Originally God wanted all His people to be priests; and that’s how it is now with His people!
Priests (kohenim) are cited 55 times in the first seven chapters of Leviticus. Up to this point, all the detailed information about the sacrifices has been just theory for them. Before a priest could lift a finger to do any of the things commanded, he must first be consecrated. That is the subject of chapter 8, with a description of their ministries in chapter 9. Here were the important components for the ceremony: “Take Aaron and his sons with him, and the garments, the anointing oil, a bull as the sin offering, two rams, and a basket of unleavened bread” (8:2). It’s always insightful to see what God thinks is important. When most people plan big events, they like over-the-top decorations and lots of fanfare. Dignitaries make exaggerated claims in their speeches, and everyone jostles to get in the pictures. But look how the Lord does things. The King’s birth in an out-building. A career as a carpenter. Fishermen for His key men. The Last Supper in a rented room with a handful of followers, bread as the main menu item—and He handled the foot washing! A borrowed tomb after His death as a common criminal, a brief hillside goodbye, and a promise to return. Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of it all. By this the whole course of human history was redirected from the black hole of hopeless despair up to the throne of God. And it’s easy to miss the significance of priesthood. These ordinary men were about to become junior partners with God in the greatest enterprise imaginable, to become the link between heaven and earth. This should fascinate every Christian because God has also made us priests. If we cooperate, yes, today we can be the Lord’s interface between human needs and His breathtaking generosity!