Making Sense out of Leviticus #5

Today's reading: Leviticus 8-9

It is important when reading any passage that is so removed from our awareness and understanding, and this is especially true of Leviticus, to use an English translation that gives us clarity when we read it. We may not understand, but if a "picture" can be seen, then at least we can begin to see what is being said. So if for some reason that is not happening when you are reading, find another translation. I am using the NIV for clarity. My daily reading is in another translation that I am using right now, but these sections are not clear in me as I read there. So I switch and read the NIV to have clarity. I have read this book many times and have even taught the book, but if the pictures are not clear - time to reach for another translation to help.

Chapter 8 is the ordination of Aaron as High Priest and his sons as priests to help him and serve under him. It is a chapter full of the symbolic understanding of our total dedication to our Lord Jesus Christ. Of course, our Lord Jesus was our complete and total sacrifice and all these items are a part of our acceptance of Him in us. We are washed, we are cleansed, we are dressed in robes of righteousness and given in our hands work to accomplish in His love.

Many of us think we are the"little" priests serving under our Exalted High Priest Jesus and that is what is mean't in 1 Peter 2:4-5. (Reading 1 Peter 1 & 2 would be good today to really see a NT application of our Leviticus chapters). However, since we are called the Lord's body, we are not "little priests" serving under the High Priest, but part of the work of the High Priest. It is important not to separate ourselves as "born-again" believers from Him in any way. We have been made and are being transformed into His image because He lives in us. These are amazing truths.

The priests (all of them) were to live in the sanctuary enclosure (Tabernacle of old) for seven (7) days. They were to really become familiar with the structure and their regulations. What else would you do during those days? Then on the eighth (8th) day - Chapter 9 - they all began their ministry. Take a few moments to read the chapters again and notice the details. Nothing is left undone in reference to them. The Lord covers it all and instructs them thoroughly.

I wanted to point out one important fact. This entire set up is total grace on the part of God toward the Israelites. But one item often escapes us as students. Leviticus 8:9, "Then he placed the turban on Aaron's head and set the gold plate, the sacred emblem, on the front of it, as the Lord commanded Moses." If we look back to Exodus 28:36-38 we find, "Make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD. Fasten a blue cord to it to attach it to the turban; it is to be on the front of the turban. It will be on Aaron's forehead, and he will bear the guilt involved in the sacred gifts the Israelites consecrate, whatever their gifts may be. It will be on Aaron's forehead continually so that they will be acceptable to the LORD." In other words, this gold plate was the grace statement over the life of the High Priest. Whatever he forgot, the grace statement on his forehead took care of it. This is huge. It means there was no need for a rope on his ankle (none is ever found in Scripture) when he entered the Holy of Holy as it was already taken care of in the gold plate on top of his forehead. Much is unlocked in grace.

Another interesting study is to trace through Scripture the times the 8th day is used. It is very symbolic of our New Covenant. No space for that today.

In grace, all has been done and we are cleansed, covered, consecrated and our hands are filled with His work of love. Grace covers and releases in holy living. (Titus 2:11-12)

Tomorrow's reading: Leviticus 10-11.