Leviticus 8:10-13 – Be anointed for service

Everything and everyone that was to be used in the service of God had to be set apart. In Leviticus 8:10-12, we first see the consecration of the tabernacle and its utensils, then in Leviticus 8:13, the consecration of the other priests. Moses officiated the consecration ceremony. He began first by consecrating the tabernacle and its furnishing, preparing them for the sacrifices to be made and offered to the Lord. In our reflection of Exodus, we learned how the multi-layered tabernacle was stupendously constructed with the skin of badgers and linen of multi-colors, reflecting the glory of heaven. Then we also learned of the six pieces of furniture for the service to be rendered to God. Two pieces of the furniture namely, the bronze altar of sacrifice and the laver, were located in the courtyard. The table of shewbread, the golden lampstands and the table of incense were placed in the holy place; and the Ark of the covenant with the mercy seat in the holy of holies. All these were consecrated with anointed oil specially concocted.

According to Exodus 30:22-24, the anointing oil was to be prepared with a mixture of olive oil and four spices namely, myrrh, cinnamon, cane, and cassia. To consecrate these articles to the Lord, the anointing oil was sprinkled on the utensils seven times. These articles then become holy and ready for the service to make sacrifices to God. Then in verse 14, Aaron’s sons were brought near. Clothed with tunics, and girded with sashes and bound caps, they were anointed by Moses.

We don’t need to second guess what’s the meaning and significance of these few verses. In the Bible, the anointing oil and the anointing of the servants of God to be the king, priest or prophet, signify the reception of the Holy Spirit. We all need the anointing of the Holy Spirit. It is He who will make us ready and effective for God’s service. It is He, who sets us apart for God for unique use. Hence Jesus, at the beginning of His ministry declared the Spirit of the Lord was on Him for the ministry of healing and setting the captives free. Before He ascended, He also told His disciples to wait until they were endued with power from on high. We all need the anointing of the Holy Spirit. It is He who will help us to accomplish God’s purpose for His glory. So, let’s heed the call of the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 5: 18 to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit. This we can only experience as we stay connected to the Lord each day.