Today’s reading in Exodus 28 and 29 shouldn’t be overlooked or skimmed. These two chapters reveal God’s attention to detail. Everything in the Tabernacle was teeming with significance. This is also true concerning the Priesthood and their consecration.
The service of the Tabernacle was no ordinary work. Therefore, the men who served in the Tabernacle were to be uniquely prepared. The Lord said to Moses, “Now this is what you shall do to them to consecrate them, that they may serve me as priests” (Ex. 29:1 ESV). The word “consecrate” means to be “holy” “removed from common use” or “set apart.” On a macro level, all of Israel was to be holy and set apart. Likewise, on a micro level, the Tabernacle, its vessels, and its priesthood were to be holy. Holiness was a way of life. The people were to be holy, if God was going to dwell among them.
Aaron and his son’s calling parallels that of the Christian’s. Like Aaron and his sons, we were “taken” from the world (Ex.28:1; 2 Cor. 6:14-18); “brought” before the Lord (Ex. 29:4; Jn. 6:44); “washed” of our defilements (Ex. 29:4; 1 Cor. 6:11); “clothed” with righteousness (Ex. 29:5-9; Isa. 61:10; Rev. 19:8); “anointed” by the Spirit (Ex. 29:21; 1 Jn. 2:27); and “sanctified” for service (Ex. 29:44; Heb. 10:10).
The priesthood’s calling and the believer’s salvation is only made possible through sacrifice. A young bull, and two rams had to die in order that the priesthood could be sanctified. Brothers and sisters, Jesus Christ gave His life so we could be saved and sanctified. He died so we could be made whole and holy.