Exodus 29:19“ Take the other ram, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on its head.
I find myself incredibly thankful for Jesus in a whole new way as I read through Exodus today. The scenes described here weren’t unusual at the time. They were the only way for man to atone for his sins. It was a production, and it feels exhausting and excruciating.
Exodus 29:20 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.
It also seems a bit removed. Where is the sinner in all of this? Commentary says they were in the outer courtyard, praying for atonement, but did the ritual affect them the way it must have the priests? Was the entire ritual as visceral, as impacting for both parties?
Exodus 29:21 And take some blood from the altar and some of the anointing oil and sprinkle it on Aaron and his garments and on his sons and their garments. Then he and his sons and their garments will be consecrated.
Precious Savior, Thank You for Jesus, for removing the distance between You and me. Thank You for removing the bloody business of atonement and giving us the ability to metaphorically step inside the holy of holies and personally draw closer to You. Help me never to take that closeness for granted. Help me, Jesus. Amen.
Exodus 29:22 “Take from this ram the fat, the fat tail, the fat on the internal organs, the long lobe of the liver, both kidneys with the fat on them, and the right thigh. (This is the ram for the ordination.)
Have a blessed day.