Character and Discipline · Christian Life
What will we wear today?
4 min read, approximately
“And these are the garments which they shall make: a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a coat of checker work, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office. And they shall take the gold, and the blue, and the purple, and the scarlet, and the fine linen. And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the skilful workman.” (Exodus 28:4-6 · ASV)
The Word teaches us that Aaron and his sons were called to the priesthood by God. The Lord gave them strict instructions about their duties and also about how they should dress (special clothing). And yes, the ephod was part of their splendid attire.
“They shall take gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and finely twisted linen, and make the ephod of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and finely twisted linen, with skilled craftsmanship. It shall have two shoulder pieces joined at its two ends, so that it is joined together. Its skillfully woven belt shall be made in the same way, as part of it, of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and finely twisted linen.” (Exodus 28:5-6)
The ephod
How splendid the ephod was!
The breastpiece carried 12 stones representing the names of the children of Israel. Yes, right over the chest, so that he would carry the judgment of the children of Israel over his heart before God. (Exodus 28:22-30)
The ephod was a special garment denoting purity and holiness, and also representing the readiness with which the priest was to maintain a close relationship with God and affirm that desire to intercede for others!
On one occasion…
“David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were bitter in spirit, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. David said to Abiathar the priest, son of Ahimelech: Please bring the ephod to me. Abiathar brought the ephod to David. David inquired of the Lord, saying: Shall I pursue this troop? Will I overtake it? He said to him: Pursue it, for you will certainly overtake it and surely recover [the captives].” (1 Samuel 30:6-8)
But on another occasion, this same David… could not contain his love, devotion, passion, and gratitude toward the Lord, so he wore it…
“King David was told: The Lord has blessed the household of Obed-edom and everything he has because of the ark of God. Then David went and brought the ark of God from Obed-edom’s house to the City of David with joy. When those carrying the ark of God had taken six steps, they sacrificed an ox and a fat [ram]. David leaped with all his strength before the Lord, wearing a linen ephod. Thus David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with rejoicing and the sound of the trumpet.” (2 Samuel 6:12-15)
What are we wearing?
David always hoped to be fit, clean, and acceptable before the Lord. But what are we wearing? Is what we wear in public the same as what we wear when no one sees us?
We no longer wear an ephod; we have a special garment: Jesus Christ!
“Let us walk honorably, as in the day, not in gluttony and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in quarrels and envy. Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in [its] desires.” (Romans 13:13-14)
Why?
“Know, then, that those who are of faith are the children of Abraham.” (Galatians 3:7)
Today is a good day to examine what kind of clothing we wear, because
“But ye did not so learn Christ; if so be that ye heard him, and were taught in him, even as truth is in Jesus: that ye put away, as concerning your former manner of life, the old man, that waxeth corrupt after the lusts of deceit; and that ye be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new man, that after God hath been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.” (Ephesians 4:20-24 ASV)
What ephod will we put on today? A special garment? Will we clothe ourselves with Jesus Christ today?
_**Remember to stop by the Songbook
May God continue to bless you, and may you continue to have an excellent day in Christ Jesus!