The beginning of something is very important. If we do not start on the right note, it will take a lot of effort later on to rectify the wrong. In Leviticus 9, we see the inauguration of the Levitical system.

1. A Service in Obedience (Lev 9:1-6): The children of Israel were to simply obey the commandment of the Lord. Their service must be founded in obedience to the Word of God.

The sequence of the inaugural service was given, the timing was given, the people who were involved were given, all according to the Lord's command. It would be liberating for the people as all they had to do was to obey and follow what God had commanded.

Likewise, we too must live in obedience to God’s Word. How we worship God must be in accordance to His instruction. There are principles in the Word of God that will guide us. We are not to be guided by how we feel when we worship God. Our worship and service must be wholly for the glory of God.

2. A Service in Purity and Holiness (Lev 9:7-22): The order of worship was important: the sin offering (Lev 9:7), the burnt offering (Lev 9:12), the meat offering (Lev 9:17), the peace offering (Lev 9:18), and the wave offering (Lev 9:21). All these offerings were with blood.

The sin offering was for the purification of the altar (Lev 9:7a). After that the burnt offering was for the atonement of Aaron’s sins and then of the people’s sin (Lev 9:7b). When the people brought their sin offering, it was for their purification, like as the purification of the altar (Lev 9:15).

A person's sin can have devastating effect on the people around that person. If we want to have the blessings of God in our service, we must confess our sins. Our service must be in purity.

3. A Service Accepted (Lev 9:23-24): The Lord accepted their first offerings and service (Lev 9:23b, 24a). The people responded with worship and reverence (Lev 9:24b). This must be their experience when they worshipped God.

Likewise, we must desire for our service to be accepted of God. We must not aim for the praises of man. The motivation for our service must be the acceptance of God. May we serve God in obedience and holiness.