God instructs craftsmen to create clothing for Aaron and his sons (Ex. 28). On his shoulders Aaron is to carry stones are which engraved the names of the sons/tribes of Israel. On his chest Aaron is to carry gemstones, one for each son/tribe of Israel.
Why? “…as a reminder that Aaron represents the people of Israel (Ex. 28:12)…this will be a continual reminder that he represents the people (Ex. 28:29).
Aaron’s very clothing was a constant visceral and visual reminder of who he served, who he represented, for whom he did what he did: the people.
What a challenging reminder for those of us who stand in the heritage of Aaron. We represent the people. Not ourselves. Not our egos. Not our agendas. Not the vocal minority/majority. Not just the powerful or the pretty. We serve the people–every one of them, every age, every gender, every race, every income, every profession, every education. We represent the people.
Amen! It is a difficult task, and one I am not sure I am always up for. But it is humbling and gratifying to know that God has called us to be the “priests” for the people.
On the other hand, each of us is a priest, regardless of our occupation. It plays in well with God’s pronouncement at Sinai that Israel was to be his “kingdom of priests and his holy nation.” I think there’s a lot to be said that ALL Christians stand in the gap for the world in order to be a light to the world.
Just my random musings…
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