Friday, October 11, 2013

Exodus 29 - Consecration to God

Every believer is set apart at the time of their conversion to God. Salvation is a marvelous event where we realize that in our sin we cannot come into God's holy presence; but in applying Jesus' sacrifice to ourselves we can have the hope of eternity with Him. For many Christians that is the end of their story, but in Exodus 29 we see a ceremony of consecration for service to The Lord.

Every believer is set apart not just to receive the benefits of Heaven, but also to dedicate our lives to the service of The Lord. Even for those like me who understand their service is to The Lord, often the commitment is casual done as a quick prayer in the morning - "here I am available for your service".  

Exodus 29 makes clear that consecration to The Lord is serious business and should not be done lightly. God outlines specific dress, actions and sacrifices to be presented over a 7 day consecration ceremony as the priests enter their service. 

Servants are to once again recognize their sin and give an offering each day. We as believers should keep short accounts with God. To let sin linger in our lives deadens us as we become insensitive to its presence. Each day we should confess and thank God for the offering of Jesus for our sin. 

The burnt offering (Ex 29:15-18) is presented in obedience and gratitude to God to honor Him for his provision for our lives. Likewise our prayers and thanksgiving rise up to God as a pleasing aroma to Him. 

Offering our service includes all our senses (Ex 29:19-21). We offer our ears as instruments to hear the needs of those around us and to rightly respond. We offer our hands in service to work where we are placed and we offer our feet to God's service to guide us in the way we should go. This combination of awareness, service and location allow us to be effective for The Lord. Without any component we operate in our flesh and are not bringing glory to God. 

The wave offering (Ex 29:22-26) was presented in gratefulness to God and became the provision for the priests. The amazing thing about offering to God us that He offers is so much more in return. We cannot out give Him and every provision we have comes directly from His hand. 

As we consecrate ourselves for His service, our decisions become clearer, our loyalties solidified and our provision is assured. We enter into true fellowship with The Lord as he gets the glory for the efforts we expend in His service. 

May God richly bless you as you seek HIm and as you serve Him.  

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