Consecration of the Church, Lesson III in series, Eps. 12

The consecration of the priest presents a powerful symbolic image that is relevant for us today. Ram speaks of strength Vs. 4 - Washing of the priest - cleansing, purity - Titus 3:5 Vs. 5 - Priestly garments were red, blue, purple, and gold. Red speaks of the blood of Christ, blue of his heavenly origin and heavenly ordination, purple of his royalty, and gold of his Deity. The ephod was square and contained twelve precious stones. That it is square speaks of perfection. That it is woven speaks of unity and community . The stones represented Israel (twelve tribes), but in the New Testament, we see these stones in Revelation as the twelve foundations to the city and represent redemptions history (Old Testament and New Testament saints) - See Revelation 21:19-20. Vs. 6 - The turban is a symbol of authority. That it is called a diadem suggest royalty - a royal priesthood - 1 Peter 2:9. Vs 10 -Laying hands on the sacrificial animal suggests identification with the animal. It is symbolic of transfer of sin, shame, and guilt. Placing oil on the horns of the altar suggest that there is power in the blood. Vs. 13- Washing of the inner parts of the animal suggest inward purity. The kidneys and liver suggest inward consciousness, passions, thoughts, etc. and the purification of the inward man by Christ. Vs. 16 - Sprinkling blood on side of altar - see Hebrews 9:13. Vs. 18 - Burning remains of animal on altar- purification by fire and is symbolic of complete surrender. Vs. 20 - Placing blood of slaughtered animal on 1) the right ear, 2) the right thumb, and 3) the right big toe, suggest 1)consecration of the ear to hear the voice of God, 2) consecration of the hand to do the work of God, and 3) consecration to walk in the ways of God. Consecrated from head to tow. Vs. 24 - Wave offering - speaks of 1) worship, 2) Appeal to Divine for Acceptance, and 3) A transfer of ownership. Vs. 27 - Thigh and breast - speak of passion and action - devotion to God and walking out one's faith. Inward and outward consecration. Vs. 31-35 - Priest are to eat the meat - We are to take in Christ and become one with him, making him a part of our inward being. See John 6:53-59. The fat is considered the best part. Burning is symbolic of complete devotion. Vs. 34- "No leftovers' - There was to be no waste! Don't waste your anointing, your priesthood, your moment to serve God. Vs. 35 - seven days to ordain them suggest completion and perfection. Here it might have in mind complete consecration to God. Vs. 43 - "I will meet with the Israelites, and the place will be consecrated by my glory" = God desires for us to dwell in his glory. Vs. 45-46 - 'Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God." God desire to dwell among us and to be our God. The emphasizes the social nature of God. It rings of relationship characterized by love and fellowship.