March 19 – Exodus 28
It is important to note that the rituals of the tabernacle were not given to Israel as a model for Christians to imitate, but as a foreshadowing of spiritual things which find their fulfillment in Christ Himself. The holy places made with hands were "figures of the true," that is of "Heaven itself" (Heb. 9:24). After the advent, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, the shadows must vanish before the substance. Too many have made horrible mistakes in trying to repeat old rituals that God ended.
There is not enough room to address all that is in this chapter so I will speak only to a couple of pieces of Aaron’s garments. "The skillfully woven band (girdle) of the ephod, which is on it, shall be like its workmanship, (v. 8). The "girdle" speaks of preparedness for service. Beautifully is this brought out in Luke 12:37: "Blessed are those slaves whom the Master on the alert when He comes, truly I say to you that He will gird Himself to serve." Another example, "…and taking a towel He girded Himself, and began wash HIs disciple’s feet" (John 13:5). Today He stands in the midst of His churches, girded across His chest with a golden sash (girdle) (Rev. 1:13). How this tells us that the present gracious activities of Christ’s priestly service on our behalf are according to what was foreshadowed in this chapter. Though glorified, He is a Servant still, He is gone into heaven to appear in the presence of God for us (Heb. 9:24), and there He "ever lives to make intercession for us" (Heb. 7:25).
The "plate of pure gold," upon which was engraved "holy to the Lord" was attached to a background of "blue lace" and fastened upon the forefront of Aaron’s turban (vv. 36, 37). "The inscription, ‘Holy to the Lord,’ signified that the high priest was devoted and dedicated exclusively to, God; the golden plate upon which it was engraved makes the point that He who is the One (Jesus) who is truly dedicated to God, is holy, harmless, undefiled and separate from sinners and is divine; the very Son of God. Thus fastened upon Aaron’s forehead, it gave its meaning to the whole of his garments and of his office—he was sacred to the Lord, and, as such, interceded for Israel, representing them, and in himself making holy the gifts of the people. "And it shall be upon 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" (v. 38). "This is the gracious provision which God has made for the imperfections and defilements of our services and worship. He can only accept that which is suited to His own nature. Everything offered to Him, therefore, must be stamped with holiness. He has met our need in Christ, who as Priest, bears the iniquity of our holy things; and He is holiness to the Lord, so that our worship, as presented through Him is acceptable to God. Dear friends, without this provision we were shut out from God’s presence! “Hence the apostle speaks not only of the blood and the rent veil, but also of the High Priest over the house of God (Heb. 10)" (Mr. E. Dennett). Beautiful are the closing words of v. 38: "And it shall always be on his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord." This golden-plate was the symbol of the essential holiness of the Lord Jesus. We are represented by Him and accepted in Him. Because of our union with Him, His holiness is ours. O beloved, look away from yourself, with your ten thousand failures, and fix your eye on that golden plate. Behold in the perfections of your great High Priest the depth of your eternal acceptance with God. Christ is our sanctification as well as our righteousness!
How profoundly thankful should each Christian be for that wondrous grace which has enabled us to flee from the wrath to come and to lay hold of eternal life! What praise is due to God for the great High Priest which His mercy has provided for His feeble and failing people: a Priest who is fully qualified, through His personal perfections, not only to supply our every need, but also to meet every requirement of a holy and righteous God!