Jan.30 - Exodus 40 - Leviticus 2

Now we begin to see the consecration of the priests! It's a beautiful picture of our salvation in Jesus Christ! Notice the similiarities in Exodus 4o:12-13, whereas before Aaron can serve as priest before the Lord he must do several things:

First, God calls Aaron to present himself. Isn't this what happens at salvation? God calls us to Himself! Jesus said, "No man can come to Me unless the Father draws him."

Secondly, Aaron must present himself at the door of the Tabernacle! You and I must also meet God at the door! Jesus is the door! He is "the way, the truth, and the life." He is the door or narrow entrance to the Father!

Thirdly, Aaron must be washed competely! This is a picture of several things! It is a picture of being made clean through repentance. Jesus said, "Unless you repent you'll die in your sins." In Acts 22:16, the Bible tells us to "have your sins washed away by calling on the name of the Lord." It also speaks of baptism, which is a symbolic act of being dead to self, cleansed by the washing of repentence, and raised up to a new life in Christ. It also speaks of the effect of God's Word in our lives, "washed by the cleansing of God's Word - Ephesians 5:26.

Fourthly, he is to put on the priestly garment! The Bible tells us to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ." When we receive Christ into our life, He cleanses us from sin and puts on a garment of holiness (His holiness) in and before the eyes of our Heavenly Father! In other words, we are presented holy before the eyes of God!

Fifthly, he is to be annointed with the annointing oil! This speaks of being consecrated and set apart for the Lord's service. Oil in the bible often refers to the Holy Spirit. At salvation, we are regenerated by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us! He, in turn, annoints us for service before God!

Sixth, he is consecrated to serve God the rest of his life! This is exactly what we're to do! At salvation, God annoints us with His Holy Spirit and commissions us to serve as His ambassador to the world! We are to serve Him the rest of our lives! Are you serving the Lord RIGHT NOW? You should be!

In Chapter 40:34-38, can you imagine what it must have been like to see God fill the Temple? It was sooooo glorious that even Moses had to leave! Even he could NOT stand before the Holy Presence of Almighty God! Even though he was given the privilege to see God's backside (which caused his face to glow for quite some time and forced him to wear a veil over his face), he still could not stand in God's Presence as it filled the Tabernacle! Wow!

In Leviticus 1 and 2, God offers His commands concerning the sacrifices. Notice how there are several kinds of sacrifices that can be made before Him:
1) Animal - Bull, Goat, Sheep, Bird
2) Grain