Adorning the High Priest: A Reflection of God's Value for His Anointed
Verses:Exodus 28:15-30
15 And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen, shalt thou make it.
16 Foursquare it shall be, being doubled; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof.
17 And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle; the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond;
18 And the third row shall be a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst;
19 And the fourth row shall be a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper; they shall be set in gold in their inclosings.
20 And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes.
In Exodus 28, God instructs Moses to create a breastplate for Aaron, His anointed high priest, adorned with precious stones symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel. This magnificent garment represented God's love and covenant with His people, and more notably, His esteem for Aaron as His chosen servant.
By adorning Aaron with precious stones, God honored His faithful servant, acknowledging his role as mediator between God and the people. The breastplate signified God's value for Aaron's dedication, faithfulness, and obedience. It was a tangible representation of God's delight in His anointed, demonstrating His pleasure in those who serve Him.
The precious stones used were of immense value, yet God chose them to adorn Aaron's breastplate, demonstrating His willingness to invest in those He calls. This was not mere ornamentation but a deliberate act of valuing Aaron's ministry and the people he represented.
This teaches us a profound lesson: wisdom is valuing what God values – His people, His servants, and His glory. By honoring Aaron, God showed us the importance of respecting and valuing those He has anointed for service.
As we reflect on this passage, we're reminded that our value lies not in our earthly possessions or accomplishments but in our relationship with God. We are precious to Him, and He desires to adorn us with spiritual garments, reflecting His character and glory.
In a world where value is often measured by material wealth, we must recall God's definition of value. May we learn to cherish and honor what God cherishes: His people, His servants, His Word, and His glory.
God's love and valuation of His anointed servants are evident in the intricate details of the breastplate. May we be inspired to value what He values, to prioritize our relationship with Him, and to reflect His glory in our lives.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank You for revealing Your value system to us through the precious stones on Aaron's breastplate. Help us to cherish and honor what You value: Your people, Your servants, Your Word, and Your glory.
As we reflect on the beauty and craftsmanship of the breastplate, may we be reminded of Your attention to detail and love for Your anointed servants. May our lives be adorned with spiritual garments, reflecting Your character and glory.
Teach us to value wisdom, to prioritize what is precious to You, and to invest in eternal treasures. May our hearts be filled with gratitude for Your love and worth.
Amen.