Daily Devotions
Exodus
"He walked with Me in peace and equity, and turned many away from iniquity." Malachi 2:6b
Text: Exodus 28 : 4
HIGH PRIESTLY REGALIA
The High Priest, fulfilling the highest level of officialdom in the religious hierarchy was to wear a number of things. Everything he wore had deep symbolic significance.
“And these are the garments which they shall make:
a breastplate, an ephod, a robe, a skillfully woven tunic,
a turban, and a sash. So they shall make holy garments
for Aaron your brother and his sons, that he may minister
to Me as priest.”
EXODUS 28:4
1. Modern concept of “heart-worship”
In our day and age, we are familiar with the concept “heart-worship”. The focus is on the heart of the worshipper! There is nothing wrong with this concept. The Lord Jesus Himself advocated and advanced this idea.
“But the hour is coming, and now is,
when the true worshippers will worship
the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father
is seeking such to worship Him.”
JOHN 4:23
While we must appreciate the significance of worshipping the Father in spirit and truth, that does not mean that there is no meaning in ceremonial worship! There is no conflict, especially when we read the book of Exodus within its historical context!
2. The Ceremonial Tabernacle worship
Tabernacle worship was particularly strong with reference to ceremonial worship. To the wise and discerning, there is much beauty and depth in Tabernacle worship!
Everything seemed elaborate! The Ark of the Testimony, the Altar, the Table for the Showbread, the Golden Lampstand – these held high symbolic meaning! It should not surprise us that God was going to load the high priest who would be asked to put on symbolic regalia.
THE SYMBOL OF THE SASH
The significance of the sash is well borne out in the following text found in the book of Jeremiah.
“‘For as the sash clings to the waist of a man,
so I have caused the whole house of Israel
and the whole house of Judah to cling to Me,’ says the LORD,
‘that they may become My people, for renown, for praise,
and for glory…'”
JEREMIAH 13:11
What profound meanings the sash represented!