Aaron Was Separated, He and His Sons for Ever,
As followers of Jesus, we are called to live a separated life, exercising the functions of intercession, ministry, and blessing.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the significance of Aaron's separation as a priest, drawing parallels to our own calling to live a separated life dedicated to God. He highlights the threefold office of intercession, ministry, and blessing, urging believers to engage in fervent prayer for others, serve with a unified purpose for God's glory, and actively bless those around them. Meyer encourages Christians to embody these roles, reminding them that true closeness to God enables them to impact the world positively. The sermon calls for a deeper commitment to spiritual growth and service, reflecting the essence of being chosen priests in Christ.
Text
Aaron was separated, he and his sons for ever,
to minister unto Him. 1 Chron. xxiii. 13.
THE threefold office of Aaron suggests our own. When we are prepared to follow Jesus, through the rent vail of his flesh, living a truly separated life, cleansing ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, we also, as chosen priests, may exercise these functions of intercession, ministry, and blessing.
Intercession. ‑‑ The fragrant incense stealing heavenward is a beautiful emblem of intercessory prayer. Let us pray more, not for ourselves so much as for others. This is the sign of growth in grace, when our prayers are fragrant with the names of friend and foe, and mingled with the coals of the golden altar. This is one of the best gifts; oh to exercise it more persistently!
Ministry. ‑‑ We have many things to engage our attention, but they maybe unified and elevated by the one threading purpose of doing all for the King. Whether we eat, or drink, or whatever else we do, we may do all to his glory. Go up and down in the Temple, 0 priests; engage in song, or sacrifice, or whatever ministry you will: but be sure that all is of Him, and through Him, and to Him for ever.
Blessing. ‑‑ As Aaron came forth from the most Holy Place to bless the congregation that waited for him, so we should bless that little portion of the world in which our lot is cast. It is not enough to Iinger in soft prayer within the vail, we must come forth to bless mankind. He who is nearest God is closest man. Let our smile, our touch, our words, our life, be the greatest blessing possible to those who know us best.
Blessed Spirit, realize through each of us this threefoId ideal, and separate us from sin and the world, that we may be prepared for it.
Sermon Outline
- The Threefold Office of Aaron
- Intercession
- Ministry
- Blessing
Key Quotes
“Let us pray more, not for ourselves so much as for others.” — F.B. Meyer
“He who is nearest God is closest man.” — F.B. Meyer
“Blessed Spirit, realize through each of us this threefold ideal, and separate us from sin and the world, that we may be prepared for it.” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- We should prioritize intercessory prayer, praying for others more than ourselves.
- We should unify our actions with a single purpose of doing everything for the glory of the King.
- We should come forth to bless those around us, using our smile, touch, words, and life to be a blessing to others.