Ordained to Special Service
Scripture Reading — Leviticus 8:31-36
Aaron and his sons did everything the LORD commanded through Moses. Leviticus 8:36
All Israelites were priests (Exodus 19:5), but certain priests were called to special service. Because these priests moved between the areas of Israel's daily life and the close presence of God, they performed special rituals of cleansing, sacrifice, and clothing.
Israel needed these special priests because God lived in their midst. Priests were ordained at the entrance to the tabernacle, as God instructed. Only by following divine instruction did Aaron and his sons become special servants in the palace of the Great King.
Some things haven't changed much since then. We still need someone to move between our daily life and the presence of God. We still need a priest specially ordained to serve the Great King. Today we know that this priest is Jesus Christ. He is the great High Priest appointed by God the Father who works on our behalf in the palace of the Great King. Obedient to his Father's instructions, even unto death as the Lamb of God, this High Priest escorts us into the very presence of God (Hebrews 10:19-25).
All God's people are priests instructed to live in his presence (1 Peter 2:9). But until Christ comes again, some of God's people are called to special service. Ministers, elders, and deacons are stewards of the gospel in Jesus' name. Hear Christ in them. Pray for them.
Thank you, Father, for bringing us into your presence through Christ. Help us also to support those whom you've placed in special service among your people. In Jesus, Amen.
About the author — Arie C. Leder
Dr. Arie C. Leder is the Martin J. Wyngaarden Senior Professor of Old Testament Studies at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He previously served as pastor at Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church, Trenton, Ontario, and with Christian Reformed World Missions in Latin America. He teaches courses on the Pentateuch and on historical books of the Old Testament.
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