An Ordination Service

O. T. #273  "An Ordination Service"
April 21, 2014
Leviticus 8-Part 1
And he poured of the anointing oil upon Aaron's head, and anointed him to sanctify him.
Leviticus 8:12

LET IT GLOW

I recall the time leading up to my husband's ordination as a deacon of our home church. Several men, at the same time, were set aside to be observed in their walk of life. Then they were questioned as to their doctrinal beliefs. When they were approved worthy to hold the office, there was a special ordination service in which these men became set apart as a deacon to serve in the church.
Aaron and his sons were set apart, with a special sort of ordination. God had ordained them to serve Him and the Israelites in the office of priests. Shall we look into the details?

In chapters 8-10, we see the beginning of the Aaronic priesthood, put into service before God and the people. God had established specific sacrifices for certain purposes. We have previously discussed them on other posts. God gave the Ten Commandments and the instructions for Israel to obey. However, because of their sin nature, these individuals could not keep them all. Like us, they would sin daily. Therefore, God provided a way for their sins to be covered by sacrificing a perfect animal according to what pleased Him. (So grateful to Jesus for being my perfect, blood sacrifice for my sins.)

Before the time of Aaron, the patriarchs (Gen. 4:3-4) and the fathers (Job 1:5) had offered sacrifices to God, but with Aaron came the fully prescribed priestly service. 
The Hebrew word for offering is derived from the verb to bring near and literally means that which one brings near to God. The fact that the Israelites could approach to present their gifts to God reveals His mercy. Even though the people were sinful and rebellious, God instituted a sacrificial system in which they could reconcile themselves to Him. (MacArthur)

The common person could not offer his own sacrifices. The priest served as a mediator between God and the individual to do such. The congregation was gathered at the door of the tabernacle.
What does this chapter say happened?

• First the consecration or ordination of the priests is observed. Aaron and his sons were washed with water, a symbol of cleansing. This would typify salvation in the order of events which followed.
• Aaron, the high priest, was clothed in specific garments, picturing the New Testament believer clothed in the righteousness of Christ (Rev. 7:14; 19:8).
• Moses poured oil on the tabernacle, its furniture, the brazen altar, and laver outside in the courtyard. This showed these objects were set apart for God's use. 
•  Moses anointed Aaron to sanctify him, set him apart for God's service. (Each of God's children are sanctified for God's service, honor, and glory with their life.)
• Next, the sin offering was offered by Moses, Aaron and his sons.
• The burnt offering was given after the sin offering of a bull.
• A second ram was lain as a ram of consecration and an unleavened loaves. Applying its blood to Aaron, signified that he should hear God's Word, do God's work, and walk in God's ways.
• Aaron's hands were filled with the pieces of these offerings, indicating his hands were to be filled with the service of God, as our should be, also.
• Aaron and his sons were sprinkled with anointing oil and with blood. They partook of the sacrificial meal of the ram and unleavened loaves, and the wave offering.
• These men spent 7 days in the tabernacle before going forth to serve. There must be adequate time spent alone with God before one rushes out to serve Him.

[Resources: Liberty Bible Commentary, The MacArthur Bible Commentary]

Do we take time to consecrate ourselves for God's service?

LET IT GROW

In Ephesians 6, Paul tells us to put on the whole armor of God so we can stand against the schemes of the devil. It includes spiritually putting on the:

• helmet of salvation (in Jesus)
• breastplate of righteousness (which Jesus' blood provides)
• belt of truth (Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life)
• shoes of peace (ready to go and share the gospel of peace)
• sword of the Spirit (God's Word)
• shield of faith (trusting in Jesus for all things).

By way of application, some of the work of the high priest pictures what we must do today as believer-priests (Rev. 5:9-10).

Are we willing to hear God's Word, do God's work, and walk in God's ways?

LET IT GO

Thank the Lord Jesus for all He has provided for me.

Surrender to my Master's will; living to please Him, not myself.

Wear my spiritual armor daily.