What does eating the consecrated food symbolize in our spiritual walk with God? Opening the text “Aaron and his sons shall eat the flesh of the ram and the bread that is in the basket at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.” (Exodus 29:32) Symbolic layers of eating consecrated food • Participation in the sacrifice – By eating what had been offered, the priests personally identified with the offering. – Leviticus 6:26 shows it again: “The priest who offers it for sin shall eat it.” • Internalizing holiness – What touched the altar was “most holy” (Exodus 29:37). Consuming it brought that holiness inside the priests, reminding us that holiness is not merely external but must reach the heart. • Dependent nourishment from God – The meal was supplied entirely by the Lord’s instructions and provision. It signals that every facet of our life is sustained by Him (Deuteronomy 8:3). • Covenant fellowship – Eating “at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting” placed the priests in God’s presence, portraying friendship and acceptance. Compare with Revelation 3:20, where fellowship is likewise pictured as a shared meal. • A foretaste of continual service – Only those set apart for ministry could eat. The act underscored their permanent dedication to God’s work (Numbers 18:8–10). Christ, the ultimate consecrated feast • The offering points forward to Messiah. Hebrews 13:10–12 links the old altar to Christ’s sacrifice “outside the camp.” • Jesus takes the symbol further: – John 6:53–55: “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you… My flesh is real food.” – The Lord’s Table continues this imagery (1 Corinthians 10:16–17). • In Him, believers are “a holy priesthood” (1 Peter 2:5), invited to feed continually on His provision. Personal application for today • Receive and rely: – Regularly “taste and see that the LORD is good” (Psalm 34:8) by meditating on His Word and trusting His promises. • Identify with the sacrifice: – Remember that our standing before God is secured solely by Christ’s atonement, not our merit. • Pursue inward holiness: – Allow the Spirit to take what is sacred and form Christlike character within (Galatians 5:22–25). • Maintain fellowship: – Like the priests at the entrance, keep returning to the place of communion—private worship, corporate gathering, the Lord’s Supper. • Serve from sustained strength: – Eating came before ongoing ministry; nourishment precedes service. Draw daily strength from Christ before stepping out to serve others. Living out the symbolism • Begin each day feeding on Scripture, acknowledging your dependence. • Consciously rest in the completed sacrifice of Jesus when guilt arises. • Engage the gathered church expecting a family meal in God’s presence, not a mere ritual. • Let the reality of this holy “diet” show in priestly acts of compassion, witness, and worship. |
    |