29 August Exodus 29

Offer yourself as a living sacrifice

Exodus 29:20 (NIV) “Slaughter it, take some of its blood and put it on the lobes of the right ears of Aaron and his sons, on the thumbs of their right hands, and on the big toes of their right feet. Then splash blood against the sides of the altar”.

One of the main characteristics of the book of Exodus is atonement. Atonement means making “Reparation or expiation for sin”, whereas Expiation = Removal of guilt or sin and

Propitiation = Turning away God’s wrath. Therefore the Old Testament, this often involved in the sacrificing animals, symbolising the forgiveness of sins. In this verse, putting the ram's blood on certain parts of Aaron and his sons' bodies was an essential step in making them priests. Sprinkling the blood on the altar was also important because it symbolised forgiveness and showed that the priests were meant to connect God and the people.

This verse's symbolism of the right ear, hand, and foot is essential. In the Bible, the right side often represents strength, power, and favour. Putting blood on these specific body parts shows that the priests are fully dedicated to God. It also highlights the importance of the priests listening to God's commands, acting according to His will, and living righteously. The ear lobe stood for the ear: hearing the word of God. The thumb stood for the hand: doing the work of God. The toe stood for the foot: walking in the way of God.

This theme transcends into the New Testament, where believers are urged to sacrifice themselves to God. The concept of consecration and dedication remains relevant today, reminding us to live holy and set-apart lives for God’s service. Romans 12:1 (NIV) “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, this is your true and proper worship”.

The dictionary defines sacrifice as “anything consecrated and offered to God.” How do we offer ourselves as living sacrifices? Romans 12:2 (ESV) “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect”.

Further confirmed in 1 John 2:15-16 (ESV) “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life is not from the Father but is from the world”. The Word of God, ministered in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, is the only power on earth that can transform us from worldliness to true spirituality. 2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV) “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness”.

It is the will of God for every believer to be a living sacrifice for Jesus Christ.