As we have already observed we are priests to our God. This is a tremendous privilege but also a great responsibility because God expects a pure priesthood. Leviticus 8 rehearses the ordination of Aaron and his sons. Of particular interest today is the ram of ordination (8: 22 – 29). After it was slaughtered Moses applied some of the blood to Aaron and his boys. The blood (emblematic of the blood of Christ) cleansed them and readied them for priestly service.
Blood was applied to their right earlobes because priests must be free from the witness of sin. God’s Word teaches that we must avoid the siren song of a sinful society and refuse to walk in its ways (Ps. 1: 1). We must turn a deaf ear to the competing voices which beg us to be just like everyone else.
Blood was applied to their right thumbs because priests must be free from the work of sin. Our hands must be clean from the devil’s diversions. Hands busy in the devil’s workshop all week need not close in prayer on Sunday.
Blood was applied to their right big toe because priests must be free from the walk of sin. Living as believer-priests may mean we do not go to the same places as others. Being privileged as we are to enter the Holy of Holies we dare not undermine our priestly work there by visiting unholy places. The believer-priest must be conscious of and conscientious about his or her holiness at all times.
If there is known sin in our life it short-circuits our ability to intercede before God in behalf of others (Ps. 66: 18) so we must constantly be taking pains to be pure priests before God and men.