I was reading Exodus 29 and thinking about all the instructions the Lord gave Moses to have Aaron and his sons prepare for being the priests of the temple. The preparation focused on the cleanliness from sin and was represented not only by animal sacrifices but also the preparation they took in order to put on the priestly garments. There were so many details to remember, and I can imagine that as you went through each step, you were reminded how Holy is your God and how unholy you are.
My mind moved to 1 Peter 2:9, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” What a change! Now with believing in Jesus as the Son of God, Lord and Savior, God provided us with the valued role of the royal priesthood, the same priesthood that Aaron and his sons have to prepare for so carefully and cautiously. As new creations, we are now also part of His priesthood.
What are we sacrificing as that royal priesthood? Ourselves. Romans 12:1, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” I get to offer all of me to the Lord, holding nothing back. Why does the Lord want all of me? Let me give you an example.
Imagine you need to move a heavy piece of furniture and your friend offers to help. Your friend shows up and attempts to lift the furniture with one arm. When you inquire, he tells you that he really needs his other arm for texting on his cell phone so he only has his one arm to serve you. You really need all of him – both arms, both legs and his mind focused on lifting that piece of furniture. You need him to bring all of himself to the task. I believe that this is what the Lord is asking of us. We come bringing Him our mind, our will and our emotions. We bring our plans, our dreams. We bring our families and friends. We bring our gifts, talents and finances. All for Him to use as He will for the furthering of His Kingdom. It is the most wonderful place for us to be; it is our spiritual worship, and there upon the altar, we experience a divine joy and contentment that cannot be found in this world.
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