Good Morning.
So you shall speak to all who are gifted artisans, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron’s garments, to consecrate him, that he may minister to Me as priest. (Exodus 28:3)
Just as with all of the other components that were part of the sanctuary, the garments for the priests were made with great care. God infused the different artisans with the wisdom needed to make these articles intended for “glory and beauty.” This connects us with the concept that Israel, at large, was to be a tabernacle where His presence might dwell. Consequently, those who would “come near” had to be sanctified and wearing the proper garments, which is to say, pure, clean garments.
We understand that the ordinary priest wore white, linen garments, and on Yom Kippur, the High Priest shed the adornments he wore most often and put on these same white linen garments. Considering the nature of their work, it is not hard to see that, from time to time, they needed to exchange stained garments for clean garments. Again, this is to remind us all that if we are to approach the Most High, it is necessary that we remove our dirty garments and replace them with clean clothes. This concept is addressed throughout the Scripture, for instance, Jacob told his household to put away their idols and “change garments” before going to Bethel (Genesis 35:2). Joshua the High Priest had to change garments before he could minister to God (Zechariah 3). It is clear then that no one should approach the King without first donning clean robes.
This concept is addressed in the New Testament as well. In the parable of the Wedding Feast, Yeshua taught that those who were invited to the feast were expected to wear the proper attire. He emphasized the consequence that befell the one who attended the affair without the wedding garment saying, “Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 22:13). Obviously, this is to reaffirm that all are expected to wear the proper garments — robes that have been made clean and white — if we are to approach the Creator of the Universe.
Living in this world, it will prove to be very difficult not to be stained with the ways of the world. That is not to say it is expected that we will act like the world. It is to say that, from time to time, we will get splashed by the dirt and mud of the world causing our “garments” to become dirty. That is why we must continue living a sanctified life, always cognizant of how the world might affect or influence us. Moreover, it is needful to be continually washed by the water of the Word (Ephesians 5:26) and to make certain that our robes are made white with the blood of the Lamb. Today, let us reflect on this and consider the condition of our “garments” as we seek His face.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
Recent Comments