Leviticus 8:18-36

“And he brought the second ram, the ram of consecration. Then Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the head of the ram, and Moses killed it. Also he took some of its blood and put it on the tip of Aaron’s right ear, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot.” (Leviticus 8:22–23, NKJV)

Before the priests could serve the LORD they had to be consecrated. Two different Hebrew words are translated “consecrate”. The first is qadash, which means “to set apart”. The second is male, which means “to fill up”. For Aaron and his sons, they first needed to be set apart for the LORD’s work, and then their hands could be filled with the work of the ministry.

In addition to the bull for the sin offering, Moses offered two rams. The first was a burnt offering. Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the ram, identifying with it. Then it was burned on the altar. The second was called the ram of consecration. This is what would prepare them to be filled with the works of the LORD. Again, Aaron and his sons laid their hands on it. Moses killed it and put some of the blood on the tip of Aaron’s right ear, the thumb of his right hand, and the big toe of his right foot. What was the significance of this? His ear would be filled with God’s words, his hands would be busy about God’s work, and his feet would walk in God’s ways.

In my opinion, there is no greater joy in life than knowing that the God of the universe chooses to use you. Receiving His grace and passing it onto others satisfies like nothing else. And this is the privilege of every child of God. Christ dwells in us so that He can use us. Like Aaron, we need ears to hear, hands to serve, and feet to walk in God’s ways.

When all the preparations were completed, Aaron and his sons ate a meal before the LORD. I am reminded of what Jesus said to the church of Laodicea:

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20, NKJV)

Jesus is interested in more than your service; He enjoys your fellowship. Do you enjoy being with Him, sitting at His feet, listening to His voice? We must open the door and eat with Him if we would go out the door and effectively serve Him.