Priestly Garments
Scripture Reading — Exodus 28:15-29
There are to be twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel. . . .
Israel’s high priest was to wear special garments glittering with engraved precious stones. These garments gave Aaron dignity and honor, pointing to Jesus, our ultimate High Priest.
The breastpiece included 12 precious stones, each engraved with the name of one of the 12 tribes of Israel. The instructions for using the garments say, “Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart . . . as a continuing memorial before the Lord.”
The variety of hues and colors in the stones representing the whole people of God helps us recognize the diversity of all peoples who are now part of God’s family in Christ. We are all precious in his sight.
In Isaiah 54:11-13 God speaks of the redeemed this way: “Afflicted city . . . I will rebuild you with stones of turquoise, your foundations with lapis lazuli. I will make your battlements of rubies, your gates of sparkling jewels, and all your walls of precious stones. All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.” And in a vision of heaven in Revelation 7:9 we see a multitude “from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne [of God] and before the Lamb.”
Will you be there too? God wants his people from all nations to live with him in peace and abundance forever!
Thank you, Lord, that each one of us is precious in your sight. Bear us close to your heart and guide us each day, we pray. Amen.
About the author — George Young
George Young, a native New Yorker, worked as a taxi driver in New York City before studying to become a pastor. Then he, his wife Ruth, and their children were missionaries for many years in northeastern Japan. They worked with ministers and believers from the Reformed Church in Japan to spread the good news of salvation in Christ and establish new churches. Now George and Ruth are retired and live in the northeastern United States, nearer to their children and grandchildren.
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