GIVE AN ORDER

“Adonai said to Moshe, ‘Give this order to Aharon and his sons: “This is the law for the burnt offering: it is what goes up on its firewood upon the altar all night long, until morning; in this way the fire of the altar will be kept burning.”’”
Leviticus 6:1-2

In looking at the first words spoke by Adonai to Moshe in this passage, we see Adonai start out with the word, “Tzav…” Tzav translates into ‘give an order’. It is in this short passage that Adonai is giving an order concerning the burnt offering. The fire of this offering was to never go out but rather be kept continually burning on the altar. In order for this to happen, the fire had to be tended. As the fire which consumed the burnt offering was growing dim, the priest would put on the linen garment and linen shorts and remove the ashes from the altar to a place beside the altar. Then, before continuing, the priest would remove the soiled garments and put on a new set, then carry the ashes outside of the camp. This would be the case daily.
Although this sounds redundant, there was purpose. The priests were forbidden to present the daily offering until they had given the remains of the previous day their proper respect. While still holding a portion of holiness since they were from the day before’s offering, they couldn’t just be tossed.
To me, I am reminded of two key points. First, we as followers need to come to the understanding that there is order in the kingdom. Before the day could begin the ashes had to be removed. Before I can make it through a fraction of my day, I need to meet with Adonai. I need His direction and instruction, therefore I need His guidance and His Word. Secondly, I am reminded of the portion concerning new and old wineskins in Matthew 9:16-17. To put wine in an old skin would only allow the skins to burst and the wine to escape by leaking on the ground. Yet in filling new wineskins with the wine, this issue would be dodged. So it is with us again. In removing the previous ashes the new offering could be given. In seeking Adonai daily, the misdirection can be avoided. And in filling new wineskins with wine, we do not have to fear a rip in the skin of old.