Tidings for Tuesday
And Aaron lifted up his hand toward the people and blessed them, and came down from offering of the sin offering, and the burnt offering, and the peace offerings. Leviticus 9:22
When the pope resigned his position because of his advancing age and frailty, there was a great deal of media attention paid to him, and many pictures of the old man were circulated on the Internet. It was impossible to avoid them, despite my lack of real interest. But one picture that caught my attention was one of Benedict as he was speaking to the people from his balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square. Bowing slightly, the pontiff raised his arms and stretched them out toward the crowd, to bless the people. It would have meant something to the Catholics, I guess. But it fell far short of the picture described in our text, as Aaron blessed the Israelites.
Aaron was not performing as part of a religion of men, but as the high priest in the only God-ordained religion ever instituted. Unlike the pope, who would perform the blasphemous mockery of the mass, Aaron had just completed the God-ordained and God-instructed offerings that were necessary for himself and the people. Unlike the pope’s false representation as the vicar of Christ, Aaron was a true example and illustration of the Great High Priest. Aaron’s blessing was real, because it was based on what God had commanded and provided.
When we read the Gospels, we encounter scenes where the Lord Jesus speaks to crowds by the seaside, on the mountainside, and in the streets. Many times during those messages, He would undoubtedly raise His hands to bless the people. But He would also lower His hands to touch and comfort the sick and suffering, never moving far from displaying His compassion and caring. Raising His hands to bless the people was just part of His portrayal as a greater than Aaron and all his sons.
The Israelites were happy to see Aaron. His return meant that the sacrifices were complete, and God was satisfied. No doubt, they would raise a cheer at his appearance, and Aaron would know that his work had not only pleased God but had brought comfort and rejoicing to the people. Today, we don’t have an Aaron to perform the sacrifices, because the sacrifice is over forever. But we do have One Who blesses the people. Unseen but present at the gatherings of His people, the Lord Jesus encourages us and cheers us as we meet according to His word. We cannot see with the physical eye His upraised hands, but we know He is blessing us.
We give thanks today for our Great High Priest, for the offering He has made for us, and for the richness of His blessing. – Jim MacIntosh