“You shall set the altar of burnt offering before the door of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, and place the basin.., and put water in it. And you shall set up the court all around, and hang up the screen for the gate of the court.
“Then you shall take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and all that is in it, and consecrate it and all its furniture, so that it may become holy. You shall also anoint the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and consecrate the altar, so that the altar may become most holy. You shall also anoint the basin and its stand, and consecrate it. Then you shall bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the tent of meeting and shall wash them with water and put on Aaron the holy garments. And you shall anoint him and consecrate him, that he may serve me as priest. You shall bring his sons also and put coats on them, and anoint them, as you anointed their father, that they may serve me as priests. And their anointing shall admit them to a perpetual priesthood throughout their generations.”
“This Moses did; according to all that the Lord commanded him…
“Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up.., the people of Israel would set out. But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up. For the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys.” Exodus 40:6-16,34-38
Much was made of anointing with consecrating oil the articles of the tabernacle, and the priests who would serve there. God takes seriously that we take solemnly our worship of, and service for, Him. He sets apart His people as holy, and expects that we guard our reverence of Him in every endeavor.
In our casual day and age, in many places, we have given in to a measure of comfort over modesty, and self-pampering over respect for others, that dilutes a reverent propriety before a holy God. Gradually, and in some cases insidiously, our focus has turned inward- what’s in it and most pleasant for me? We subconsciously think we’re doing God a favor with our service, and quickly get defensive at any conviction or challenge to our preferred way. We jump to justify what is easier, more comfortable, or convenient, rolling our eyes at and casually dismissing God’s requirements in worship. While we are free from prescribed laws, are we nonchalant or cavalier in dismissing their intent and spirit? (Leviticus 11:44)
The Israelites were anointed to remember God was God, He was holy, and they were to be holy also. What careless conduct or flippant attitudes diminish our portrayal of God’s worth and splendor? How need I adjust my heart so holy oil runs in and on and through my behavior, language, dress, choice of entertainment, priorities in time and financial management?
Lord, consecrate me with Your Spirit so in all, I honor You as holy.
As the rain and snow 