Today’s Reading Exodus 28-29
Focal Scripture: Exodus 29:21 “Take some of the blood that is on the altar and some of the anointing oil, and sprinkle them on Aaron and his garments, as well as on his sons and their garments. So he and his garments will be holy, as well as his sons and their garments.”
Being a priest is serious business. In these chapters it is discussed on how to put together the priestly attire. God is very detailed to Moses on how expects the ones who will come into his presence to be dressed and prepared. God is making a distinction between everyone else and the priests who would be in his presence.
In today’s focal scripture it is told that Aaron is to sprinkle himself and his garments with blood and with oil. The same thing must be done for his sons as they will also serve as priests to the Lord in the tent of meeting. The question arises, “Why?”
God is holy and we are sinners. Our sin causes a multitude of problems and one of the biggest issues comes from a broken fellowship with God. The only way that fellowship is restored is by a sacrifice being made. Sin requires death and blood covers our sins. This is why daily Aaron and his sons were to sacrifice an animal and be sprinkled with blood before they came into God’s presence. The heart and attitude of the priest matters.
Today’s application will be more personal. Being one who has been called into ministry often weighs heavy on my heart and soul. Being a representative for Christ can at times be overwhelming. Especially, when I do not want attention or focus to be placed on me. The goal every time is to be seen and not remembered. To make Jesus famous. Am I perfect in my life, absolutely not. This is why I can speak on the need of preparation when it comes to serving the LORD. Preachers, ministers, elders or whatever word that you use must be a prepared people. I don’t just mean prepared to preach. I mean be prepared throughout the week.
As you look for churches to attend and a minister to follow make sure that they prepare themselves well everyday not just on Sunday. Preachers are human and will make many mistakes. However, it is evident when the preacher has a heart that is always sensitive to the preparation that is required to serve. Look for these things in a preacher/leader.
- Above Reproach (No bad thoughts about the leader)
- Self Controlled (Not ruled by emotions)
- Respectable (Does not step on toes, just because)
- Not Violent (Anger should not be associated with him)
- Gentle (His words are soft unless no other options are available)
- Lowly in Demeanor (His personal achievements do not matter)
- Upright (Wants justice for all people not just those he agrees with)
- Holy (Loves the Lord and it shows)
This is not an exhaustive list but a list that focuses on characteristics that outsiders can see and those in the church can see. The only way to be this type of person is to come before the Lord and present yourself as a living sacrifice daily (Romans 12:1-2).
If you are called to be a minister then these things must be our heart. This will be evident in how you interact with your people, talk about them when they are not around and preach on Sunday’s. If you attend a church where the minister does not portray these characteristics you need to pray that God will get ahold of his heart. Or it might be time to find a minister who does. Remember that difficulties do not cause bad behaviors it only reveals what is hidden under the surface.
The mission and calling is to important to have ministers in a role that brings shame on the name of Jesus. Be prepared to serve the Lord.
Tomorrow I plan on reading Exodus 30-32
