We continue on in Exodus with reading about the exquisite, beautiful stone inlaid clothing that Aaron and his sons will wear before entering the Tabernacle to go before the LORD”S Presence with the sin of the people, making sacrifices for those sins, and offering the prayers of the people. We are amazed at the details of this special clothing for the LORD’S priests that are specifically designed by God. Each piece, every stone has meaning. 

As I read about what each garment layer and robe will have sewn in, I am wondering about how heavy these robes and headgear are going to be and how many people it will take to help them get dressed before going to the Tabernacle? 

Then I think about Jesus, God come down to man, Jesus. Jesus who came to us with nothing on his back as a helpless, venerable infant, later “wrapped in swaddling cloth”. Jesus who wore the clothes of commoners as he grew to be a man. Jesus, our High Priest, who carried our sins in his heart because WE were on His mind. Jesus who then carried our sins on a cruel cross on his back, after the flesh was beaten and whipped from him. That cross, as well as his heart, had to be heavy…and filled with excruciating pain. Yes, no exquisite robes…just a cross. Heavy. Heavier, but payment complete.

The Tabernacle is where God will meet His people. Aaron and his sons have been chosen and set apart to serve the LORD and represent Israel before Him. 

The end of Chapter 29 summarizes, “I will meet the people of Israel there, and the Tabernacle will be sanctified by my glorious presence. Yes, I will make the Tabernacle and the altar most holy, and I will set apart Aaron and his sons as holy, that they may be my priests I will live among the people of Israel and be their God, and they will know that I am the LORD their God. I am the one who brought them out of Egypt so that I could live among them. I am the LORD their God.” Exodus 29, NTL

What is God’s Story telling us about Him today? God still wants one thing…to be with us. He wants us to love Him back the way He first loved us. He made a Way, Jesus. Accept that your debt is paid. Believe in His promise to always be with you. Behave in ways that give Him glory and praise. Love God. Love Others. It’s revolutionary. It’s counter culture. It’s refreshing to the world who is longing for unconditional Love and Truth. Jesus. THE Way, THE Truth and THE Life. In that order. Know the Way, live the Truth, then we have life, full and abundant life!

Dear Heavenly Father, You made a way for Israel to be with You in a very elaborate way. You set apart a priestly generation to represent the people before You. But they were not perfect. Then Jesus, Your Only Son, our Perfect High Priest, came to fulfill every law and promise, to show us how to live it out, and then once for all, paid our debt of sin. Thank you for salvation. Just thank You for freedom. I believe. I trust in You alone. Help us, by the Power of Your Holy Spirit to behave like we say we believe. Help us to love others as we love You. In Jesus Name, Amen.