Ministers - Part of Offering; Part of Gift - Leviticus 7-9

You can't help but read this section and get somewhat lost in all the ritual forms of worship taking place by Aaron and his sons as the Priest of God. I would not claim to know all the ins and outs of the worship but I did note that when it was done right God blessed their worship with His presence (9:23-24). I also noted that Aaron and his sons took part in several aspects of this worship. Their hands were laid on the sacrifice to indicate their relationship with the offering, but more importantly with the sin the offering represented. Ministers are people who sin like their flock. Taking part in the offering is necessary for priest as much as parishioner. Aaron and his sons also had the privilege of eating parts of the offering. That was their "payment" for service. The Priest were able to "live off" the sacrifices of the people. If the people became disobedient to God the priest would suffer as they couldn't live off the worship. It is important to realize that that portion of the system is still part of the NT church and our worship today. Pastors (Ministers) should identify with the sin of the people but should also take part in the offering and be able to enjoy that aspect of the obedience of the people. Most churches today don't mind the pastor identifying with the sin but struggle a little with the minister "living" from the offering. God has promised to care for ministers but He does through by the obedience of the people.