Title: A Perfect Picture/Topic: Human Condition

Today’s Reading: Leviticus 7; Leviticus 8; Leviticus 9; Acts 15

Scripture: Leviticus 8:30
30 Then Moses took some of the anointing oil and some of the blood from the altar and sprinkled them on Aaron and his garments and on his sons and their garments. So he consecrated Aaron and his garments and his sons and their garments.

Observation: As I read this verse I was struck with what a perfect picture it is of our human condition. Aaron and his sons are magnificently and extravagantly dressed in richly ornamented robes, jeweled breastplates and turbans, made to the exact specifications of the Lord. Then, when they are anointed, these beautiful clothes are stained with both oil and blood. Whenever they minister, Aaron and his sons will be reminded of their great worth and dignity, but also the cost of their sin (represented by the blood stains) and their limitations (the oil representing the empowering of the Holy Spirit; they can't do this in their own power).

Application: We, too, have been created with great worth in the image of God. Yet we have been marred by our own sin and must "wear" the stain of Jesus' blood if we hope to be cleansed from the effects of that sin. We also must have the "stain" of the Holy Spirit if we want to produce any lasting spiritual fruit. God has given us great creative intelligence with which we can produce many great things, yet we will experience frustration if we attempt to do God's work without the empowerment of the Spirit. We must keep a balance between understanding our great worth before God and the dignity he has given us but also of the need to humble ourselves and recognize our great need of Him.

Prayer: Father, may I keep this picture of Aaron in my mind: Knowing that I am of great worth and precious to you but also humbling myself before you and seeking the power of your anointing. Thank you for cleansing me from my sins. I need you desperately. Forgive me all my sins and trespasses and anoint me to serve you with the power of your Spirit, bringing glory to you.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.