What does it mean to consecrate? Simply put it is to declare something is sacred. In today’s passage, we read of the ritual cleansing and consecration of the priest Aaron and his sons. The entire process is very elaborate and full of meaning. What a tremendous honor and responsibility to be chosen as one who stands before God on behalf of the people and to stand before the people on behalf of God! The cleansing acts in this ceremony remind everyone that true cleansing comes from God alone and the acts of the ceremony are simply reminders of that fact. Often, we can fall into the trap of inverted thinking. “If I can just do the right thing…” “If I can just avoid doing the wrong thing…”
The great news for all of us is Jesus is our true High Priest (Hebrews 3:1). He is not a symbol of cleansing. He is the SOURCE of cleansing. When we fail, he provides the wonderful gifts of confession, repentance and forgiveness so that our failure does not have the final say in our lives. It is not our perfect actions that save us from ourselves but it is the perfect cleansing provided by the perfect Savior. The question then becomes, how do we respond to the cleansing from sin we find in Jesus?
Do we approach Jesus with the same level of consecration as the people did with Aaron and his sons? Do we want Jesus more than we want anything else? Do we want Jesus more than we want to be right about our own politics or theology? Do we approach Jesus with the same level of reverence and respect as we do our favorite preachers, politicians and celebrities? All questions that each person must wrestle with on their own.
Lord, help me recognize who and what is truly sacred. Amen.
Rev. Christopher Hall
Extended Scripture: Leviticus 6–10
