What does the anointing of Aaron's sons teach about priestly responsibilities today? Opening Picture “Moses also presented Aaron’s sons, put some of the blood on the lobes of their right ears, on the thumbs of their right hands, and on the big toes of their right feet, and sprinkled the remaining blood on the altar on all sides.” (Leviticus 8:24) Why Blood on Ear, Thumb, and Toe? • Ear lobe – consecrated hearing. ‑ The priest must listen first and speak second (Deuteronomy 6:4; Romans 10:17). • Right thumb – consecrated doing. ‑ Holy tasks demand clean, ready hands (Colossians 3:17; James 1:22). • Right big toe – consecrated walking. ‑ The path of service must match the message proclaimed (Ephesians 4:1; Micah 6:8). • Blood – cleansing and covenant. ‑ Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness (Hebrews 9:22). The priest’s entire life is brought under the saving, purifying work of sacrifice. Patterns for Priestly Responsibility Today Believers are called “a royal priesthood” in Christ (1 Peter 2:9). The original ceremony sketches our ongoing responsibilities: 1. Attentive Ears • Prioritize Scripture, not opinion (2 Timothy 3:16). • Test every spirit, teaching, and cultural trend by the Word (1 John 4:1). 2. Obedient Hands • Serve the body of Christ with spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4–7). • Offer practical mercy—visiting, giving, helping—so faith stays alive (James 2:17). 3. Steadfast Feet • Walk by the Spirit, not by the flesh (Galatians 5:16). • Carry the gospel “beautiful feet” style to those who have not heard (Romans 10:15). 4. Blood-Bought Identity • Priestly confidence rests in Christ’s final offering, not personal merit (Hebrews 10:19–22). • Daily confession keeps fellowship vibrant (1 John 1:7–9). Living It Out in Daily Ministry • Begin each day by hearing—reading or listening to a passage of Scripture before other voices crowd in. • Dedicate the day’s work, chores, and conversations as priestly service; ask, “How can these hands show Christ’s love?” • Evaluate weekly rhythms: do your feet take you to places of obedience or compromise? Realign steps with the Spirit. • Remember the blood. When failure comes, run to the cross, receive cleansing, and return to service with renewed gratitude. The anointing of Aaron’s sons, simple yet vivid, still whispers to every believer-priest: listen well, serve wholeheartedly, walk uprightly, and live ever under the cleansing power of the Lamb. |
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