RPG Adults
DUTIES OF THE AARONIC PRIESTHOOD
FRIDAY, AUGUST 2
Hebrews 5:1-10
Exodus 30:10
“… Aaron shall make … atonement upon it
throughout your generations …”
DUTIES OF THE AARONIC PRIESTHOOD
In His human nature, Christ was compassed with infirmity. He was a priest taken from among men even as Aaron but His descent was from the house of Judah. The picture of the Aaronic priesthood is clear from his ordained work in fulfilment of the duties of a priest.
The priest appointed after the order of Aaron stood for the people and for himself to offer sacrifices for sins. Such a person was called of God and no man could take this honour upon himself. In the Mosaic Law, these priests had multiple duties. They kept the sanctuary and the lamp burning continually. They covered the furniture and moved them when necessary. They also burned incense and offered sacrifices. In addition, they blessed the people and purified the unclean. They diagnosed leprosy and blew the trumpets. When Israel had to move, they carried the Ark of the Covenant. The primary duty of the priests and Levites was to teach the Law. In Israel there were those that held both this office as well as that of the prophet; notable among whom were Samuel, Jeremiah and Ezra. The duties are stated severally in the five books of Moses.
The services of the priests were entirely essential in Israel and the nation could not function without them. The requirements of the ceremonial law were complex. Believers in Christ (of the New Testament administration) today are no longer required to observe these for Christ has fulfilled them all at once.
Paul called the work of Christ the basis of Christian liberty and the Law a school master that leads to the full knowledge of God’s plan of redemption (Gal 3:24). In the office of the priest, Aaron was an example of Christ. Beside this priesthood, there was another earlier order: the priesthood of Melchizedek.
THOUGHT: There is liberty in Jesus Christ.
PRAYER: Father, grant me wisdom to exercise Christian liberty.