4This is how the lampstand was made: It was made of hammered gold—from its base to its blossoms. The lampstand was made exactly like the pattern the Lord had shown Moses.- P22
7To purify them, do this: Sprinkle the water of cleansing on them; then have them shave their whole bodies and wash their clothes. And so they will purify themselves.
8Have them take a young bull with its grain offering of the finest flour mixed with olive oil; then you are to take a second young bull for a sin offering.
- P22
12"Then the Levites are to lay their hands on the heads of the bulls, using one for a sin offering to the Lord and the other for a burnt offering, to make atonement for the Levites.- P23
God instructs Moses on setting up the lamps in the tabernacle and consecrat-ing the Levites for service. Aaron arranges the lamps to illuminate the areabefore the lampstand. - P23
The Levites undergo purification through washing,
shaving, and sacrifices. They are presented before the Lord as a living offering,
dedicated to assist the priests in their duties within the tabernacle.- P23
Moses’s job is to listen carefully, convey the message to his brother Aaron, and oversee the process to ensure that all tasks have been completed properly. - P24
We may not always receive such detailed instructions for everything God has for us, but Moses models how we are to approach the Lord when seeking His direction. We must listen carefully first, so that we might discern His will and carry out what He assigns us according to His guidance.- P24
Before they can begin their work in the tent of meeting, the Levites must be ceremonially clean. They must purify themselves and present a series of offerings to God. Then, the Levites themselves become the offering, dedicated as people who are to serve the Lord full-time.- P24
Perhaps they were fearful, as I was, about the consequences theywould face if they did not do their job well. However, they undoubtedlyrecognized the privilege they had in serving God and His people.
Like the eleven other tribes, most of us are not in full-time ministry, but wecan serve the Lord by using our gifts and talents in our families, schools,
jobs, and churches. - P25
We can also pray for those who do serve full-time. Wecan recognize the responsibilities they carry and pray that they serve theLord and His people well with the humility and purity of heart that Christexemplified.- P25
Father, I praise You because You are a holy God who cares about the state of our hearts. Thank you for making detailed and careful provision for our purification through Jesus Christ. Give me ears to hear Your instructions as I serve You and Your people. In Jesus’ name, amen.- P25
