Christ in all the scriptures Leviticus 8

 Christ in all the scriptures

The fitness and function of the priesthood  Leviticus 8

Priestly service is that which is done (however menial) in the sight of the Lord, and for the benefit of men.  It is the highest form of service to be undertaken by mortal man, and requires fitness for the task.  God, Himself has provided that fitness, and we have entered a blessed occupation that will never end.  Firstly, we should consider what priestly function means in New Testament terms, so that we understand what is expected of us who are the recipients of this high calling.

We can do this by tracing the priestly terms used: they are "serve or service"; "sacrifice"; "ministry"; "acceptable"; "pleasing"; "offering".

Service   Gr. latreuo it means to serve, as in temple service, as priests of old did, directly in the sight of the Lord.  This word is used in Romans 1v9 in context of gospel preaching, "whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son".  Also, Luke 2v37and 2nd Timothy 1v3-unceasing prayers; Philippians 3v3 and Hebrews 9v14-worship; Hebrews 12v28-reverenceand godly fear; ceaseless and eternal devotion-Revelation 7v15 and 22v3.

Sacrifice  Gr. thysia it means whole of life devotion to the Lord expressed many different ways, and without limitations.  Romans 12v1-wholehearted presentation of our bodies to the cause of God; Philippians 2v17-unfettered devotion to the edification of the saints in pastoral care; Philippians 4v18-material support to the servants of the Lord; Hebrews 13v15-the fruit of our lips in praise, whether in words or in song; Hebrews 13v16-doing good works and communicating with God's people, whether of material or spiritual graces; 1st Peter 2v5-preparations of spiritual worship to the Lord.

Acceptable/well pleasing  Gr.  dektos, apodektos, euarestos this is the sweet savour aspect of service, that which brings pleasure to God.  1st Timothy 2v3- prayer for rulers and all men for peace in the world and for their salvation; 1st Timothy 5v14-care of elderly parents; Philippians 4v18 material support for the work of the gospel; Romans 12v2-non-conformity to the world, renewal of our minds; Romans 14v18-gentle tolerance of the weakness of brethren; Ephesians 5v10-ordering our lives as children of light, as decided before the Lord; Colossians 3v20-children obeying parents in all things; Hebrews 13v21-allowing the Lord to have His way in your life, to do His will.

Ministry, minister      Gr. diakonia, diakoneo  this is humble service, literally it means "table waiters", those who serve others in the work of God.  Acts 6v1v4-literally serving tables; Acts 13v2-worship to the Lord while seeking guidance; Romans 12v7-service of administrative nature in the church; Romans 15v31-Paul's discharge of his responsibility in the gospel; 1st Corinthians 3v5-Paul and Apollos and every believer's discharge of speaking the gospel to others; 1st Corinthians 12v5-translated "administrations", the responsibility of all, this includes the gift of teaching, helps, and governments (1st Cor. 12v28); Ephesians 4v12 the work of mature saints for the edifying of the church; 2nd Timothy 1v18-providing spiritual refreshment as Onesiphorus did often to Paul; 1st Peter 4v10 "As every man has received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the grace of God".  

Essentially, priestly service is that which is done in the sight of the Lord, and in accordance with His will.  All of us can find occupation for life, from unseen good works in private to the very public necessary spiritual exercises.  The rest of the chapter outlines the context in which we serve.

Cleansing of the priesthood  Leviticus 8v6.  Service is Godward, and, since God is holy those who serve must also be holy.  This can only come from God who has cleansed us and fitted us for holy service in Christ.  This is the once for all cleansing that took place at conversion.  Relevant scriptures are: Ephesians 5v26; Titus 3v5; John 13v8-10.  Every believer has been cleansed and fitted for temple service.  Our part is to make use of the various measures indicated to keep ourselves clean in practise.

Clothing of the priesthood  Leviticus 8v7-13.  Under our great high priest, who is enrobed with garments of glory and beauty, and who is enthroned in highest authority, the priests were dressed in white linen garments, interpreted in Revelation 19v8 as "the righteousness of the saints".  The glorious character of Christ as our high priest is reflected in the righteous character of the serving priests.  Psalm 132v9 "Let your priests be clothed with righteousness, and let your godly ones sing for joy".  Isaiah 61v10 "I will rejoice greatly in the Lord, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels"; Zechariah 3v4 "See, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and will clothe you with festal robes".  We have been endowed with a heavenly beauty instead of the ugly nature of earth.  We must become what we already are by the grace of God.

The consecration of the priesthood  Leviticus 8v14-36   The bull for a sin offering; two rams, one for a burnt offering, and another for the consecration of the priesthood.  The priest hood was established on the blood of animals; New Testament priesthood (which is us according to Hebrews 3v1, 7v12, and 9v14) is established on the blood of Christ.  The ram of consecration was killed and the blood sprinkled and marked upon the right ear, the right hand, and the right toe of all the priests, to consecrate them to the service of God.  Thus the whole person was consecrated from head to foot (this is in contrast to their condition in unbelief and disobedience described by Isaiah in chapter 1v5-6 where they were from head to foot contaminated with sin)  Now they are sanctified and fitted for service.  Consecrated just means the practise of "filling the hands", where they were wholly committed to the service of God.  They were now priests of the living God.  Believers, today, in the same way are committed to holy and heavenly service, and it is necessary we understand this, as it brings a whole new perspective.  When we consider that our individual bodies (1st Cor. 6v19), and our local churches (not the building) (1st Cor. 3v17), as well as the Church, the body of Christ (Ephesians 2v21) are all called the temple, the inner sanctuary of God, we begin to understand the sacred nature of our lives on earth.  We began by indicating many ways in which we can be occupied for God, each according to their several ability, God-given; there is no reason to be idle or marginalised in the things of God, and we should be filling our hands for Him.  At this initiation they were to remain 7 days, for this was to become a permanent occupation.  We serve under the example and guidance of One who was wholly committed to God in His work, and who served for the benefit of others.  We serve in the light of His consecration, in the words of the hymn..."The vow was on thee, Thou didst come, To yield thyself to death; AND CONSECRATION MARKED THY PATH AND SPOKE IN EVERY BREATH!" He was committed to us, are we also committed to Him?