Consider our High Priest, Christ Jesus!

 

January 27 Bible Reading: Exodus Chapters 28-30

Consider our High Priest, Christ Jesus!

Exodus chapters 28 and 29 describe the priestly garments of the High Priest, Aaron, which served three purposes:

1. Decorative -- They were to give Aaron glory and beauty (Exodus 28:2), which would display the beauty and authority that belonged to God himself.
2. Functional -- Each item of the garments had a functional role. The breastplate served as a pouch to contain the sacred lot, Urim and Thummim (Exodus 28:30) while the linen trousers were for the sake of modesty (Exodus 28:42)
3. Symbolic – There was symbolic elements to these garments as well. The two onyx stones on the ephod bearing the names of the twelve tribes of Israel were a memorial gesture (Exodus 28:9-12). The twelve precious stones of the breastplate representing the twelve tribes of Israel symbolized the High Priest bearing the judgment of the children of Israel before God continually (Exodus 28:29-30). The clothing of the High Priest was to provide a measure of realization of his task in representing Israel to God.

All of the high priestly garments have a wonderful significance for us too. Once we understand what these tell us about our heavenly High Priest, Jesus, we will find a deep-seated thankfulness rising up from within our spirit, and an encouragement to draw near to God with a purified heart in full assurance of faith (Hebrews 13:15; 10:22).

Hebrews 3:1 exhorts us to “consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus”. Jesus Christ is now our High Priest who sits at the right hand of God the Father and continually makes intervention for us. Romans 8:34 tells us “It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us”.    

Today let us go boldly to the throne room of God in prayer as we consider our High Priest Jesus Christ. "Seeing we have such a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, a High Priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses (being tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin), let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:14-16).