Exodus 29 goes into great detail as to how the priests of the Lord were to be consecrated. Now, the word consecrate is such a “churchy” word that most of us uses regularly but don’t always know the true meaning of. Below is the definition from the Holeman Dictionary:
CONSECRATION refers to persons or things being separated to or belonging to God. They are holy or sacred. They are set apart for the service of God. The Hebrew kadosh and Greek hagiazo are translated by several different English words: holy, consecrate, hallow, sanctify, dedicate.
What sticks out to me is that it means the person would be separated from everyone else, declared holy and also belonging to God. The definition goes on to say that those who were consecrated, were also set apart for God’s demands and service.
This passage is relevant to us in many ways. Although we don’t have to go through alot of the ceremony, when we are in Christ, we are considered a holy priesthood. Just like Aaron and his sons in the Old Testament.
1 Peter 2:9-11 (The Message)
9-10But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted.
I love this version of the 1 Peter from the Message. We are CHOSEN for the high calling of being holy and working as God’s instruments.
Before you reread Exodus 29 and start freaking out about the priestly duties of Aaron to perform all of the animal sacrifices, don’t worry! The symbolism in the animal sacrifices was that the animal took the place of dying for them. God is pure and holy and demands nothing but holiness in His presence. Therefore, He demands a blood sacrifice to make up for that sinfulness. This is relevant to us since Jesus became that blood sacrifice and took our place in death. Because of the Cross, we are able to be set apart and a holy priesthood in His service.
Chapter 29 also goes into great detail about the garments Aaron was to wear. These garments were to be ornate and beautiful; not just everyday wear. This signifies the holiness of the situation in which they were dressing up for. We too are to be clothed in beautiful and ornate wear once we are set apart and made holy for God.
Isaiah 61:10 (English Standard Version)
10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
As servants and instruments of God, our special clothing is salvation and righteousness. Isaiah likens this clothing to beautiful jewels and headdresses. God even has special clothing for us to wear. And, it sounds better than anything you could find on a shopping spree at the mall!!
So, once we have been made holy by the sacrifice of Christ and clothed in His beautiful salvation and righteousness, we are set to go and serve the LORD by exclaiming His excellence and great power. Sounds like a huge task not to be taken lightly. Start today, accept the challenge of being a royal priest with honor and dignity and go forth to serve the Lord with joy and gladness.
LIVE IT OUT! application:
What does it mean to you that being a holy priest for the Lord is a high calling? Does this scare you? Take that to the Lord asking Him to give you excitement and courage to take on the calling with exuberance and stamina.