Daily Devotional | Dedicated to God

Some professions require people to wear a particular uniform. A police officer wears a badge and uniformed pants and shirt. If you see someone in a white coat with a stethoscope around their neck, most likely they are a doctor. Each uniform communicates that these people have been trained, equipped, and authorized to engage in their profession.

In Leviticus chapters 1 to 7, the Lord outlined all the various sacrifices Israel was to offer in the tabernacle. In today’s reading, the focus shifts to the priests who would carry out these sacrifices and offerings.

Aaron and his sons had been set apart by God to minister on behalf of Israel in the tabernacle (vv. 1–3). In front of the whole nation, Moses called Aaron and his sons forward, washed them, dressed them in their priestly garments, and anointed them with oil (vv. 5–13). Much attention is given to their clothing. You may notice that there is no mention of shoes or sandals. This is because the priests working in the tabernacle would not wear sandals since they were on holy ground (Ex. 3:2–5).

To consecrate them as priests, Moses had to offer a sin offering to atone for their sin (Lev. 8:14–17). He then offered a ram for their ordination (vv. 22–29). One unusual part of this offering is that some of the blood of the sacrifice was put on the right ear, thumb, and big toe of the priests (vv. 23–24). This represents that they would be totally dedicated to God. They would hear His word with their ear and do it with their hands and feet.

>> Today is Good Friday, and we remember Jesus’ sacrifice for us on the cross. As believers, we have been consecrated by the blood of Jesus and anointed by God’s Spirit (2 Cor. 1:21–22). Jesus is our great High Priest and has appointed us to serve as a “royal priesthood” of believers (1 Peter 2:9). How will you serve Him today?

Pray with Us

Lord, even mature believers struggle with doubt at times. On this Good Friday, comfort us with the truth that we are consecrated to You by the blood of Jesus; we are Yours, marked and sealed forever.

BY Ryan Cook

Dr. Ryan Cook has taught at Moody Bible Institute since 2012. He earned his bachelor of arts in Bible and Theology from Moody and his master of arts in Old Testament from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He has worked in Christian education and served as a pastor in Michigan for seven years. During his time as a professor at Moody, he earned his doctorate from Asbury Theological Seminary. He now lives with his wife, Ashley, and their three children in the Chicagoland area.