Suggested Bible Reading: Exodus 27-30
Devotional Thought:
In chapter 28, the attention of the reader moves from the tabernacle, its structure, contents, and vessels, to the garments of the priests who served there. It must not, however, be thought that this is the introduction of a new subject. Without the priests there would be no purpose in the tabernacle. The priests are so closely associated with the tabernacle that they are brought in here as part of it. The tabernacle and the priesthood are inseparable. The importance of the priest’s garments is reflected in the fact that 43 of the 225 verses in chapters 25-30, which deal with the tabernacle, are devoted to teaching us about the details of their garments. I admit it can get a little cumbersome in the reading of all the details. What I learn is that we serve a God of details. He wants us to learn to pay attention to the details and do things with excellence rather than carelessness. God wants us to see the importance of what God’s details teach us about Him. Clothing in the Bible teaches us about character. In Genesis, we find the clothing for Adam and Eve before and after the fall. When man sinned, that which was beautiful in innocence became a source of sinful contemplation to the sinful heart and mind. As Adam and Eve tried to hide their shame from God, but man’s feeble attempts can never sufficiently accomplish anything on his own; therefore, they hid when God came to the garden. Oh, how we see the grace of God as “…unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them.” (Gen 3:21) These are the first garments designed by God for the use of man. What man could not do for himself, God in His grace accomplished. These are garments of salvation, whereas the garments of the priests are garments of priestly service. The provision of this covering made it necessary to involve the death of the animal providing the skins, teaching that God’s answer to sin was based on the death of a victim. By this means their shame, and the sin that caused it, were covered. I don’t have time to discuss in detail the importance of each part of the priestly garment and the implications for service; however, it is important to note that they picture the character necessary for holy living and service to our great God.
Prayer Requests:
• Lord, please help me never forget your great grace in providing for me that which I could have never accomplished on my own. Thank you for my salvation.
• Lord, thank you for being a God of details. I am important to you because it matters to you how I live and the motivation for which I live it. Thank you for calling me into the ministry.
• Lord, please help me to develop the character that accurately and appropriately reflects your character so those around me will come to a right conclusion about who you are and what you are really like.