Exodus 28
PRECIOUS
The attitude we should have toward family and fellow believers is shown in the garments of the high priest.
Firstly, the high priest had to wear two onyx stones secured to the shoulder straps of his garment, and held in by settings of gold filagree. On these two stones were to be engraved the names of the sons of Israel. The onyx stones were to sit on the shoulders of the high priest.
And secondly, on the front of his garment, the high priest had twelve precious stones on display. Each of these stones also had an engraving – each stone was engraved with a single name of one of the tribes of Israel.
The comment on the onyx shoulder stones was this: “And 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.” (Exodus 28 v 12 ESV). And the comment on the twelve breastpiece stones was this: “So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel in the breastpiece of judgement on his heart, when he goes into the Holy Place, to bring them to regular remembrance before the Lord.” (v 29).
What attitudes should we learn from the precious stones the high priest had to wear?
Our family, and especially our brothers and sisters in Christ, are precious, like precious stones, and deserve to be treated as such. We must remember them and lift them up in prayer before the LORD. It is our job to carry our brothers and sisters on our shoulders, to bear their burdens, and to be a strength and encouragement. And we need to hold them in the most precious place we can – in our hearts.
We might not be wearing the high priest outfit, but let’s make sure we display the right attitudes.
May we continue to grow in the love and unity of Christ until he comes.
With love in our Lord
Robert
Robert Prins
ThinkyThings 