Leviticus 8:22-24  Then Moses presented the other ram, which was the ram of ordination. Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the ram’s head, and Moses slaughtered it. Then Moses took some of its blood and applied it to the lobe of Aaron’s right ear, the thumb of his right hand, and the big toe of his right foot. Next Moses presented Aaron’s sons and applied some of the blood to the lobes of their right ears, the thumbs of their right hands, and the big toes of their right feet. He then splattered the rest of the blood against all sides of the altar. (NLT)

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Some Bible passages are so unusual that they immediately arrest our attention. This passage always makes me pause and ponder. Moses took some of the blood of the sacrifice and applied it to Aaron and his sons’ right ears, the thumbs of their right hands, and the big toes of their right feet. If that doesn’t get your attention, I don’t know what will. 

What is the meaning of this unusual ritual?

This act symbolizes how the priests’ senses and strengths were devoted to God’s service. 

Notice the order of operations here. Moses started with their right ears. This is a good opportunity to remember life’s most important lesson to learn and to teach. Learning to hear and obey God is that lesson. Learning to do God’s will God’s way saves us from all kinds of problems. It also empowers us for significant service.

Two chapters after this anointing and consecration, Nadab and Abihu decide to do God’s work their way. This does not end well. (See Leviticus 10.)

It’s rude not to listen when someone is speaking to us. It is unwise at best and dangerous at worst not to listen to what God says. His will and ways, his instructions and commands, bless us and benefit others. Hearing and obeying God simplifies life and amplifies our fulfillment.

After the ears, Moses applies the blood to the thumbs of the right hands. The work of our hands, the blessing of gentle touch, and the kindness of assistance all express God’s purpose for how the priests operated in the community. They served, they assisted, they did for others what they could not do for themselves. 

The opposable thumb provides the grace of grip. Such a hand can hold and lift. It is fitted for service. It is endlessly useful. 

After the ears and thumbs, Moses applied the blood to the big toes of the right feet. Every step and journey is anointed with purpose. Staying in step with God is a repeated command and invitation throughout the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. 

This anointing reminds us how we go with God. We are never out of his presence, out of his care, out of his mission for our lives. Everywhere I go today, I go with him. Everything I do today, I do in the strength he provides. 

We are oriented by God with the blessing of hearing his truth, handling it with grace, and taking it where it needs to be experienced. 

While this ceremony was only for priests before Jesus came, since then, we “are his holy priests,” (1 Peter 2:5). We are priests for ourselves and for one another. 

Listen for God’s voice and commit to doing what he says. 

Lead with a grip of grace as you do your work and serve everyone you meet.

Lean into this part of God’s journey with purpose in every step. 

This kind of life honors God and blesses others.

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I will honor God and bless others with all the strengths God gives me.

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Our Father, please give me ears to hear what you are saying today and an obedient heart fully aligned with your loving nature. Please give me a grip of grace that lifts, strengthens, and serves. Please give me direction and purpose as I walk with you. Amen.