How does Leviticus 8:27 connect to New Testament teachings on priesthood? Leviticus 8:27—Consecrated Hands and a Wave Offering “He put all these in the hands of Aaron and his sons and waved them before the LORD as a wave offering.” Symbolism Embedded in the Act • All the elements of the ordination offering—ram fat, bread, and cakes—are placed into priestly hands, signifying total dedication of life and service to God. • The wave offering is lifted up and presented back to the LORD, declaring that everything placed in those hands belongs to Him. • By physically holding the sacrifices, Aaron and his sons identify with them; their ministry will be marked by substitutionary blood, shared fellowship (the bread), and continual thanksgiving. Completed in Jesus, Our High Priest • Jesus fulfills every facet of the ordination ritual: – He bears the sacrifice in His own body (Hebrews 9:11-14). – He is waved—lifted up—on the cross (John 12:32), offered wholly to the Father. – His resurrection and ascension bring the perfect “wave offering” into the heavenly sanctuary (Hebrews 9:24). • The laying of the Old Covenant elements into priestly hands anticipates the Father placing all things into the hands of the Son (John 3:35). • Because His consecration is flawless, we now “have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19-22). Extended to the Church’s Royal Priesthood • Believers are called “a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). • Like Aaron’s family, we receive our ministry directly from God’s hand: – Washed (Leviticus 8:6 → Titus 3:5). – Clothed in priestly garments (Leviticus 8:13 → Galatians 3:27). – Anointed (Leviticus 8:12 → 1 John 2:20). • Our “wave offering” becomes lives lifted up in praise and service (Romans 12:1; Hebrews 13:15-16). • Through Christ we serve as “a kingdom, priests to His God and Father” (Revelation 1:5-6), mediating His blessing to the world. Living Out Our Consecration Today • Keep your hands open—everything you hold belongs to the LORD. • Lift your daily work, relationships, and worship as a continual wave offering. • Draw near with confidence; the same hands that bore the sacrifice now intercede for you (Hebrews 4:14-16). |
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