December 7, 2022

Passage Read: Leviticus 7-10
Meditation Verses: 8:33-34

Thought

Ordination was the process by which Arron and his sons were set apart from the rest of the people to serve the Lord. They were to represent the Lord to the people, so they needed an extra degree of cleansing, a special atonement to make them worthy to stand in the place of God on behalf of all the people. The ordination process was one of atonement, cleansing from sin and set apart as holy. So Aaron would eat parts of sacrifices as if God Himself was eating the offerings of the people. They would represent the Lord to the people by walking in His ways and His holiness, and teaching the people by words and example what the Lord required of them all.

Application

Even today, there is more required of the teacher of God's word than what is required of the people. James warns that those who teach will be judged more strictly. So it is necessary for those who stand as teachers of the people also set themselves apart as examples to the flock, teaching not just by words but also by example. There is only one sacrifice that cleanses from all sin, and sets all believers apart to the same degree. All believers are supposed to be priests of God to the people around them. We have all been ordained to serve the Lord, but not all have the same knowledge and understanding of the Lord, so caution needs to be exercised by those who would presume to teach, an extra degree of care for how they live and speak. The ceremony is not nearly so complicated today, traditionally simply a laying on of hands to impart and share authority and spirit. But neither should that be done lightly.