Leviticus 8:14-36

The sacrificing begins in verse 14 and goes through the end of the chapter (Leviticus 8:14-36). There was a bull for a sin offering in verse 14 to cleanse the priests, followed by one ram for a burnt offering in verse 18 to symbolize their complete dedication to God.

Next was a second ram (verse 22), called the ram of consecration. This one is interesting because it only shows up here in the ordination of the priests. This offering was a type of the peace offering, which we understand pictures a meal between God, mankind, and the priest, except here the priests weren’t fully priests yet. Even so, it represents fellowship with God, and a relationship on good terms because of God’s grace. It also implies being filled and satisfied because of what God provides and does.

But this ram of consecration was not a typical peace offering because its blood wasn’t just sprinkled around the altar. It was a meal, but its blood had a special purpose. Notice what happens with the blood from the second ram for the priests:

For us, God does the consecrating, and it is spiritual in nature rather than involving the blood of an animal. Even so, this ritual shows three areas or applications for us to be aware of. Remember also that, as with holiness, there is an initial consecration by God, but there is also a lifelong process of consecration, which we usually call sanctification. So, the three areas in this ritual point to areas where God has consecrated, but they are also areas to pay attention to in our service as priests on an ongoing basis.

First, God consecrates the ear. The ear is how the priest hears the Word of God, which is a foundational duty. A priest must be tuned into God. God has consecrated our hearing by drawing us from the world and giving us His Spirit, which provides spiritual discernment to recognize what is of God and what is not.

In John 10:27, Jesus says, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” The metaphors are different, but the implication is the same. Our ears have been tuned to our Shepherd and High Priest so we can follow Him. That is available to us while those around us are tuned into the world instead. Their ears have not been consecrated with the blood of the ram, which points to Christ.

Yet with this privilege comes a great responsibility, and these days, a great deal of work. The siren song of the world is becoming more insistent, reaching us through our phones and watches and earbuds, competing for and even drowning out the voice of our High Priest. So, there is an evaluation point here for us regarding how much we actively seek the voice of our High Priest versus passively taking in the many voices from the world. We have been given a priceless gift, but it is up to us to consistently use it.

After God consecrates the hearing, second, He consecrates the thumb. The thumb is the extremity, and it represents the whole hand. In turn, the hand represents one’s ability to work, to serve, or to perform priestly duties. The right hand, especially, symbolizes strength, ability, and skill. The picture that emerges is that, with consecration, our abilities and aptitudes are set apart for divine work and service.

Again, the people of this world have not been set apart to serve God the way we have. It is a privilege. Through God’s Spirit, we can serve and sacrifice, confident that God will fill in the gaps and provide what is needed. Richard made this point in his Bible study last year on the feeding of the 5,000. God provides with abundance that we cannot comprehend or anticipate. What He is looking for, though, is our willingness to reach out, to lend a hand, and to be conduits of His outworking. God does the things we are unable to do, but He is looking for effort from us. We must give God something to bless, and trust that He will give the increase. He has gifted each of us to serve, and our inclusion in God’s royal priesthood means we have a responsibility to then use what He … . . .