Priestly Principles
(Exodus 29 - 31)
It’s easy to skim over these instructional chapters in the Old Testament book of Exodus. After all, these verses specifically outline God’s rules for priestly sacrifices and rituals in the Tabernacle of the Israelites. Right?
How can these ancient Hebrew instructions possibly relate to a modern-day believer?
Certainly some symbolic principles apply to us. The Apostle Peter made this quite clear:
“You also, like living stones,
are being built into a spiritual house
to be a holy priesthood,
offering spiritual sacrifices
acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
Let’s take a closer look at today’s readings in Exodus 29 – 31.
Isn’t it interesting that God required Aaron and his entire family line of high priests to be consecrated to Him before they could serve their priestly duties (see Exodus 29:1-37)? What might God expect from us, in terms of preparation, before we may answer His calling to a ministry for Him?
God required the priests to sacrifice lambs daily, both morning and evening (see Exodus 29:38-46). Although Jesus, the Lamb of God, was sacrificed once for all time, do we not need to seek His face and His grace on a daily basis?
During times of census, when each person was counted, the Lord required a ransom payment from each one (see Exodus 30:11-16). Will He not someday require the same from all of us (see Romans 14:10)? Thanks be to God, who has already redeemed those who will trust Him!
Here’s my favorite part of today’s reading.
Sometimes, a tiny little section of Scripture may contain a huge piece of personal revelation. Have you ever found that to be true in your own walk with the Lord?
I love this passage:
“Then the Lord said to Moses,
‘Look, I have specifically chosen Bezalel
son of Uri, grandson of Hur,
of the tribe of Judah.
I have filled him with the Spirit of God,
giving him great wisdom, ability,
and expertise in all kinds of crafts.
He is a master craftsman,
expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. He is skilled
in engraving and mounting gemstones
and in carving wood.
He is a master at every craft!’”
How often do we assume that spiritual giftings and God-given ministries must be confined to traditional forms of ministry? Right here, in the earliest instructions for ministerial duties, the Lord singles out and honors an artisan. What a wonderful point of blessing this is to any individuals who may be called by the Lord to minister through the arts.
As a writer, I choose to claim this passage personally. I pray daily that God will grand me “wisdom, ability and expertise” in sharing His truth through words.
Artists of other kinds may identify with this same passage in their own niches, be they photographers, sculptors, quilters, painters, woodworkers, crafters, graphic designers or even web designers. God can equip and use anyone who is willing to be used by Him.
Will you pray with me?
Lord,
You are the Creator of all,
The most creative One,
The Author of Life.
Fill us with Your Spirit of wisdom.
Make us able,
And grant us expertise
To do whatever You call us to do.
We choose to glorify You
With our hands,
Our hearts,
Our minds
And all we are.
Amen.
I love this artme
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