Hallowed Priesthood

"And this is what you shall do to them to hallow them for ministering to Me as priests: Take one young bull and two rams without blemish, and unleavened bread, unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil (you shall make them of wheat flour.)"

Exodus 29:1-2

When reading this passage this morning, I was struck by how seriously God takes His ministry, and how I often forget the gravity of being in ministry and take it lightly, or worse, for granted.

Sometimes I think that because I signed up to join this service organization or because I wear the t-shirt or go to the meetings that I am partaking in the ministry, but it is so much deeper than that. Being a spiritual leader is more than a name tag or title, it requires of you a holiness, a set-apartness, and a sacrifice.

Exodus 29:1 spells it out: "And this is what you shall do to them to hallow them..." In the Hebrew that word "to hallow" can also mean to consecrate, sanctify, prepare, dedicate, be holy, be sanctified, and be separate. The word is so much deeper than at first glance! To be set apart for ministry involves outside work and preparation, forsaking of other interests for dedication to the work of the Lord, a willingness to be daily changed and sanctified, and an eagerness to distinguish oneself from the world and culture and be different.

The commands to bring offerings "without blemish" serve as a reminder that sacrifice was not an opportunity to get rid of lesser livestock. Offering one's best is an expressions of thanksgiving and faith in God's provision. Just as God demanded the best of the ancient priests, He deserves our best today!

And before you discount this encouragement saying,"But I'm not a priest!", take a look at 1 Peter 2:9

"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." (emphasis mine)

We who have been saved and called into His great light are a special people. Let us proclaim His praises with that in mind!

So how will you live a set-apart life, offering God your best, today?