Today we are reading Exodus 29. In this chapter we read about the consecration and ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests. ““Now this is what you shall do to them to consecrate them, that they may serve me as priests. Take one bull of the herd and two rams without blemish, and unleavened bread, unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers smeared with oil. You shall make them of fine wheat flour. You shall put them in one basket and bring them in the basket, and bring the bull and the two rams. You shall bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the tent of meeting and wash them with water. Then you shall take the garments, and put on Aaron the coat and the robe of the ephod, and the ephod, and the breastpiece, and gird him with the skillfully woven band of the ephod. And you shall set the turban on his head and put the holy crown on the turban. You shall take the anointing oil and pour it on his head and anoint him. Then you shall bring his sons and put coats on them, and you shall gird Aaron and his sons with sashes and bind caps on them. And the priesthood shall be theirs by a statute forever. Thus you shall ordain Aaron and his sons.” Exodus 29:1-9 ESV In this ceremony, it seems the emphasis is made on the sacrifices of bulls, rams and lambs. In comparison, when we ordain or install a pastor, the emphasis is on training, certification, vows and duties as described in God’s word. Why do you think there is such a difference? What do these emphases indicate? The Israelites’ covenant with God was based on the sacrificial system which points ultimately to the sacrifice of Jesus the Messiah. Today, we have no need to sacrifice animals because Jesus has come and His sacrifice has taken the place of the old system. We are made Holy through Jesus. May God inspire you to live Holy lives! Pastor Tim
