Today you should read: Leviticus 8
In chapter 1-7 of Leviticus we see laws and descriptions about the various sacrifices God commanded His people to offer. In the next 3 chapters God will switch gears and address the priests as the main theme. Chapter 8 is specifically about their “ordination” or “consecration” for service… How they were dedicated and set apart.
As we study this keep this in mind: This is important because God calls all of His people to serve, and we respond by publically committing ourselves to serve, consecrating ourselves for service, living pure lives befitting of servants of God, and walking in fellowship with Him while we serve Him. (Moseley, 84)
When seeing Leviticus 8 and how it applies to the New Testament Church we see that God, through Jesus, has eliminated the need for a human priest because of the great high priest we have in Jesus (Hebrews 4:12-16) and how now we all, as followers of Jesus, are in the royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:19) but understanding this text still matters.
We see that as God called Aaron to serve through Moses (v.1-2). God called him to take Aaron and his sons and anoint and consecrate them publicly (v.3). Being a servant of God is a big deal and this brings accountability. Here is what we know… “Whether someone is called to vocational ministry or not, all followers of Jesus are called to ministry of some kind… to serve God.” (Moseley, 87).
Moses also, while committing publically and consecrating them to serve God(v. 3, 10-13) gave them a role. We see this in the garments that were given in v. 5-9 (we can read more about the significance in Exodus 28). Just like this, God has a special place for all of us, as followers of Jesus, to serve in His church.
Aaron sought purification before serving… he offered a sacrifice (v.14-17). He did this because it is hard for us to serve God while living in any kind of impurity. We will not be perfect but we must continually seek forgiveness and restoration. Power for impact comes from HIM and when we sin we stifle this impact. This also foreshadows Jesus and all He does for us in this.
We see Aaron’s dedication to serve through the offering in verses 22-29. Aaron was showing that he was all in… he was ready… he was dedicated. We dedicate every part of ourselves to God.
Finally we see the fellowship that he had with God through serving. Verse 31 symbolized an ordination meal that they ate. Eating together symbolized fellowship. They were eating in the presence of God. The meal was for them. It was a symbol of their fellowship.
Like many of you, serving has brought to me some of the greatest joys of my life. I can’t believe that I get to wake up everyday and serve God. You get to as well. Yes we serve in the church but we also serve outside of the church! As I serve, as God has commanded, I experience Him in greater and greater ways. It is what I am designed to do!
How can you jump in and serve God and His church this week?
By: Nick Parsons — Pastoral Ministry Associate: College
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