the truth from our lips, not as the word of men, but the word of God (1 Thess. ii 13). lIL MAN IS SINFUL : THE GRACE OF GOD PROVIDES lllEDIATOBIAL .ACCESS TO THE HoLY ONE. 1. Sacrifices appointed. "Bring an offering" without blemish, and placo your hand upon its head, to show that it ie willingly offered and stands instead of the offerer. .And "it shall be accepted to make atonement" for you, to cover your person and work.a with the robe of mercy and rightecusness, so that the Divine gaze may he fastened upon you without displeasure. By the gra,::e of God it was arranged that Jesus Christ should taste death for every man. His was the one offering that, through ,OR, I, 1-17.] THE BOOK OF LEVITICUS. 9