As you read about the establishment of the Old Testament priesthood, keep in mind I Peter 2:9 which says of believers in Christ, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light….” God’s requirements for Old Testament priests can inform our understanding of what that means.
The preparation for the priests was lengthy. After following special requirements to pay for their sin and to cleanse them ceremonially, they had to spend seven days and nights in the holy place inside the tent of meeting. Their service to God wouldn’t fill but a fraction of that time; presumably they would be seeking God in that time. Even those who were called and prepared were required to spend this time; is it any less necessary for us today?
After all the commands were instituted, God gave them a dramatic and unmistakable sign that their efforts had met with His approval. That is very important, given what was documented in the next chapter, an account of His giving them a dramatic and unmistakable sign that their deviation from His worship order did not meet with His approval and would not be tolerated.
God had special requirements for the priests, “so as to make a distinction between the holy and the profane, and between the unclean and the clean, and so as to teach (God’s people) all the statutes” associated with the covenant. He held the priests to high standards at such high cost because He had to be held in honor by the people.
What do these requirements instruct you about your role as a believer in Christ, one of the “royal priesthood?” Today’s reading confronts us with an opportunity to consider how we approach God ourselves, and how we minister Him to others.