Highlights In Today's Reading:
Consecration and 10 steps to cleansing. They do dovetail with our responsibilities. How does priesthood requirements parallel the Christian walk? Can you see the parallel between Aaron, the first high priest (21:10) and Christ, a Christian's Great High Priest (Heb. 4:14)?
When the priesthood was inaugurated, two rams were brought, one was offered for a Burnt Offering, and the other was called the ram of consecration (Lev. 8:22). Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the ram. And slew it; and Moses took the blood of it, and put it upon the tip of Aaron's right ear, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot (8:23). This illustrates how a repentant sinner comes to Jesus wholly surrendered and dedicated to Him.
The ear, the right hand, and the right foot of Aaron and his sons were dedicated by the blood. From henceforth their ear was to listen to no conversation that would violate their consecration to God or distract them from hearing His voice. It is by Christ's blood that the believer's ears are prepared to hear His voice with a desire to listen to His Word. The thumb of the right hand was also touched with blood. In the Scriptures, the right hand is used to express power.
Only the hand which was anointed with blood was qualified to hold the gifts and sacrifices for God. This is another beautiful type of the believer who must hold the things of the world in a manner that honors the Lord.
The activities of life that were formerly performed for self-gratification should now be dedicated to the glory of God (I Cor. 10:31).
As members of Christ's Body, Christians are to dedicate their ears, hands, and feet to the Lord's service to be used as He chooses. The believers are to seek . . . first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness (Matt. 6:33); and, as strange as it may seem to the worldly minded, we are to labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life (John 6:27).
Lastly, the blood was put upon the great toe of the right foot; the priests were under obligation to weigh carefully their daily activities lest they become involved in something that would defile them.
Ye are not your own for ye are brought with a price: therefore, glorify God in your body (I Cor. 6:19-20).
Thought for Today:
Living in obedience to the Word of God allows us wonderful peace and fellowship with our Savior (Rev. 3:20).
Christ Portrayed:
By Moses as he consecrated the priests who were called for the ministry of the Tabernacle (Lev. 8:1-36). Christ is the One who sets the believer apart for service. Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained (appointed) you (John 15:16).
Word Studies:
7:4 flanks =sides; 7:18 abomination =offensive and detestable to God, unclean; 8:7 curious girdle =artistic band; 8:8 U'rim and the Thum'mim =unspecified items used to determine the will of God; 8:9 mitre =turban, headdress; 8:11 foot =base; 8:13 bonnets =headpieces; 8:35 keep the charge =obey the ordinances.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts in memory of Dennis Naderhoff • Bible Pathway Media Producer: Rick Hash • Government Official: Rep. Sanford Bishop (GA) • Country: Angola (11 million) in west-central Africa • Major languages: Portuguese and Bantu dialects • Christianity is gradually being driven underground by communism • 60% Roman Catholic; 20% Protestant; 5% belief in ancestor spirits, witches, and medicine men • Prayer Suggestion: Fast, sanctify yourself, and unite in prayer with others as you cry unto the Lord (Joel 1:14).
Optional Reading: Mark 6
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:5-6