I was reading through the ordination of Aaron and his sons in Leviticus 8, and I realized again that this was not just ceremony. It was not religious detail. It was a blueprint for how God forms those who will carry His presence.
If we slow down and read it carefully, we see a pattern. And that pattern speaks directly to the modern Ekklesia and to every minister today.
Here Is How God Makes a Priest
1. Washed Before Commissioned
Before garments, before oil, before sacrifice, Moses washed Aaron and his sons with water (Leviticus 8:6). God cleanses before He commissions!
In a culture that platforms people quickly and prepares them slowly, this matters. Character must precede calling. Purity must precede power. You cannot clothe corruption and expect the anointing to compensate for it.
Before God ever entrusts public responsibility, He deals with the private life. The washing reminds us that no one carries holy things without first being made clean.
2. Clothed with Identity Before Function
After the washing, Aaron was clothed carefully and intentionally—the tunic, the robe, the ephod, the breastpiece, the turban, and on his forehead the gold plate that read, "Holy to the Lord" (Leviticus 8:7–9; Exodus 28:36–38). Before he did anything, he was marked. (Photo via Unsplash)
Ministry flows from identity, not insecurity. You do not minister to become someone. You minister because you already belong to Him. That inscription on the forehead speaks loudly. Holiness must govern the mind. What you think about, how you decide, how you lead, all of it must be marked by alignment with God. Identity first. Assignment second.
3. Anointed with Oil, Set Apart by the Spirit
Then Moses poured the anointing oil on Aaron's head, and the oil flowed down (Leviticus 8:12). The oil represents the Spirit of God setting someone apart. The anointing is not based on hype, personality, or charisma. It is based on divine authorization.
There are many gifted people. There are fewer anointed ones. Gifting may open doors, but only the oil sustains authority. The modern church does not need more talent, we need men and women who carry the weight of the Spirit. The oil says, "This one belongs to Me!"
4. Marked by Blood in Hearing, Doing, and Walking
Then came one of the most powerful moments in the chapter. The blood of the ram of ordination was placed on the lobe of the right ear, the thumb of the right hand, and the big toe of the right foot (Leviticus 8:22–23). This was total consecration.
The ear represents what you hear. A priest must hear rightly. He can't hear culture first, trends first, or public opinion first but the voice of God first.
The thumb represents what you build. Your work, your influence, and your leadership must reflect Heaven's blueprint. (Photo via Unsplash)
The toe represents how you walk. Your lifestyle must match your message.
What you listen to, what you construct, and how you live all belong to Him.
5. Formed at the Entrance Before Functioning in the House
Finally, they were commanded to remain at the entrance of the Tabernacle for seven days (Leviticus 8:33). They did not rush into ministry. They stayed at the threshold.
There is something deeply prophetic about that. Before stepping fully into authority, they lingered in proximity. There was formation before manifestation, presence before productivity. Many want "Day Eight" authority, but they have not stayed long enough at the entrance. God forms priests in His presence before He releases them into public responsibility.
What This Means for the Ekklesia
The New Testament calls us a royal priesthood. This is not just about pastors, this is about the Ekklesia, the governing assembly of God's people on the earth. We are not called to build platforms, we are called to carry presence.
So the question is not "Are you gifted enough?" The deeper questions are "Are you consecrated? Have you been washed? Are you clothed in identity? Has the oil flowed? Has your hearing, your work, and your walk been marked by the Blood? Have you lingered long enough at the entrance.?"
God is not looking for celebrities. He is forming priests. And when priests are properly formed, the glory fills the house.
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Dr. Scott Reece
Lead Pastor of River City Church
Email:Â drscottreece@yahoo.com
Website:Â www.drscottreece.com
Dr. Scott Reece is a husband, father, lead pastor, church planter, and apostolic leader of the Azusa Network of Churches and Ministries. His passions include pastoral leadership, global missions, studying, preaching, and teaching the Word of God. Being called as a pastor to pastors, serving leaders, congregations, and ministries, he is committed to Biblical and leadership authenticity. With an apostolic mantle on his life, he is passionate about equipping and releasing the next generation of leaders in the fullness of the Kingdom. He and his wife, Michelle, make their home in Bettendorf, Iowa, and are lead pastors of River City Church, located in the Quad Cities. They are the proud parents of six children and three grandchildren.
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