Exodus 29

The Explanation

It was early in the morning. The sun was just coming up over the tents.

In the middle of the camp stood a special tent. God's tent. And in front of that tent stood a man. His name was Aaron. His sons stood beside him.

Aaron was a bit nervous. Today something big was going to happen.

Moses came with a bowl of water. Cool, clear water. He washed Aaron. He washed his hands. He washed his feet. Splash, splash. Now Aaron was clean.

Then Moses brought the clothes. Beautiful clothes! A long white robe. A coat over it. A shiny piece on his chest, with sparkling stones. And a cloth wrapped around his head, like a crown.

Aaron looked at himself. He had never worn such beautiful clothes.

Then Moses took a little jar of oil. Sweet-smelling oil. He poured it over Aaron's head. Drip, drip, down his hair. Mmm, it smelled so good. The whole tent smelled of it.

Aaron's sons got beautiful clothes too. White robes. Belts around their waists. Cloths around their heads.

What Does This Mean?

Now something happened that is hard.

There was an animal there. A young bull, and two rams. Aaron laid his hands on the animal's head. And the animal died. It gave its life, for Aaron.

That is sad. But listen to why.

Aaron was going to work in God's tent. But Aaron had done wrong things too. Just like you and me. And God is so good, so pure, so clean. You cannot just walk in there.

So the animal died instead of Aaron.

Moses dipped his finger in the blood. He touched Aaron's right ear. He touched his right thumb. He touched his right big toe.

His ear, to listen to God. His thumb, to work for God. His toe, to walk God's way.

Now Aaron could go in. Now Aaron was God's helper.

The Common Thread

And then God said something wonderful.

"Every morning a little lamb. Every evening a little lamb. Every single day."

Every morning, when the sun came up, smoke went up from the altar. Every evening, when the sun went down, smoke again. Every day. Every day. Every day.

And God said: "There I will meet with you. I will speak to you there. I will live right in the middle of my people."

That is what God wanted most of all. Not to stay far away up in heaven. But to live close by. In the middle of the tents. Right next to his people.

Later, God sent Jesus. Jesus is the Lamb who came just once. And now the door is open. Always.

For You

You do not need a beautiful robe. You do not need oil in your hair.

God is close to you already.

Point to your own ear. God wants you to listen to Him. Point to your own hands. God wants to use your hands. Wiggle your toes. God walks with you, everywhere you go.

Every morning. Every evening. Every day.

Talk About It

Where on your body did the blood go? Can you point to those three places?

What does God want to do most of all: stay far away, or live close to you?

Praying Together

Dear God,

Thank you that You want to be close to me. Here are my ears. Here are my hands. Here are my feet. They are for You. Amen.