Consecrated to God
In our reading from Leviticus 8, Aaron and his sons are given instructions regarding their consecration for service as priests. They were the beginning of the line of priests beginning with Aaron and this was an important event. As I read this, I was thinking about Peter’s description of us as priests under the new covenant (1 Peter 2), and thinking about parallels between this chapter and us.
In the beginning of the chapter, they are to take the garments and oil, as well as a sin offering, rams, and unleavened bread while everyone is assembled together. They are then washed and clothed as they begin their service. We, as priests today, do not serve in the same way and do not wear specific garments like they did, but we are to be pure and righteous, cleansed of sin. We are set apart as believers in God, who will serve Him each day. We must seek to be clean and righteous in His sight always.
As Aaron and his sons are prepared for the service of God, even the tabernacle and all that was in it was consecrated for service. The priests and the items were all set apart for service to God. We, as Christians, are set apart to be useful to the Lord, called out of darkness into His marvelous light.
“Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21)
Towards the end of the chapter, beginning in verse 30, Moses emphasizes that all of this is done according to the commands of the Lord. Atonement was made and they were consecrated. Likewise, we are expected to follow the commands of the Lord. We are set apart for the Lord’s service, seeking to bring glory to God. Our obedience is twofold. Verse 35 contained a warning about obedience “so that you do not die.” We obey in order to avoid condemnation, but that is not the limit of obedience. We also obey because we have come to love God (John 14:15), leading us to obey, and we desire to bring glory to Him (1 Corinthians 10:31). Note also, that it is chapter 10 that records Nadab and Abihu being killed because they did not obey the Lord and offered something He had not commanded (unauthorized fire). The warning from verse 35 was not heeded and they did lose their lives. We ourselves do not want to be turned away on the day of judgment so that we are condemned to eternal suffering and death. We desire to have life eternal with our God.
So then let us embrace our role as priests in the spiritual house of God, seeking to be pure, following His commands, and bringing glory to God!