The Beginning of the End
Opening Prayer
Father God, Your name is on my lips because You have placed it in my heart. I rejoice because You are my Father.
Read Exodus 39:1-43
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Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Meditate
“Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature” (Rom. 13:14).
Think Further
The final stage before the tabernacle was erected involved the preparation of the special garments for the high priest. It links with the previous chapter by referring to the valuable and colorfully embroidered materials with which they were made. As with other aspects of the tabernacle, God was using the priest’s garments as a visual aid to portray the close covenant relationship between God and his people.
Attention focuses on two garments in particular. The ephod (2-7) was a multicolored waistcoat tied by a “skillfully woven waistband.” On the shoulders two precious stones were mounted that had the names of the tribes of Israel engraved on them. This was so that every time Aaron entered God’s presence their concerns would unavoidably be brought before him (7, c.f. Isa. 49:15,16 also).The breastplate (8-21) was a nine inch square and displayed a precious stone for each tribe of Israel. Here the concern is with how it was attached to the ephod, but earlier (28:30) we learned that its pockets contained the Urim and Thummim, which provided guidance when Israel needed it in making decisions. The breastplate testifies further to God’s attentive concern for his people. Among the other garments, brief attention is drawn to “the plate” (vs. 30,31) which fronted the turban. Its inscription, “Holy to the Lord,” was another reminder that Israel was God’s “treasured possession” and “a holy nation” (19:5,6).
Christians around the world are now the people of God and every one is a priest (1 Pet. 2:9,10). Their concerns are his concerns. They, too, are called to wear distinctive clothes, but they are not made out of beautiful cloth so much as out of beautiful characters, which are in the process of being transformed by Christ.
Apply
Read Paul’s description of the Christian’s specially designed wardrobe (Col. 3:12-14). And, just as you dress in your normal clothes, why not consciously seek to put on Christ daily?
Closing prayer
Lord, I’m so grateful I can come before You with confidence because I’m clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ.
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