READING: Exodus 28-29
I realize that the comparison of the priests in Exodus 28 and 29 to those of us who serve as pastors today may not be a one-to-one comparison. They had unique responsibilities that no longer apply to us, but there is a refrain in these chapters that does apply:
“Have your brother Aaron, with his sons, come to you from the Israelites to serve Me as priest” (Exo. 28:1)
“You are to instruct all the skilled craftsmen, whom I have filled with a spirit of wisdom, to make Aaron’s garments for consecrating him to serve Me as priest” (Exo. 28:3)
“They are to make holy garments for your brother Aaron and his sons so that they may serve Me as priests” (Exo. 28:4)
“Put these on your brother Aaron and his sons; then anoint, ordain, and consecrate them, so that they may serve Me as priests” (Exo. 28:41)
“This is what you are to do for them to consecrate them to serve Me as priests” (Exo. 29:1)
We who lead God’s people are called to serve Him. Not our own goals. Not our preferences. Not our traditions. Not other people. Not our agendas. Not our bitterness. Not our self-righteousness. Not our ego. Yes, we represent Him to people, and then people to Him — but we are to serve Him. When we minister to His people, we serve Him.
We know that truth, though, don’t we? We tell others that we do all we do in order to serve Him. If we really do serve Him, why, then, do we sometimes:
- get more concerned about human recognition than God’s affirmation?
- worry more about conflict with believers than devotion to God?
- cling to our sin while also holding on to our Bible?
- speak more about ourselves than about Him?
Why do we sometimes seem to serve two masters when we know that God alone is to be our true master? We take both God and the devil far too lightly.
ACTION STEPS: Consider these steps today:
- Answer this question honestly: “Whom do I really serve today?”
- Think about how your life and ministry might change if you served Him fully. Make one of those changes today, whatever it might be. Repent as needed.
PRAYER: “Father, forgive me when I take my service to You far too lightly. Bring me to the place where I serve You.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Exodus 30-32