Scripture Daily

Context No. 4177 of 4322 · Leviticus

Context · Reflection

Leviticus 8:30-36: in context

30Moses took some of the anointing oil, and some of the blood which was on the altar, and sprinkled it on Aaron, on his garments, and on his sons, and on his sons’ garments with him, and sanctified Aaron, his garments, and his sons, and his sons’ garments with him. 31Moses said to Aaron and to his sons, “Boil the meat at the door of the Tent of Meeting, and there eat it and the bread that is in the basket of consecration, as I commanded, saying, ‘Aaron and his sons shall eat it.’ 32What remains of the meat and of the bread you shall burn with fire. 33You shall not go out from the door of the Tent of Meeting for seven days, until the days of your consecration are fulfilled: for he shall consecrate you seven days. 34What has been done today, so the LORD has commanded to do, to make atonement for you. 35You shall stay at the door of the Tent of Meeting day and night seven days, and keep the LORD’s command, that you don’t die: for so I am commanded.” 36Aaron and his sons did all the things which the LORD commanded by Moses.

This passage describes the consecration of Aaron and his sons for the priesthood, a process that was not completed in a moment. They were anointed with oil and sprinkled with blood, and then commanded to remain at the entrance of the tent of meeting for seven days and nights, keeping the LORD's charge, until their days of ordination were complete. And the passage ends simply: Aaron and his sons did all the things that the LORD commanded.

Two things stand out. Being set apart for God's service was a costly, patient process. The priests could not rush their consecration; they had to remain at the tent for seven days, waiting, keeping God's charge, until the work of setting them apart was complete. Consecration took time and patient obedience. And their obedience was complete: they did all that the LORD commanded, not part, not most, but all. Consecration, being made holy and dedicated to God's service, is not usually an instant thing but a patient process that requires staying the course, and it calls for complete obedience, doing all that God commands.

Am I willing to submit patiently to God's process of setting me apart for himself, staying the course and keeping his charge, and obeying him fully rather than partially, as Aaron and his sons did in their consecration?

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