Leviticus 7:28-9:6; Mark 3:31-4:25; Psalm 37:12-29; Proverbs 10:5
God has always called a group of people to consecrate themselves for His service. To consecrate means to be set aside for God’s purposes. Initially, it was Aaron and his sons. Later, it was the tribe of Levi.
They were given the awesome responsibility of ministering before the Lord. The process of setting a priest apart involved sacrifices and anointing with oil. These were prerequisites for one’s service to the Lord.
When Jesus came and offered the grace of God, there was never again a need for animal sacrifices. Yet, He still needed priests who would serve Him. He still ordains those priests for His service. No animals are needed for the sacrifice. Jesus requires that all of us who are brought into His family become a royal priesthood. The only blood we need is Jesus’ blood. The only sacrifice is our lives.
The oil that is used to anoint us is the Holy Spirit. He empowers us to serve God fully and effectively. Because of Jesus’ life, we have access to God without intermediaries. We can go to Him just like Aaron and his sons did. When you pray you have the same authority that the priest had. God hears your prayers and makes things happen because of you.
Tomorrow’s Reading: Leviticus 9:7-10:20; Mark 4:26-5:20; Psalm 37:30-40; Proverbs 10:6-7