Scripture
By Brother Marshal Arnwine
Lesson Text: Leviticus 8:1-13
Related Scriptures: Exodus 29:1-37; Hebrews 10:19-25; Acts 22:14-16
In our lesson text, Leviticus 8:1-13 communicates a number of very important concepts related to biblical sanctification, or growth in holiness. The lesson text scriptures show that biblical holiness requires a thorough understanding of God’s requirements, the right motives on the part of the believer, and complete obedience in following God’s instructions.
Exodus 29:1-37 provides detailed instructions from God on how to ordain Aaron and his sons as Priests. God began by telling Moses to call Aaron and his sons together. He then instructed Moses to take certain garments, anointing oil, a bull for a sin offering, two rams, and a basket of unleavened bread. All of these elements were necessary to fulfill the requirements for the ordination of Priests set forth in Exodus 29.
Hebrews 10:19 details that we can now have confidence and complete freedom to enter the most holy place by the blood of Jesus. Hebrews 10:20 discussed how Jesus opened for us a new way to enter the holy place. Because of Jesus’ blood sacrifice, we no longer need a priest to facilitate our coming near to God. Acts 22:14-16 details a portion of Paul discussing his conversion from Saul to Paul, which led to Paul being a witness to all people to share what he had seen and heard in his encounter with God.
Synopsis
By Prophetess Lecha Price
In today’s lesson it recounts the public ordination and sanctification of Aaron and his sons as the exclusive, divinely designated order of priests for God’s tabernacle (and later His temple). It was a supremely solemn and holy occasion, directly commanded by God through his servant Moses.
The consecration of Aaron and his sons gives us an idea of how serious God really is about His holiness. Not only is He completely holy, He also requires holiness of us. He calls all of his servants to be set apart, or consecrated, but in the ordination of priesthood this would be on display for the people. Moses was to bring Aaron and his sons before the people to show them the purity that the Lord required of them. The need for priests as mediators also made clear the depth of their sins.
Now that God had established the Israelites as His chosen people, it was extremely important for them to understand the holiness of God, and His provision for the sacrifices of their sins. The establishment of Aaron and his sons as priests, mediators between God and the people, reminds us of a very important attribute of God: God is Holy! The Bible tells us in I Peter 1:16 “Be ye holy; for I am holy.” God has called us as a holy people, set apart for His use. There’s no greater joy!
Practical Application
By Sister Pamela Jones
Have you surrendered to God’s call on your life for service yet? He has called you, and me too. Aaron was called to be the first high priest, and was anointed by having oil poured on him for the work of the Lord. Not only that, but he was also given a very detailed set of clothing to wear, which identified him as the priest. He accepted the call, and walked in it; he and his sons.
When God calls us to a specific service, He prepares us for the task at hand. He did this for each of us without consulting us of what we wanted to be or do. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,”. He has equipped and created us for that service, for such a time as this. When we accept His plans and His call, we became representatives of Christ.
As His representatives we were washed by His blood and made clean, and now wear the cloak of salvation for all to see. Aaron was physically made clean with water, but we are made clean by the blood of Jesus Christ when He died on the cross for our sins. With this cleansing we need to conform daily to His image, and be ready to speak up on His behalf. We have been called to serve God in whatever capacity He created us to do, and we must do it according to Hebrews 10:22, “let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”
