Holy Garments Before a Holy God

Prayer of Thanks

Prayer of Illumination

Exodus 28 NASB95

1 “Then bring near to yourself Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the sons of Israel, to minister as priest to Me—Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons. 2 “You shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty. 3 “You shall speak to all the skillful persons whom I have endowed with the spirit of wisdom, that they make Aaron’s garments to consecrate him, that he may minister as priest to Me. 4 “These are the garments which they shall make: a breastpiece and an ephod and a robe and a tunic of checkered work, a turban and a sash, and they shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother and his sons, that he may minister as priest to Me. 5 “They shall take the gold and the blue and the purple and the scarlet material and the fine linen. 6 “They shall also make the ephod of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen, the work of the skillful workman. 7 “It shall have two shoulder pieces joined to its two ends, that it may be joined. 8 “The skillfully woven band, which is on it, shall be like its workmanship, of the same material: of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen. 9 “You shall take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel, 10 six of their names on the one stone and the names of the remaining six on the other stone, according to their birth. 11 “As a jeweler engraves a signet, you shall engrave the two stones according to the names of the sons of Israel; you shall set them in filigree settings of gold. 12 “You shall put the two stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod, as stones of memorial for the sons of Israel, and Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord on his two shoulders for a memorial. 13 “You shall make filigree settings of gold, 14 and two chains of pure gold; you shall make them of twisted cordage work, and you shall put the corded chains on the filigree settings. 15 “You shall make a breastpiece of judgment, the work of a skillful workman; like the work of the ephod you shall make it: of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen you shall make it. 16 “It shall be square and folded double, a span in length and a span in width. 17 “You shall mount on it four rows of stones; the first row shall be a row of ruby, topaz and emerald; 18 and the second row a turquoise, a sapphire and a diamond; 19 and the third row a jacinth, an agate and an amethyst; 20 and the fourth row a beryl and an onyx and a jasper; they shall be set in gold filigree. 21 “The stones shall be according to the names of the sons of Israel: twelve, according to their names; they shall be like the engravings of a seal, each according to his name for the twelve tribes. 22 “You shall make on the breastpiece chains of twisted cordage work in pure gold. 23 “You shall make on the breastpiece two rings of gold, and shall put the two rings on the two ends of the breastpiece. 24 “You shall put the two cords of gold on the two rings at the ends of the breastpiece. 25 “You shall put the other two ends of the two cords on the two filigree settings, and put them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod, at the front of it. 26 “You shall make two rings of gold and shall place them on the two ends of the breastpiece, on the edge of it, which is toward the inner side of the ephod. 27 “You shall make two rings of gold and put them on the bottom of the two shoulder pieces of the ephod, on the front of it close to the place where it is joined, above the skillfully woven band of the ephod. 28 “They shall bind the breastpiece by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a blue cord, so that it will be on the skillfully woven band of the ephod, and that the breastpiece will not come loose from the ephod. 29 “Aaron shall carry the names of the sons of Israel in the breastpiece of judgment over his heart when he enters the holy place, for a memorial before the Lord continually. 30 “You shall put in the breastpiece of judgment the Urim and the Thummim, and they shall be over Aaron’s heart when he goes in before the Lord; and Aaron shall carry the judgment of the sons of Israel over his heart before the Lord continually. 31 “You shall make the robe of the ephod all of blue. 32 “There shall be an opening at its top in the middle of it; around its opening there shall be a binding of woven work, like the opening of a coat of mail, so that it will not be torn. 33 “You shall make on its hem pomegranates of blue and purple and scarlet material, all around on its hem, and bells of gold between them all around: 34 a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, all around on the hem of the robe. 35 “It shall be on Aaron when he ministers; and its tinkling shall be heard when he enters and leaves the holy place before the Lord, so that he will not die. 36 “You shall also make a plate of pure gold and shall engrave on it, like the engravings of a seal, ‘Holy to the Lord.’ 37 “You shall fasten it on a blue cord, and it shall be on the turban; it shall be at the front of the turban. 38 “It shall be on Aaron’s forehead, and Aaron shall take away the iniquity of the holy things which the sons of Israel consecrate, with regard to all their holy gifts; and it shall always be on his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord. 39 “You shall weave the tunic of checkered work of fine linen, and shall make a turban of fine linen, and you shall make a sash, the work of a weaver. 40 “For Aaron’s sons you shall make tunics; you shall also make sashes for them, and you shall make caps for them, for glory and for beauty. 41 “You shall put them on Aaron your brother and on his sons with him; and you shall anoint them and ordain them and consecrate them, that they may serve Me as priests. 42 “You shall make for them linen breeches to cover their bare flesh; they shall reach from the loins even to the thighs. 43 “They shall be on Aaron and on his sons when they enter the tent of meeting, or when they approach the altar to minister in the holy place, so that they do not incur guilt and die. It shall be a statute forever to him and to his descendants after him.

Introduction

For most of us there comes a point in our lives when we’re expected to put on a uniform. Usually the uniform is accompanied by a particular role we’ve taken on. I remember when I got my first job as a bus boy at a small diner, the first thing I was given was a uniform. It was just a t-shirt with the restaurant logo on it but it set me apart as someone with responsibility. As long as I was wearing that t-shirt my performance was to reflect the uniform I was wearing. After a little while I received a promotion to line cook, and with those new responsibilities came a new uniform. All the cooks received a black apron and a hat with the restaurant logo on it, and as long I was wearing that uniform it was expected of me to perform according to the role and responsibilities I was entrusted: Flipping burgers, making eggs, and all the rest. It’s not universal, but generally speaking we recognize people’s roles and responsibilities by their uniform. If you’re wearing boots and a hard hat we don’t think “heart surgeon”, no we recognize the role by the uniform. Even three-year-olds can differentiate between a doctor and a construction worker. If you’re an athlete it’s even more clear. Your team name, logo, and colors are emblazoned all over you. I met a fellow Vikings fan the other day. The ten year old daughter of a friend of ours. She likes purple. There’s no question who’s playing for the Vikings because they’re always wearing purple. When it comes to game day or ordinary work hours it’s pretty clear who has what roles by the uniform they’re wearing, but have you ever wondered what those people are like off the clock when they’re not in uniform? Uniforms don’t usually give us a glimpse into the reality of someone’s character.

We talked a little bit the other week about the presentation of the tabernacle. On the outside it is quite humble, but the inside is absolutely magnificent and glorious. Sometimes the opposite is true isn’t it. I’m afraid there are a lot of people who look sharp and presentable and ready to perform while in uniform and yet the reality is there’s something lacking in their character. How many times have we heard stories of politicians, athletes, or executives who perform with distinction in uniform - falling into disrepute when they’re out of the spotlight?

The condition of man hasn’t changed much since the time of Moses and the Israelites. This morning I’d like us to look at what is really an extraordinary uniform worn by the High Priest and the role that God intends for him to serve (those two things have a close relationship), but at the same time you’ll see that Scripture shows us the truth about the men who wear the uniforms. In addition to the roles we’ll look at the reality of who these men really are. What is their condition before God.

Main Point

The High Priest will minister to the people but only if He is first a minister God. It’s only until Jesus comes, our Great High Priest, will this ministry be fulfilled and the people of God receive that gracious judgement once and for all: Forgiven!

I’ve broken out our text into two main points with two subpoints each, (4 points total) and I think if you look closely at the text you’ll see why I’ve done so. Much like the tabernacle, The High Priest is wearing 4 layers, A breastpiece, an ephod (an ephod is like a really ornate apron), a robe, and a tunic. But you’ll notice they’re not addressed in that order from outside in. The first two are addressed from the inside out. The ephod and then the breastpiece. This is the uniform facing out for everyone to see. In this first pair we see the role of the priesthood. But then the text addresses the robe and the tunic (facing in) and we get a picture of the reality of the men wearing the uniforms.

The Role of the High Priest for the needs of the people

A Minister to God

A Minister to God’s People

The Reality of the Priesthood and the need for a Great High Priest

A High Priest facing death

A priesthood needing sanctified

1. The Role of the High Priest for the Needs of the People

1A. A Minister to God (vs. 1-14)

Let’s start by looking at those first three verses. How does God introduce the garments of the priesthood?

We get just a brief description of the uniform and then the role and purpose matching them.

(vs. 2) “you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and and for beauty.” If we just stop there we might think that Aaron’s dressed in such a way to draw attention to Himself, but no.

(vs. 3) The garments are intended to set Him apart, to consecrate him, “that he may minister as priest to Me.”

Then again in verse 4 for emphasis. “they shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother and his sons, that he may minister as priest to Me.”

As we’ve recognized with every piece of the tabernacle up until this point, there is no piece that you can separate from the presence of God in the Holy of Holies. And being that the High Priest is going to be the only one actually appearing before the LORD in the Holy of Holies, that is especially true of Him. The ephod of the High Priest isn’t worked with gold, blue, purple, and scarlet material for His own glory. He isn’t given this extraordinary, holy uniform to merely set him apart from the people. He’s given an extraordinary uniform because his role demands He appear before God Himself.

If you were asked to give a presentation to the executive board of your company you’d probably dress a little nicer that day. If you were invited to dinner at the governor’s house you might take some extra time thinking about what you were going to wear that evening.

Just because I’m in that season of life I can’t help but think what a kid might think when he saw the High Priest for the first time. “Dad, why he is he dressed like that? Why don’t you wear blue and gold clothes to go to work?” The simple answer is, “Dad isn’t tasked with appearing in the throne room of God.”

Last week we reckoned with the demand for sacrifice at the doorway. Every Israelite is in desperate need of an acceptable sacrifice to atone for their sins. They’re a sinful people before God at the end of the day, yet even with that temporary sacrifice of a spotless lamb, there remains a need. Who will bring this sacrifice before God? Who is worthy? Who is set apart to appear in the presence of Holy God to bring the atoning blood of the lamb before Him? An acceptable sacrifice needs an acceptable priest, literally fit for the job in this case. Dressed to appear before God.

There’s a simple principle here there that much of our world finds difficult to understand. A minister to the spiritual needs of men is of no help in the end unless they’re first a minister to God. (x2)

Before God even begins to describe the priests relationship to the people, He establishes the most fundamental relationship. This High Priest is a minister to me and dressed for my thrown room. Apart from that he is of no service to the people.

As much as our culture and our world may reject religion formally, they have no shortage of their own ministers attending to their needs. They have their own preachers to proclaim their so called ‘truth’. They have their prophets seeking to correct those who reject their way of thinking. They have their champions fighting for them. Many of them even dress in a nice uniform, with places of influence and glory. But at the end of the day, all these ministers who seek to fulfill the needs of the world, serve people. Either themselves, or others.

An effective minister, a minister who will truly serve the people and meet their deepest needs isn’t ultimately a minister to the people. This minister, this priest, is a minister to God above all else. Only then do we introduce the people he serves.

As we follow the description of the ephod, you’ll see there are two onyx stones attached to the shoulders of this ornate apron. (vs. 9-10) Each stone has 6 names of the sons of Israel engraved into them such that all the twelve tribes of Israel will have representation before God.

This is Israel’s priest. There’s no doubt about that, but notice again the emphasis provided here in this first section.

Exodus 28:12 NASB95

12 “You shall put the two stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod, as stones of memorial for the sons of Israel, and Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord on his two shoulders for a memorial.

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The good news for Israel isn’t merely that they have someone to minister to them as a devoted priest who literally bears their name on His shoulders. The good news for Israel is that they have a representative before God. Someone fit and acceptable in the presence of God to speak on their behalf. To present their sacrifice before God.

That good news for Israel and the good news for us this morning is ultimately found in the priesthood of Christ. If you look to the High Priestly prayer in John 17, you’ll see this same principle in how Jesus prays. When we approach Jesus’ prayer we might be inclined to consider, where am I? Where is Jesus’ service to me? Before we get there I’d like us to see the good news that’s just in that first verse.

John 17:1 NASB95

1 Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You,

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Who is more worthy to enter the Father’s house on our behalf than the Son? Who is more fitting to enter the throne room of heaven as High Priest, then He who would suffer, die, rise again and be glorified by the Father. He is God, He is Holy, He is worthy of glory more than any man dressed in glorious garments. And who is more worthy than He who is most devoted to the Father’s glory?

Before we go looking for who can minister to me, we must find one who is able and worthy to minister to God on our behalf seeking His glory in perfection and holiness. For us today, that is Christ and there is nothing lacking in His service to the Father.

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From their we can build out this role. OK, where do the people fit into this ministry of the priest. We can see that emphasized in the breast piece of the High Priest.

1B. A Minister to God’s People (vs. 15-30)

The breastpiece has an interesting title. There in verse 15 it’s called the breastpiece of judgement. That sounds a little ominous, but it speaks to a particular role of the priest on behalf of the people. The High Priest was expected to bring the commands and Word of God before the people. If you look down to verse 30 you’ll see the Urim and the Thummim are to be placed in the breastpiece. These instruments only emphasize this role of bringing God’s Word and God’s decision or judgement before the people. There’s not a lot of detail in Scripture on how these are used, but for simplicity you might imagine a pair of God ordained dice that the Priest would role to ask God for a decision on particular matters. We see a version of this when the disciples are looking for someone to replace Judas. There are two candidates, they pray and seek the Lord and then they cast lots to determine the Lord’s decision on the matter. The High Priest is instructed to carry with Him these instruments of God’s judgement or God’s decision.

In this uniform God’s establishing a position of authority. It’s an authority derived from God, but it is a position of authority. The High Priest will hear the Word of the LORD in the Holy place and relay it to the people. He’s responsible for conveying God’s will, God’s law, and God’s decision to the people and the priesthood at large. Again, this position of authority and influence as High Priest isn’t for the sake of the High Priest Himself it’s in service to the people.

The striking part of the description is the 12 precious stones that are placed all across this breastpiece. You’ll see a list there from verse 17 to 20. I won’t list them all again, but the important part is that each tribe of Israel has their name inscribed on one of the stones. (vs. 21)

For the people of God, for the ordinary shepherd of the tribe of Benjamin or Judah, there’s a sobering yet comforting reality in seeing your tribes name on the breast piece of the High Priest. For one you know, the authority vested in this Priest is the authority of God. He makes judgement regarding me on behalf of God. He will determine whether or not my offering is acceptable. The High Priest makes judgement regarding my actions on behalf of God. He will relay the law of God to the people. The High Priest holds the instruments of God’s decision regarding my tribe and the whole of Israel.

That kind of authority can be sobering , and it ought to be, and yet if we know who God is, merciful and gracious abounding in steadfast love, there’s a comfort in the authority which He gives His High Priest. This man, this minister to God pleads my case before God Himself. This man brings the blood of the lamb before God, with my tribe written upon His chest. When this man sprinkles the blood of the lamb before God, God sees the name of my tribe.

This High Priest is an essential part of the fellowship which God is pursuing with His people! In service to God, this man bearing this priestly uniform speaks to the people on behalf of God, and at the same time brings the atoning blood of the lamb before God with the names of the tribes of Israel emblazoned across his chest.

There’s hardly a modern parallel to such an idea, but you might imagine a courtroom. In that courtroom is a judge with a perfect track record. His record exemplifies the epitome of justice. This judge is so honorable that only worthy lawyers can come into the courtroom to plead the case of the guilty. If we were to be found guilty, there is no way we can enter into the courtroom of that honorable judge. The question at the door would be, “Where is your lawyer?” Who will plead your case for you?

If we add to that question at the doorway we introduced last week, we come to two.

Where is your payment?

Where is your lawyer?

In Old Testament terms

Where is your sacrifice?

Where is your priest?

The comforting thing for the Israelites is that they have a man dressed for the job in ornate uniform with the name of their tribe written upon his chest. “Here is the lamb, and he is my priest.” He will plead my case before God. He will deliver God’s gracious decision to me.

Let’s ask ourselves that question, “Who is my lawyer?” “Who is my priest?” Who bears my name into the presence of God, the holy judge, to plead my case?”

… Jesus! It may be the Sunday School answer, but that simple truth, Jesus Christ the High Priest for all needy sinners seeking salvation is the good news we proclaim, the good news we worship in, the good news we find a lasting hope in.

If we continue in John 17, as Jesus continues his High Priestly prayer, we can see what this perfect priesthood looks like.

John 17:2 NASB95

2 even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life.

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This High Priest, Jesus, is deserving of glory, a worthy minister to God, able to enter the courtroom, but he’s also given authority over all flesh.

The High Priest of Israel is given a limited authority. The scope of His authority is written upon His chest, these are the ones I represent before God. These are the ones I minister to, but Christ’s priesthood is not so limited in scope. There are no constraints to it. He is the one through whom all things are made, He is God, He is the Son. He is the one to whom all the nations must look to be the worthy sacrifice, and present Himself, that worthy sacrifice before God. In truth there is no other who is worthy to plead our case before the Father. There is only one who can grant eternal life to those who the Father draws to Him. There is no one else who can deliver that gracious judgement to us, Jesus Christ, the great High Priest, is the only one who grants forgiveness and eternal life.

By way of application, let’s take this one step further. Who do we look to for judgement? There’s a temptation to go looking for different sacrifices that might appease our guilt like we mentioned last week, but there’s also a temptation to go looking for priests who will speak with authority regarding our condition.

When Jeremiah the prophet came to Israel warning of coming judgement, speaking the truth of God as the priests should have, what did the priests say? “Peace, peace.” Even today there are those who speak from positions of authority declaring to those who need to see their own sin, yet they declare “peace, peace.” On the other end of the spectrum, there are those who cast aside the judgement of Christ, that judgement of forgiveness through faith alone and the sufficiency of Christ alone, and declare “guilty” as if the payment Christ paid was not enough. There’s one that makes sin small; The other makes Jesus small, and neither are faithful to convey the Judgement our Great High Priest has made regarding His sons and daughters.

Romans 6:23 NASB95

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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A faithful High priest asks, “Where is your sacrifice?” knowing the wages of sin is death. He pronounces the judgement of death, yet when that perfect sacrifice is presented before God a new pronouncement, a new judgement is made: “Forgiven!” A forgiveness that leads to eternal life.

Let’s beware those authoritative voices that proclaim “peace, peace” when sin brings death, and furthermore, beware those who pronounce, “Guilty” when Christ has paid the price.

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The rest of the passage is a reality check for Israel. The High Priest is given this extraordinary role with an extraordinary uniform, yet who is this person wearing the uniform really like?

2. The Reality of the Priesthood and the Need for a Great High Priest

2A. A High Priest Facing Death (vs. 31-35)

If we look at verse 31 at the ephod we start orienting inward to the person rather than outward at the role.

This robe which the priest wears is made all of blue, and its only really detailed feature is what the hem around the bottom looks like. There in verse 33 you’ll see God’s instructions: All along the hem at the bottom of the robe is this pattern of pomegranates and bells alternating between each other all the way around. Every where the High Priest walked you would have heard these little bells ringing with every step. Are these just for decor or is there more to it? You may have noticed in verse 35, but there’s quite the warning associated with these simple bells.

Exodus 28:35 NASB95

35 “It shall be on Aaron when he ministers; and its tinkling shall be heard when he enters and leaves the holy place before the Lord, so that he will not die.

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In all honesty there’s a lot of speculation about the exact use of the bells. Some say the bells were to tell everyone outside listening whether or not the High Priest had died in the Holy of Holies. That’s not explicit here, but what is explicit is the warning of death. This High Priest as stately as he’s dressed in His uniform, as much authority as he has in his position, not even the High Priest can overcome the threat of death that comes to all sinners. It may not come in the form of just punishment from God like we’ll see with the golden calf shortly, but it comes to all men. Even the Priests die and have to hand off that uniform that the work can continue.

The ministry of these men even faithful men at times only goes so far. That goes for influential ministers today. There are many who have extraordinary followings, influential platforms, and minds that put the best of us to shame, yet even these are servants. They may be in a totally different league than us and truly faithful men, but no one is indestructible.

Moses in all his faithful ministry would come to die before entering the promised land. Joshua would take up the mantle, yet even through all of his faithfulness, he too would die.

The point here is that the substance of our hope doesn’t rest in faithful servants it rests in a faithful son.

Hebrews helps us to look beyond the faithful servants, and to the testimony of those faithful servants.

Hebrews 7:11 NASB95

11 Now if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the people received the Law), what further need was there for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be designated according to the order of Aaron?

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Hebrews 7:15–17 NASB95

15 And this is clearer still, if another priest arises according to the likeness of Melchizedek, 16 who has become such not on the basis of a law of physical requirement, but according to the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is attested of Him, “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek.”

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Christ died as the spotless lamb, yet in his resurrection he proved to be the indestructible eternal High Priest forever. Jesus has not handed off his role of High Priest. We ought not go looking for a new High priest to bring our case before the Holy judge. Even all the faithful ministers of today will die and hand off their ministries to others. We are all mere servants of the Son who remains our faithful High Priest.

Put simply, let’s let servants be servants. Some have more gifts than us. Some have more influence than us. Some have more responsibility than us, but they’re still servants. They’re no replacement for Christ our great High Priest. Let’s be appreciative of their ministry. Let’s praise God for those who point us to Christ faithfully, but Christ is the one who intercedes for us. Christ is the one who makes us holy.

2B. A Priesthood Needing Sanctified (vs. 36-43)

As we look to that final section of Scripture we’re reminded one more time of God’s perfect intentions for the priesthood, and at the same time we see the reality: These men who are called to consecrate, to make things holy, need to be sanctified themselves.

There’s a brief description of Aaron’s headpiece, a turban in verses 36-38. On the front of this turban are the words, “Holy to the LORD.” Aaron’s purpose, his job description in many ways is literally written on his forehead. He Himself is devoted to God, but it’s his job to devote things to God - to consecrate them, set them apart for a holy purpose. That includes all the instruments, the various pieces within the tabernacle, but most importantly, it includes the priesthood themselves.

The close of the chapter looks to Aaron’s sons. When God finally addresses the base layer of the Priest’s robes he also addresses the priesthood, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar who were mentioned in the first verse. In the ears of Israel, these names are going to ring a bell. Nadab and Abihu are not recognized as faithful, holy men in the eyes of Israel.

In years to come they would come to offer strange fire before the LORD as priests and die for their failure to follow the LORD’s instructions regarding the offerings.

There’s something apparent in the narrative of Exodus that’s even evident to Israel when they read it the first time. These men who were consecrated unto the Lord, they were set apart as holy by the High Priest, even these men who were dressed in priestly uniform were only sanctified on the outside.

There’s something yet to be desired from this High Priestly role that it simply cannot accomplish in this time of Israel. Forget Nadab and Abihu for a moment, Aaron in short order is about to assist the people in making a golden calf. The High Priest of Israel about to be anointed and ordained for this work of ministry labeled “Holy to the LORD” on his forehead”. He will be tasked with consecrating everything from the bowls to the priests. Even he is unable to consecrate Himself to the LORD.

In the end, the uniform is just a uniform. It does have purpose! It teaches the people of Israel about a greater need. Someone greater must come to sanctify the people from within if they are to serve the LORD in righteousness and holiness.

Through the ministry of Christ and those who faithfully proclaim Christ, we get to hear the gracious judgement, “Forgiven!” through the gospel. Our standing before God has been settled. We can boldly approach the throne, but Christ our great High Priest does not leave us alone at that point. Through the work of the Holy Spirit and the Word and the church, Christ is devoted to sanctifying us from within. We are all in need of His sanctifying work within us. We are called to a true holiness from within that we may serve as priests of God, made holy to the LORD by the gracious and faithful work of Jesus Christ our Great High Priest.

Paul gives us this confidence in his letter to the Thessalonians

1 Thessalonians 5:23–24 NASB95

23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.

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As extraordinary as that High Priestly role was, as extraordinary as the uniform may have been, it could not make Aaron faithful. It could not sanctify from within those who would follow. That priesthood pointed to a more faithful and perfect High Priest who would fulfill all the duties and responsibilities of the priesthood to perfection. He would offer a perfect sacrifice to God on our behalf as a worthy and holy High Priest. He would declare to us, the guilty, that we have been forgiven in Himself, and He would faithfully carry out the work of sanctifying His priesthood that we may serve Him as we ought. He will bring it to pass.

No priest, no minister, no matter how faithful can stand in for Christ. He is the one who saves, and sanctifies.

Let’s Pray

Prayer of Devotion

Membership:

Ross and Macy Anderson

Wisdom in decision making over the next few months

A place to live

A good job for Ross

A solid finish to the semester

First Light Vandalia - Pastor David Starry