Leviticus 8

Coming from a family of preachers, both ordained and not, the ordination of Aaron and his sons seems very special to me. I can't say that any of the ordinations I have been to have had slaughtered bulls or rams, but one or two have ended in a barbeque. I know that one common story I have heard from many of the recently ordained is that it really hits them the first time they preside over communion. Something about being the physical link between God and the congregation is inspiring, energizing and real.

I decided to google the symbolism behind Leviticus and came across a very interesting one here: http://www.evidenceforchristianity.org/index.php?option=com_custom_content&task=view&id=5087

The writer talks about the ram and two bulls being symbols of Jesus and the two thieves which I find pretty interesting. But, I think it was what it was. A ceremony that captured the importance of what it means to be a leader of the flock. Sacrificing these animals and staying at the entrance of the tent for 7 days would have been a big undertaking. In the Lutheran church, our services of ordination are done in large gatherings and the ceremony is a service of the whole church, not just the local congregation. In the written service, people gather around the candidates and read scripture that offer advice and guidance and even rules. It celebrates the importance of the role and asks that it be treated with the respect and humility that it deserves. Sort of like making someone sit outside a tent for 7 days...