March 7, 2022 - Leviticus 8-10

"Cleanliness is next to godliness" is a phrase that I have heard at different times particularly during the Covid pandemic. The people that advocated this, believed very strongly in the need for maintaining a high standard of sanitation. Washing hands, maintaining a safe distance, and wearing a mask were all vital elements in the fight to control the virus. While I am all for hygiene, I believe cleanliness falls far short of godliness and personal holiness which the Lord requires for His service.

Moses is called to anoint and consecrate the tabernacle and priests for service to God. With an exactness and precision that marks all of God's commands when dealing with the place He would dwell, the Lord specifically commands Moses how to prepare everything for their service of worship.

Moses took water and washed Aaron and his sons in preparation for serving the Lord. He then dressed them in their robes and anointed each of them with oil before they served in the tabernacle. Moses was then instructed to kill a bull and place some blood on parts of the priest's body. While most people today would not consider the sprinkling of blood or the anointing of oil as sanitary, it was the means of purifying the priests and furnishings for service to the Lord.

Each step in the process was explicit with commands from the Lord to Moses, Aaron and his sons. It was vital they obeyed these commands in order to minister for the people and not be harmed by the holiness of God. When Nadab and Abihu altered God's commands, these men were struck down with fire and they died before the Lord (10:1-2).

We may not dress in robes, anoint with oil, or drip blood on the altar and parts of our bodies, but God still demands holiness from His servants! Peter states, "but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy'" (1 Peter 1:15-16). God still demands for us to be cleansed and holy as we serve Him. May we follow closely His teachings and commands this week.