Daily Devotions
Exodus
"We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens." Hebrews 8:1
Text: Exodus 28 : 29
THE BREASTPLATE IN THE TABERNACLE MINISTRY
After a long and careful description of the Ephod and the Breastplate, God then explained the usage of these two pieces of garments.
“So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel
on the breastplate of judgment over his heart, when
he goes into the holy place, as a memorial before the Lord
continually.”
EXODUS 28:29
1. “The holy place”
In “the holy place” three things were located:-
a) The Table of Showbread
Twelve loaves of bread, representing Israel were to be put on the Table continually. The high priest must always pray, “Give us this day our daily bread”.
b) The Golden Lampstand
The Lampstand must be kept lit at all times, day and night. The high priest must continue to ask that the Lord would be their Light! He is indeed “the Light of the world”.
c) The Altar of Incense
This Altar represented the prayers that would be offered to the Lord! Prayers must never be taken for granted. In life there would always be needs. Even if life was good and there was peace in the land, prayers seeking the Lord”s blessings must be offered.
All these items had to do with worship! They also had to do with the nation of Israel directly. When the high priest enters into the holy place, he must be acutely conscious of his ministry there. He is not offering personal worship! He is offering praises and prayers on behalf of an entire nation!
2.”As a memorial before the Lord continually”
The high priest stood representing Israel before God! The names of the sons of Israel were engraved upon the twelve precious stones. Aaron stood in the position of one who interceded for God’s blessings on behalf of the entire nation!
3. “The breastplate of judgment over his heart”
The high priest must never merely offer perfunctory prayers! Inasmuch as the breastplate of judgment was placed over his heart, so must the high priest intercede with all his heart on behalf of the nation he represented!
4. A great and challenging ministry indeed
The role of the high priest was not an easy one at all! He is reminded again and again that he must minister with his whole heart!