Exodus 29  This chapter describes the instructions that the Lord gave for the consecration and ordination of Aaron and his sons for the job of priests to the Lord.  This was a brand new way for people to come to God.  God intended to meet His people at the doorway to His tabernacle.  He intended for them to know Him as He dwelt among them.  "And they shall know that I am the Lord their God who brought them out of the land of Egypt; that I might dwell among them; I am the Lord their God." (v46)

Yet, before they could meet with the Lord, the priests had to be prepared.  To come any other way would  bring death.. 

God set aside Aaron and his sons for this task. They had to be washed, clothed in the special garments, anointed with oil and sprinkled with the blood of the sacrifices.  There was  a bull offered as a sin offering. There were 2 rams offered.. one as a burnt offering and one as a wave and heave offering.  The Lord called the burnt offering a "soothing aroma".  He proclaimed that a portion of the heave offerings would be used as a portion for the priests. 

This specific time of consecration and ordination lasted for 7 days.  Each day a bull was offered as a sin offering. Each day a lamb would be offered in the morning and one at twilight.  A grain offering and a libation were offered with the lambs. This would become a continuous offering from this time forward. 

When the atonement was completed the altar would be considered "holy" to the Lord and nothing unholy should ever touch it. 

We no longer have to bring blood sacrifices into a tent or temple.. we don't have to come before a priest from Aaron's line.  We come to know the Lord our God through the Lamb of God,  Jesus Christ, who offered Himself as the final offering fulfilling every requirement that the Lord commanded. 

Father in heaven, we thank You for the salvation that comes through Jesus.  He washes us clean. He anoints us with holy oil.  He paid the sin offering and has made us holy before You by His blood.  Keep us from all unrighteousness that we might come before You morning and evening.. blameless to stand in Your holy presence and to know You as the Lord our God.  In His name we come . Amen.