Under the Old Testament Law, you don’t become a priest overnight! In fact, there is quiet a detailed, often gory, very symbolic, and strange (to us) series of steps taken. There was an announcement of consecration, clothing in priestly garments, anointing with oil, the slaying of one bull for their sin, one ram for a burnt offering, and another ram for ordination. An elaborate process took place in the three animal killings involving the specific sectioning of animal parts for distinct purposes, the pouring or throwing of blood at the altar, washing some of the parts, putting blood on the right ear, right hand, and right foot, and the placing of the priests’ hands on the head or horns of the animals (which symbolized the transferring of guilt). Then when everything was in place, Moses tells Aaron and his sons that it will take seven days to complete their ordination, that this process is making atonement for them, and that without it, they will die. Becoming priests was deadly serious and life giving for both the priests and the people! For after ordination was complete, the priests would then make atonement for the people through the sacrifices.
The New Testament teaches us that in Christ, we are a holy priesthood. We have been announced as priests by the Scripture. We have been clothed in a new garment, the righteousness of Christ (Phil 3:9). We have been anointed for service by the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:27). We have been set apart for service unto the Lord through sanctification (2 Thess 2:13). And our guilt has been transferred to Christ, who is our sin offering, burnt offering, and place of consecration. Christ is our Substitute who makes atonement for us so that we will not die! (2 Cor 5:21) And for us as well, becoming priests of God was deadly serious and life giving!
You posted your blog at 7:17 a.m. this morning?? You ARE an early riser! I needed coffee for my reading this morning, but I don't drink coffee anymore!
ReplyDeleteHere are my questions/comments from Lev. 5-8:
1) Lev. 6:1-7 seems to be about more intentional sins than those listed before ch. 6. But there is still the phrase, "when he realizes his guilt." How could anyone commit the sins listed here and not know that what he was doing was wrong??
2) Lev. 6:18 and other verses say that these sacrifices would provide food for Aaron and his male descendants. From a wife's and mother's viewpoint: what about their wives and daughters? Did they get together for vegetarian potlucks??! But later there are some passages in which some of the meat is shared with wives and unmarried daughters, if I am remembering correctly. (I'm picturing an Israelite wife who has prepared a nice supper for her Levite husband who has been working hard at the tabernacle all day. He opens the tent flap and says, "Boy, sure smells good! But I couldn't eat another bite!!")
3) Lev. 7:13 has an offering that included a loaf of leavened bread. This must be significant, no?
4) In ch. 8 when Aaron and his sons are ordained for the priesthood, blood and anointing oil is sprinkled on them. Aside from all the blood that must have splattered on their robes during the preparation of the sacrifices, here is even more of what I would see (from MY culture's perspective) as unremovable stains and ugliness. Those pictures from the Bible story books and Sunday School of the priests in their pristine white robes?? All wrong!!
5) These ordination sacrifices that Moses oversaw, or offered himself, this is the last time that Moses will be in charge at the tabernacle. After this ordination week, Aaron and his sons will be making all of the sacrifices. I wonder what Moses thought about that? (especially after the golden calf mess!)
Again, Bro.Wil, respond to my questions only if time permits, and the comments are useful.
1. In some cultures, bribery and deceit is a way of life. If there is no moral law that says these things are wrong, who's to know?
ReplyDelete2. and 3. The Bible glides over come things just to give us a taste of what is was like and why. If it covered everything, we could not carry the Bible around without a truck!
4. You are exactly right - a bloody mess! Constantly reminding them of how costly and ugly and deadly sin is!
5. As a pastor, I think Moses felt relieved to have the help even if the track record wasn't perfect!
Great thoughts Candy!!!!!!