Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction:

We have a lot to cover tonight, so let’s dive in right away as we take a look at the ordination of the priests.

Normally we think of ordination as a type of service we hold in a church when we are calling someone to ministry, be it a pastor or a deacon.

But all of us are really ordained by God to serve Him in some capacity.

Let’s take a look at this ordination we have as we look at the ordination of the priesthood in the Book of Leviticus.

1.

We Have a Calling from God (vv.1-4)

2. We Have a Baptism of a New Covenant (v.5)

This was a ceremonial washing, but it points towards baptism

It represented the cleansing of the worshiper, just like our baptism represents our turning from our old way of life in sin towards a new life in Christ

3. We Have a New Identity in Christ (v.6-9)

The priest would put on the garments to minister and take them off before returning to their regular life

We are called as Christians to put on Christ and never take Him off

What did these garments look like?

4. We Have an Anointing by the Holy Spirit (vv.10-13)

Remember that the oil represented the Holy Spirit

Everything was anointed with the oil to make it suitable to use in the tabernacle, and later the temple

We are not suitable for God’s use until we are filled with the Holy Spirit (salvation) and full of the Spirit (abiding in Christ)

5. We Have Forgiveness in Christ (vv.

14-17)

Before the priest could perform his duties he had to have a sacrifice for his sin

Jesus stands different from us in that he was the sacrifice for sin

6.

We Have a Dedication to Serve (vv.18-31)

Remember the burnt offering was a dedication offering of complete service to the Lord

Look at vvv. 22-24.

We get into some interesting and neat things here

How many of you are feet people?

This verse here seems strange doesn’t it!

Why does God want the priest to have his ear lobe and his thumb and his big toe annointed?

Here’s what they represent:

Ear Lobe - represents dedication to hearing God’s commands

Thumb - represents dedication to doing God’s commands

Big Toe - represents dedication to going where God commands

In essence, the priest must be fully committed and devoted to serving the Lord

7. We Have a Fellowship with God (vv.

31-36)

Remember that the grain offering was a peace offering of fellowship with God

The priests were to sit in the tabernacle or the courtyard of the tabernacle and dine with God

Don’t miss this!

It took 7 days to ordain the priest, right?

Now, this may be nothing, but think about that number.

They are dining at the Lord’s Table for 7 days.

I believe we will be raptured up to Heaven prior to the 7 years of Great Tribulation on the Earth and when we do we will eat at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

Did you catch that?

We get new linen garments.

We get to put on the righteousness of God.

We eat with Jesus.

We get the opportunity to put on His righteousness.

But most of all this is a wedding feast.

It lasts for 7 days.

In this context the days match the 7 years of tribulation.

Conclusion:

We’ve covered a lot tonight.

I hope you have learned something and realized that all of the Old Testament ritual was pointing to Jesus and the fulfillment found in His sacrifice.

But, you and I are called to carry on the work of the priesthood as we live out our lives, ultimately waiting for the full consecration of the day in which we get to dine with Jesus in His Father’s House at the Marriage Feast of the Lamb.

Until then, we practice every time we partake of the Lord’s Supper.

Let’s make sure we go and invite others to join us!