Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai
INTRODUCTION
During last week’s study, we looked at the Priest's Representational Ministry – a shift to the people God wanted to serve in the tabernacle – the Priests. He also gave detailed instructions concerning the priestly garments in Exodus 28 just like He did of the tabernacle in the previous two chapters. The priests were not simply given special clothing; they had to be consecrated before they could minister before God. And in today’s study of Exodus 29 that describes a seven-day consecration ceremony for Aaron and his sons, we shall be answering the question: “What does it mean to be set apart for God's service?”
1. The Call to Consecration Verses 1–9
In these verses God instructed Moses to take: a young bull, two rams, unleavened bread, cakes mixed with oil, and wafers anointed with oil. Aaron and his sons were to be brought to the entrance of the Tabernacle. They were then washed, clothed, anointed, and consecrated.
Before they could be ministers of God, they had to be first set apart to God. There is an important distinction between position and consecration. Someone may occupy a position, carry a title or possess a gift, but genuine service to God requires a life that is surrendered to Him.
• The Washing: Cleansed for Service – Verse 4
“And Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shalt wash them with water.”
The first action was washing. Before Aaron could put on the priestly garments, he had to be washed. Ephesians 5:26 says: “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word”.
John 15:3 also says: “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.”
God is concerned not merely about what we do for Him, but about who we are before Him. Service should flow from relationship and consecration.
• The Anointing: Empowered for Service – Verse 7
“Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour it upon his head, and anoint him.”
Aaron was not merely washed; he was anointed. The oil represented God's setting apart and empowering of the priest for his ministry.
Cleansing prepares us; anointing empowers us. We should never confuse natural ability with spiritual empowerment. They both have their place in life.
A person may have musical ability, leadership ability, teaching ability or administrative ability, but ministry requires more than ability. It requires dependence upon the Holy Spirit.
Luke 4:18 says: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me…”
Gifting without consecration can become performance. Consecration without dependence on God can become self-effort. God desires both holiness and empowerment.
2. The Sin Offering: The Problem of Sin Verses 10–14
Aaron and his sons placed their hands on the bull before it was sacrificed. This symbolically identified them with the sacrifice. The blood was then applied according to God's instructions. The priest himself needed atonement. The one who would minister on behalf of others was himself a sinner who needed God's provision.
No one of us can stand before God on the basis of personal righteousness. We all depend upon God's mercy and provision.
Romans 3:23 says: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
But thank God for Jesus! Hebrews 9:12 says: “Christ entered once into the holy place “by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption for us.”
3. The Burnt Offering: Complete Surrender – Verses 15–18
One ram was offered as a burnt offering. Unlike offerings where only part might be consumed, the burnt offering was offered completely. Total surrender.
Romans 12:1 says: “Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
So the question is not “What am I willing to give God?” But “Have I given myself to God?”
4.The Blood on the Ear, Thumb and Toe – Verses 19–21
Blood was placed on the right ear, the right thumb and the right great toe. These are symbolical.
•The Ear — What I hear. A child of God must learn to hear God. Revelation 2:7 says:“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith…” Hear Him!
•The Hand — What I do. Our hands represent our actions and service. What we doshould be brought under God's authority. Serve Him!
•The Foot — Where I go. Our walk and direction must be submitted to God. Walkwith Him!
5.The Wave Offering: What Is Given to God – Verses 22–28
The offering was presented before God. Ministry is ultimately about giving to God, not receiving glory from people. Spiritual gifts are given for service, not personal glory. 1 Peter 4:10 says: “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another…”
6.Seven Days of Consecration – Verses 29–37
Aaron and his sons were to undergo this consecration process for seven days. The repetition demonstrates that consecration was not treated casually. Preparation for ministry matters to God because what happens publicly is often determined by what happens privately.
7.The Continual Daily Offering – Verses 38–42
Two lambs were offered each day: One in the morning and one in the evening. A continual daily offering not occasional. In the same way our relationship with God cannot be sustained by occasional encounters. We need a continual life of prayer, worship, God's Word, fellowship with Him, obedience and consecration
8.The Ultimate Purpose: God Wants to Dwell Among His People – Verses 43–46
God said: “And there I will meet with the children of Israel…” “ . . . I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God.” “. . . I will be their God”
The Tabernacle was ultimately about relationship and presence, not a religious system.
He was saying: I want to dwell among you. John 1:14 says: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…”
CONCLUSION
God calls people to consecration before service. We should not separate ministry from holiness. Natural ability is not a substitute for the Holy Spirit. We need God's empowerment.
Even those who minister to others need God's grace. Our consecration must be continual - not a one-time event. God does not merely want our service; He wants our surrender. And the purpose of our consecration is ultimately that we may know and carry His presence.
