“Moses announced to them, ‘This is what the LORD has commanded us to do!’ Then he presented Aaron and his sons and washed them with water.”

Leviticus 8:5–6 (NLT)

Sometime back, I watched a group of young people perform for skaters and others they didn’t know. They ran a skating competition, sung, shared their stories, and generally valued those present–all in the love of Christ. They call themselves The Extreme Tour, and we have been impressed and humbled by their servant’s hearts, gratitude, and love for strangers. They are a beautiful example of Christ to people who rarely get to see our Lord. But maybe after meeting these traveling missionaries, they will want to know more about “this Jesus”.

They remind me of my grandmother who also loved Jesus and had a huge heart for the lost. She knocked on doors, reaching out to the children of North Portland, Oregon and began an afternoon Sunday School program where 250 of mostly African American children were bussed. She used to tell me, “Daryl, it’s all about consecration.” I assume that she meant our lives must be devoted to God to do His will.

Leviticus 8 is all about consecration. Aaron and his sons were consecrated to be priests. They would present all the tabernacle offerings. They would represent God to the people and the people to God. Who was worthy for such work? No one! Aaron had already failed when he made the gold calf. Nevertheless, God was willing to forgive and cleanse Aaron and set him apart to be the high priest.

Now his brother Moses consecrated Aaron to serve the LORD along with his sons. He washed them with water, clothed them with the priestly garments, sacrificed a bull, and anointed them with holy oil. In tomorrow’s devotional, we will see that they also sacrificed two rams and presented a basket of unleavened bread. Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the head of the bull and confessed their sins. In this way their sins were figuratively transferred to the bull who bore the punishment of them. It was all necessary for them to be fitted for service.

Under the New Covenant, we don’t need such an elaborate ritual to serve God. We merely believe in Jesus Christ, turn from our sins, and receive His atoning work on the cross for us. Then we present ourselves to Him and do what He says. He counts us to be faithful and puts us into ministry. He consecrates us. Has He consecrated you? Are you serving Him by serving others in love? If not, then tell Jesus today, “I’m yours Lord. Use me as you would for your glory. Direct me in all your ways.” Then watch what God will do!

Listen to the complete podcast

Subscribe to receive a daily devo in your inbox:

Photo by John Price on Unsplash