Exodus 29: Ordination, Then And Now

Exodus 29 outlines the ordination ceremony for priests in ancient Israel.  We still ordain people for ministry today, but a lot has changed.

Then: Only direct descendants of Aaron could serve as priests.  No other people groups, tribes, or families need apply.  And, of course they had to be male.

Now: There is no family requirement for ordination.  Some denominations only ordain men, but some ordain women, too.

Then: The duties of the ordained priest revolved around the worship of God in the tabernacle/temple, and in offering up the sacrifices on the altar.

Now: Those who are ordained may serve in a variety of roles in ministry, both inside and outside the church.

Then: An ordination ceremony involved the slaughter of bulls and rams.

Now: With Christ as our atoning sacrifice, we no longer practice the offering of animals upon the altar.  (But we still celebrate a lot with food and eating!)

Then: Ordained priests wore elaborate vestments including an ephod, breastpiece, and turban.

Now: Some clergy wear robes and clerical collars, others wear suits and ties.  Some are dressed indistinguishably from non-clergy.

Then: Those who were ordained served God.

Now: Those who are ordained serve God.