January 24, 2023 - Exodus 28-31

From yesterday: “There is a particular manner and pattern by which we must approach God in worship: “Exactly as I show you concerning the pattern of the tabernacle, and of all its furniture, so you shall make it” (25:9). In coming before God we do not get to freewheel it.” But God not only gave to Israel instructions about the place where they were to meet God, he also provided those – the priests – who would stand between them and God and who would lead them in worship. Also, the priests represent the people before God as shown in the very garments they were to wear, adorned with stones: “you shall set the two stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod, as stones of remembrance for the sons of Israel. And Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord on his two shoulders for remembrance” (28:12).

The priests kept the name of Israel before the Lord. You know, we also have a priest who stands for us: “Christ Jesus is the one who died-- more than that, who was raised-- who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us” (Romans 8:34). Oh my, isn’t that good news! In the hustle and bustle of each day with all our battles against the world and against our own sin, our great High Priest is naming our names before the Father! Meditate on this truth throughout the day and be encouraged! And God gave other instructions about the altar, the offerings, and other matters related to the tabernacle. “And he gave to Moses, when he had finished speaking with him on Mount Sinai, the two tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God” (31:18). Israel had what they needed, so do we!

Now let our cheerful eyes survey

Our great High-Priest above,

And celebrate his constant care

And sympathetic love.

Though raised to heaven’s exalted throne,

Where angels bow around,

And high o’er all the hosts of light,

With matchless honors crowned—

The names of all his saints he bears,

Deep graven on his heart;

Nor shall the weakest Christian say

That he has lost his part. -- Philip Doddridge (1792)