This week we finish the book of Exodus. The Tabernacle is completed. The main focus in this Parashat is the Priest’s garments for the service of worship. The original plan was that every 1st born male would be set aside and made a Priest. After the Golden Calf God chose the Levites to be Priests because of their zealousness for God. After Christ comes and fulfills the Law the original plan was restored. After we accept Christ we become Kings, Priests and the Temple / Tabernacle of God. Jesus is the final sacrifice. He is now the perfect Priest who has no sin nor does He ever need to make a sacrifice to purify Himself.
The Priest wears the Ephod which rests on the Priest’s shoulders. This garment is made of 2 onyx stones with all of the names of the Tribes inscribed on them. Six on the right and six on the left. The ephod then connects to the breast plate which has 12 precious gems that represent the 12 Tribes of Israel. In order to have a nation you have to have a government and a body of laws for the government to enforce. Every time the Priest walks into the Holy of Holies he would carry the names of every tribe into the presence of God. He reminds God of His promises to the people every time he walks into God’s presence. He then walks in with precious stones reminding God how valuable they are to Him.
Today Jesus is the High Priest. He carries everyone of our names on Him. When Jesus comes to the Father in the Holy garments along with the blood He shed for us He carries us before the Father. Jesus reminds Him every time He sees His Son that He has made promises to us and He has to uphold His word. God has to obey His own Law because His Son wears the names the government is on His shoulders.
Today you are called a Priest if you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior. You should carry the names of your family on your shoulders. You should carry the names of every person you meet on your shoulders. You are to stand in the gap for those who do not yet know Jesus as their Savior. Are you wearing the Holy Garments? Do you realize the people you were created to carry into the presence of God? The people need you to stand in the gap. You are the one created for such a time as this.
