January 28-31, 2026 - Exodus 28-31

God has always provided leaders for his people whether that be Israel or the church.  Though written in the context of confusion within the congregation regarding the use of tongues and spiritual gifts, Paul’s instruction is timeless:  “God is not a God of confusion” (1Corinthians 14:33).  And so, God established Moses’ brother, Aaron, as priest and, along with others, they formed the priesthood.  The priests’ work had two broad directions, the first being toward God:  “Now this is what you shall do to them to consecrate them, that they may serve me as priests” (29:1).  That is, they were to serve God, to do his bidding, to wait on him.  The priests were also to minister to the people, for instance, they were to bring offerings to the altar where the Lord said, “There I will meet with the people of Israel . . . and I will dwell among the people of Israel and will be their God.  And they shall know that I am the LORD their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt that I might dwell among them. I am the LORD their God” (29:43-46).  Thus, the priests served God and also served the people by representing them before the Lord.  Another example of God’s wise and gracious provision for his people!  The writer of Hebrews echoes this thought:  “We have a great high priest” (Hebrews 4:14).  And that priest is Jesus.  Not by daily or yearly offerings but “by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified” (Hebrews10:14).

O dearest Lord, thy sacred head

with thorns was pierced for me;

O pour thy blessing on my head

that I may think for thee.

O dearest Lord, thy sacred hands

with nails were pierced for me . . .

O dearest Lord, thy sacred feet

with nails were pierced for me . . .

O dearest Lord, thy sacred heart

with spear was pierced for me;

O pour thy Spirit in my heart

that I may live for thee.   --Henry Ernest Hardy (1918)