Today’s Reading, Leviticus 8-10
Focal Scripture: Leviticus 8:22 “He poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed and consecrated him.”
Ordaining someone should be a big deal. What you are signifying is that this person is to be called out by God to do ministry as a vocation. It is publicly saying that this person will devote their lives to God and his mission. It emphasizes that the expectations are high and not everyone should desire to be put in that position.
In today’s reading Moses is ordaining Aaron and his sons. He publicly dresses them in their priestly garment. Publicly put their heads with oil. Then publicly has them place their hands on a sacrifice. He then put blood on their right earlobe. This had to be a solemn experience. It must have been overwhelming.
I can tell you personally that when I was ordained it was difficult because of the weight of the task before me. I knew that eyes would be on me and people would be looking for me to succeed and to fail. I knew that the calling was impossible in my own strength. Still do this day I am driven to my knees by the weight of preaching and speaking on God’s behalf. Ordination is serious business.
However, some people don’t view it this way. It doesn’t matter if you are a preacher or a deacon the expectations are high. Today most churches don’t have high expectations for those who serve. I am not talking about unrealistic expectations. I am talking about biblical expectations. A minister or deacon should meet the qualifications before ordination. If during their ministry they stop meeting them, they should be disqualified from serving.
This may sound harsh but it is needed. Too often ordination is used as a tax break and to put people in power. Ordination should be a weight of God’s glory on a person. If you are part of a church that allows ordained men to violate scripture you are no longer at a biblical church. You are at a social club.
I challenge you today to have biblical expectations for those who are ordained. The church needs it and the Bible demands it very clearly.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Leviticus 11-13
