Day 42, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today's Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Exodus 28–29
Dedication for Service
We christen boats and dedicate buildings and other things for service. In church and business and even in the military, we confer honors on people. Dedications are usually done publicly. To promote them, we congregate in special meetings or events to celebrate. We may grant privileges to individuals by giving them new titles, authority, clothing, and emblems. This distinguishes them from ordinary people or staff. In some instances, we may provide the honorees an office with a name on their door, their own desk, and even a secretary. By doing this, we grant them dignity and respect in their new position.
Anointing
In the Biblical record, anointing someone or something was a way of separating a person or thing apart for a particular service (also called consecrating).In the Old Testament, priests, prophets, kings, and sacred items used in worship were anointed. Most of the time, this was done in a public ceremony. Priests or prophets poured olive oil on the head or smeared (or sprinkled) small amounts of bovine blood on the recipient. This set someone or something apart for a unique service.
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ was the spiritual “anointed one” (the Greek name for Christ). He was not anointed by olive oil or bovine blood. He was set apart (consecrated or chosen) by God to serve and give his life a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28). Spiritually speaking, the blood of Jesus Christ does more than set us apart from sin—he makes us holy (purifies or sanctifies us) for service (1Peter 2:9 and Hebrews 9:14).Priestly Vestments
In today’s Bible reading, Moses is still on Mt. Sinai, and the LORD gives him instructions on how the high priests will be clothed (for picture, see more…). Their garments will set them apart from the other Israelites. After putting them on, they will be anointed to dedicate themselves as particular servants to God. (Exodus 28:2, 39-41).Using gold, blue, purple, and scarlet threads of fine linen, high-skilled tailors will weave them together to give the high priest’s clothing a look of dignity and honor. A small square breast piece, an ephod (like a smock), a robe, a woven tunic, a turban, a sash, and linen undergarments (to reduce sweating) are to be made for the high priests and their sons (descendants of Aaron, the brother of Moses).
On each shoulder of the ephod, one onyx stone inscribed with the names of six of the twelve tribes of Israel is to be mounted and fastened. He wears the small breast piece over the ephod to bear twelve jewels representing Israel’s twelve tribes. They remind him of his responsibilities to them. Are there any visual reminders we could use to help us remember those whom we represent?
On the priests’ heads, they are each to wear a turban with a golden plate. The inscription “Holy to the LORD” distinguishes their office.The priests are to minister with holy (dedicated and purified) things and represent holiness to the people. The priests are not just God’s sacred representatives; they are also Israel’s representatives and bear responsibility for them.
How do we view our leadership? Whether we are the leaders of our family, business, church, or other organization, do we realize our character and what we stand for are essential? The Apostle Peter writes, “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy’” (1Peter 1:15,16, NIV).
Some of us in leadership may be given unique positions and privileges, but how we lead will win or lose our followers’ respect.
A ministry of reconciliation
Because Jesus Christ was sent from God and sacrificed his life for us, Jesus is our high priest. Since we believe in his sacrifice for us in our place and his resurrection from the dead, we now have direct access to God in prayer.
We also represent him; Christ gave his disciples and us the responsibility of being his ambassadors before he returned to heaven (2Corinthians 5:20). Like the priests and apostles involved in reconciliation, we, too, need to be involved in it. We need to seek to reconcile people with their Creator, whether they are unbelievers or believers who are out of fellowship with God. If we need forgiveness and peace with God, we can find it through Jesus Christ (more...).
Discussion
What is anointing? How were people and things anointed?
If we are anointed, how should it change our life?
If we are in God’s family, how does God want us to help others as the Old Testament priests and the New Testament Jesus?
Focus Verse
1Peter 1:15,16 (NIV) “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
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Looking Ahead:Moses is on the mountain getting instructions for building a tabernacle and making garments for the priests so the people can draw close to God in worship. Meanwhile, below, the people have lost faith and are following other gods. They break God’s trust. Perhaps we have done that, or someone has done that with us. How can we Restore Broken Trust? Find out in our Next Lesson.
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