Exodus 28 -- Clothes Don't Make A Man

God established the Aaronic Priesthood, naming Aaron and his four sons.  The clothes they were to wear were fashioned by craftsmen who volunteered at God's call.  He had given them wisdom to create the cloth, and they were to know that He'd gifted them and to use what He'd given them.  The clothes were "clothes to show that he belongs to Me."  That was a great reminder for us today -- what we wear must show the world that we are Christians.

The design of Aaron's robes and vest and chest piece were meant to remind the Israelites of the 12 sons of Jacob who began the 12 tribes of Israel.  My commentary said, "The images of the jewels reminds us that the Lord bears His people on His shoulders and carries them over His heart."

When Moses received the instructions to anoint Aaron and his sons with olive oil to appoint them as priests, it said, "Make them belong to Me so they may serve Me as priests."  God could appoint them, but the freedom of choice He gave us made it quite difficult to "make" them belong to Him.  After all, it wasn't long before Aaron led the people in idolatry while Moses was on the mountain, and two of his sons were killed by God for using improper fire.

Father, thank You for choosing me as Your own.  Thank You for pursuing me even when I was against You.  Thank You for equipping me with the gifts You wanted me to use.  Thank You for calling me Your own.

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford