How does Leviticus 8:28 illustrate the importance of consecration in Christian life today? The Scene at the Altar Leviticus 8:28 records, “Moses took them from their hands and burned them on the altar on top of the burnt offering. They were an ordination offering for a soothing aroma, an offering made by fire to the LORD.” - Aaron and his sons hold the portions of the ram of ordination. - Moses takes those pieces, places them on the altar, and the fire consumes everything. - The smoke rises as “a soothing aroma” to the LORD—He accepts the complete surrender. Key Observations from Leviticus 8:28 • Hands relinquished: Aaron and his sons willingly release what they hold. • Total consumption: Nothing is kept back; every part is burned. • Pleasing aroma: God delights in the offering only when it is wholly given. • Mediated act: Moses (a type of Christ) transfers the offering to the altar, showing that consecration happens through God’s appointed mediator. Consecration: More Than a Moment • Entire life on the altar. Romans 12:1 calls believers to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” • Ongoing surrender. Just as the fire kept burning, our devotion must be continuous (Leviticus 6:13). • God-centered purpose. The goal is His pleasure—“soothing aroma”—not our recognition (2 Corinthians 2:15). • Set apart for service. Ordination marked priests for lifelong ministry; believers today are “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). Application: Living as Modern-Day Ordination Offerings - Daily hand-off: Consciously place ambitions, relationships, and resources into God’s hands. - Undivided devotion: Remove the “except this” clauses—no hidden areas kept off the altar. - Depend on the Mediator: Approach God through Christ alone (Hebrews 10:20-22). - Maintain the flame: Regular time in Scripture and fellowship keeps consecration vibrant (Acts 2:42). - Aroma to the world: A consecrated life spreads the knowledge of Christ “everywhere” (2 Corinthians 2:14-15). - Vessel ready for noble use: “If anyone cleanses himself…he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master” (2 Timothy 2:21). Supporting Scriptures Romans 12:1; 1 Peter 2:5, 9; Hebrews 10:20-22; 2 Corinthians 2:14-15; Leviticus 6:13; 2 Timothy 2:21 |
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