Leviticus 8 - 9 and Acts 7

So are you sick of the sacrifices, the how to, the blood? Well, we get a little reprieve, sort of. Leviticus 8 and 9 tell the story of the ordination of Aaron and his sons who will be the priests of Israel. Chapter 8 tells of Moses' action to ordain Aaron and his sons. The role that Moses plays here is a reminder to Israel that the prophet has a higher office than the priest.

Urim and Thummin are devices of oracles and sometimes seen as dice that will be tossed to gain favor. They become a sign and symbol of the priesthood.

The placement of blood on Aaron and his signs are acts of purification, they are now worthy to interact with God in the sanctuary. Note that in this ceremony we see all the major offerings to purified the office, the people and then to set the covenant between God and the priesthood. Finally the ceremony ends with a meal marking the covenant.

Now that Aaron has been ordained and installed into the high priesthood, Israel can hold their first worship. Chapter 9 tells us about this ceremony. It takes place eight days after the ordination, which means it is the first day of the week, as well as the eight days allows for the priests to move from the profane existence of humanity to the sacred of God.

This first service begins with Aaron offering a sacrifice for his own sin, then an offering for the people and finally a offering for the well being of the people themselves.

Acts 7

The trial of Stephen stands on its own. A reminder that Stephen is the first martyr of the church, he is the first to give his life for the faith. He also is Greek, or at least in his name. The message of the church is finding root in both Judea and outside Judea just a Jesus had predicted.

Stephen's testimony seems to point out that through out time God has used the non-traditional person to be a messenger. This would seem to poke the temple authorities as this upstart stands before them lecturing them about God. Stephen takes great pain to remind the authorities that throughout time, Israel has turned away from God. He seems to say, they represent this turning from God, while Jesus represents those who are faithful to God.

Finally, the authorities have heard enough, Stephen is stoned to death but not before he seeks forgiveness for those killing him.