Then you shall bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the tent of meeting and shall wash them with water 13 and put on Aaron the holy garments. And you shall anoint him and consecrate him, that he may serve me as priest. (Exodus 40:12-13 ESV)
The word consecrate stood out to me as I was reading through the end of Exodus. The tabernacle has been completed, as have the special garments for Aaron and his sons. The final step in the process is a consecration ceremony to prepare the tabernacle and the priests for service to God.
The word consecrate is related to the word sanctify in the New Testament and they are both related to the word holy. The basic meaning is to set apart.
Do you have some dishes that are set apart for special occasions? They are generally prettier and probably cost more. They may also be more fragile. The idea is that we have special things for special times. Much of the book of Exodus is spent describing the special things that will make a connection between the people and God. Many different things were done by the priests in the tabernacle, but everything done there was focused on the relationship between God and His people. It was not that God was not present all the time or that the people could disregard God except when they came to the tabernacle. Instead, the tabernacle and the priests were visible reminders of God’s constant presence with the people.
Eventually, the reminders wore off and the things that had once been special became common. I wonder if that has happened to us? Do we realize how incredible it is to have God’s presence living in us? Do we understand how special it is to be able to talk to God directly anytime we want?
Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. (2 Timothy 2:20-21 ESV)
God has cleansed us and set us apart. We have been consecrated. Our consecration did not require a special place or special clothes. It did not cost us anything, but it cost God the life of His Son. We are very special, and we have been set apart for a purpose. How do you remind yourself of this every day?
For my grandchildren:
God says you are special and has good things for you to do.
