How does the command to "offer a bull" reflect God's requirements for consecration? The Command Stated “ ‘This is what you are to do to consecrate them, so that they may serve Me as priests: Take a bull and two rams without blemish.’ ” (Exodus 29:1) Why a Bull? Setting the Tone for Consecration • Size and value: a full-grown bull was the most expensive animal an Israelite could offer, underscoring that consecration begins with costly surrender. • Visibility: nothing about a bull is subtle; the sheer presence of the animal makes the act unmistakable, reminding everyone present that holiness is never hidden. • Strength imagery: the strongest of domestic animals is laid down, teaching that even our greatest strength must be submitted to God. God’s Requirements Highlighted by the Bull Offering 1. Sin must be addressed first • Exodus 29:10–14 shows the bull functioning as a sin offering. • Leviticus 4:3 notes that when “the anointed priest sins,” a bull is required. Even priests—those being set apart—need cleansing before service. • Consecration is impossible without atonement; guilt cannot coexist with holy service. 2. The sacrifice must be perfect • “Without blemish” (Exodus 29:1). God will not accept leftovers or damaged goods. • Malachi 1:8 rebukes offering the lame or sick; the bull’s perfection foreshadows God’s demand for spotless sacrifice, ultimately fulfilled in Christ (1 Peter 1:19). 3. Blood is essential • Exodus 29:12 calls for blood on the altar’s horns. • Hebrews 9:22: “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” • Blood marks the transition from common to sacred; it seals the covenantal relationship between God and those He sets apart. A Step-by-Step Picture of Consecration (Exodus 29:10–14) • Presentation: Aaron and his sons lay hands on the bull—identifying with it. • Slaughter: the priest kills the bull, transferring sin’s penalty to the substitute. • Application: blood touches the altar’s horns, symbolizing purification of the place of service. • Disposal: the whole bull is burned “outside the camp,” signifying removal of sin from God’s dwelling (cf. Hebrews 13:11-12). Theological Threads Carried into the New Testament • Temporary shadows: “The blood of goats and bulls” could not perfect the conscience (Hebrews 9:13-14). • Fulfillment: Jesus offered Himself “once for all” (Hebrews 10:10), replacing endless bulls with a single, sufficient sacrifice. • Ongoing call: Romans 12:1 urges believers to present bodies as living sacrifices—consecration now takes the form of daily yielded lives rather than animal offerings. Practical Takeaways for Today • Consecration starts with repentance: acknowledge sin before pursuing service. • Offer God your best, not what costs you least. • Remember the price already paid; Christ’s blood secures and empowers our ongoing sanctification. |
    |