Good Morning.
And Moses wrote all the words of the Lord. And he rose early in the morning, and built an altar at the foot of the mountain, and twelve pillars according to the twelve tribes of Israel. Then he sent young men of the children of Israel, who offered burnt offerings and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen to the Lord. (Exodus 24:4-5)
It is very interesting to consider that before there is ever a mention of the Levitical priesthood, the Bible records that “young men” of Israel are sent out to offer sacrifices unto the LORD upon the altar built by Moses. Most likely these young men are the firstborn of Israel who had been consecrated unto the LORD earlier: “Consecrate to Me all the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and beast; it is Mine” (Exodus 13:2). Thus, in the beginning of Israel’s history, it was the firstborn from every tribe that functioned in the role of priests unto God.
Obviously, the Golden Calf incident and its aftermath changed all of that. It was after Israel’s egregious sin that God set the tribe of Levi apart to serve in that capacity and so it was up until the destruction of the Second Temple centuries later. Actually, to this very day, those Jews with the name Cohen, Levi, Aronson, etc. are recognized as the priestly class and, in time, are expected to serve in that role once again should another Temple be built.
But let’s consider what God’s original intention seems to have been — that as a nation, Israel would function as His priests. This is what He told them when they first arrived at Sinai — “You shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6). Many years later, Peter would echo this statement when he announced to those who follow Yeshua that they are a priesthood.
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9)
In Messiah, we are to function in the same manner as those who were regarded as His “firstborn,” meaning that we are to represent Him to others as His priests; those who minister to Him and to His people. As Peter said, we are charged with the responsibility of “proclaiming” His praised and, as we have experienced, leading others out of darkness into His light. So then, understanding what our function is, let us make sure to get all of the “golden calves” out of our life that we may stand before Him blameless and pure.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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