📖 Bible Study Notes
Title: Be Mindful of the Location
By: JK Woodall
Scripture Focus: Leviticus 10:12–20 (Part II)
🔍 Introduction: Location Matters to God
In Leviticus 10:12–20, Moses instructs Aaron and his remaining sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, on how to handle the sacred offerings following the tragic death of Nadab and Abihu. This passage reveals a profound truth: not just the act of obedience, but where and how it is carried out, deeply matters to God.
Location in the biblical context is often tied to holiness, obedience, and divine presence. Throughout Scripture, God chooses specific places to dwell, to bless, and to correct. This study invites us to examine our spiritual location—both physically and emotionally—and ask: Am I in position to receive and respond to God?---
🏛️ 1. The Command to Eat in the Holy Place (vv. 12–13)
> “Take the grain offering that remains of the offerings made by fire to the Lord, and eat it without leaven beside the altar, for it is most holy.” (v.12)
Key Insight:
Moses reminds the priests that their role and calling haven’t changed, even in the face of grief. The offering must be eaten in the holy place, not elsewhere. The location of obedience is as important as the act itself.
Reflection Question:
Have I tried to carry out God’s instructions in a place or posture that He did not ordain?---
🔥 2. Ministry Doesn’t Pause for Personal Loss (vv. 16–18)
> “Then Moses made careful inquiry about the goat of the sin offering, and there it was—burned up.” (v.16)
Aaron and his sons were expected to eat the sin offering as a sign of bearing the people's iniquity. Instead, they burned it—perhaps out of grief or fear. Moses, upset, challenges them. This moment reveals that where we are emotionally and spiritually affects how we minister.
Key Insight:
Your current location—mentally, spiritually, emotionally—can either align with or resist God’s expectations. Yet God is not unaware of what you're going through.---
🗣️ 3. Aaron’s Honest Response (v. 19)
> “And Aaron said to Moses, ‘Look, this day they have offered their sin offering... and such things have befallen me! If I had eaten the sin offering today, would it have been accepted in the sight of the Lord?’”
Aaron does not excuse his actions but gives an honest reflection of his internal location—he was grieving, wounded, and questioning whether external ritual without internal alignment would please God.
Key Insight:
God desires integrity between action and condition. Ritual without relationship becomes empty. Being honest about your location matters to God more than simply performing duties.---
✅ 4. Moses Accepts Aaron’s Position (v. 20)
> “So when Moses heard that, he was content.”
Moses’ acceptance reflects God’s mercy—He sees not only what was done, but where it came from. God often shows grace when our location doesn't match our assignment, but we remain honest and open before Him.---
📌 Takeaway: Be Mindful of the Location
Whether in a place of duty, grief, transition, or restoration, remember:
God cares where you obey.
God sees where your heart is.
God meets us where we are—but doesn’t leave us there.
Let this be your prayer:
“Lord, reveal to me where I stand today. Align my location with Your purpose. And if I’m off course, gently lead me back to the holy place.”---
📚 Suggested Cross-References:
Exodus 3:5 – “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”
Psalm 24:3-4 – “Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?”
John 4:21-24 – “The time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem…”---
Stay faithful. Stay positioned. Be mindful of the location.
— JK Woodall
