And Moses said to the congregation, “This is the thing that the LORD has commanded to be done.”
Leviticus 8:5
Before Aaron and his sons could begin their priestly duties they needed instruction from the Lord on the proper sacrifices and work that they would perform. And they also needed to obey God for a whole set of special sacrifices meant to cleanse them and dedicate them to service before the altar. When the time came for these sacrifices to be performed, Moses made a public declaration, clearly explaining that they were carrying out God’s careful instructions for this unique dedication.
All of Israel could then watch this obedience take place. They could see to what great lengths Moses, Aaron, and the priests went to in order to keep the Law and properly prepare for their duties. This pointed to two clear truths: 1) The holiness of God, and 2) the enormity of sin. A holy God demanded this explicit obedience so that at least temporary atonement for sin could be made in Israel.
The Law magnified a holy God and demanded sacrifices to atone for sin. And now in the gospel we too may align our understanding with that of a holy God. At the cross the ultimate sacrifice was made by our Great High Priest Who was also the Lamb of God. He glorified and satisfied a holy God by His offering of Himself as the final, perfect sacrifice. He offered a complete atonement for every sin, not just a temporary appeasement. He did all that God commanded in a perfect life, a complete sacrifice, and was raised to life to rule as Lord of all!
Lord Jesus,
Your work as both priest and sacrifice was done exactly as the Father commanded. I look to You for my salvation. I trust in Your saving sacrifice. I seek to follow You so that Your saving life may live in me. You are the true and better Priest. You are the true and better sacrifice. You are my atonement so that a holy God now sees me forgiven, living in Your perfect obedience!
Amen
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