Exodus 29

“Slaughter the ram, take some of its blood, and put it on Aaron’s right earlobe, on his son’s right earlobes, on the thumbs of their right hands, and on the big toes of their right feet. Sprinkle the remaining blood on the sides of the altar. Take some of the blood that is on the altar and some of the anointing oil, and sprinkle them on Aaron and his garments. In this way, he and his garments will become holy, as well as his sons and their garments.”  Exodus 29:20-21 (HCSB)

Atoning for sin is a bloody business. It is ugly, and it involves death. Mankind has a way of excusing its own sin rather than dealing with it head-on. All people in all cultures feel guilt; hence, the removal of guilt is close to the heart of everyone, everywhere.  

The fact that men naturally feel “guilty” testifies that there is a moral law from which to judge right & wrong. If there is a moral law, there must be a moral lawgiver, i.e., God.

The problem is not as much that men don’t know they sin. It is that they overlook their own sin, even while exposing the sins of others. The closer people come to God, the more they feel in touch with/convinced of their “guilt.” Some respond by humbling themselves before the Lord and repenting, while others react in anger and hatred toward Him and His people.

“If the world hates you, understand it hated Me before it hated you.” John 15:18 (HCSB)

From as far back as the Garden of Eden, God prepared a way to atone for or “cover” sin. Remember how God exchanged Adam & Eve’s fig leaf attire for animal skins? Sin kills, so if you do not want the fullness of judgment to fall on you, something (or someone) has to bear your punishment, leading to death. The blood of the sacrifice reminds men of how heinous their sin is. In terms of everlasting atonement, only Jesus’ sacrifice of His sinless life is both affective and effective in bringing about our salvation. His atonement is received when we turn away from our sin and turn to Him, confess our sin, profess our belief in the worth of His sacrifice and Lordship, and commit to following Him. (Acts 4:12)

For Aaron and his sons, the ear was touched with the blood, that it might be consecrated (set apart) to hear the word of God; the hand, to perform the duties connected with the priesthood; and the foot, to walk in the path of righteousness.

All followers of Jesus are called to be “priests” (servants). (1 Peter 2:9) Messiah’s blood consecrates every part of us: ear, hand & foot, and this “consecration” is extended to every member of His kingdom. (Matthew 26:28, Ephesians 1:7, 2:13)