Daily devotion – The robes of the Priests in the Tent of Meeting.
Garments for the Priest — Holiness to the Lord
Exodus 28:2 — “And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty.”
When we think of priestly garments today, we may picture dark clothing that speaks of mourning, sorrow, sin and death. But God commanded Aaron’s garments to be made “for glory and for beauty.”
Everything about the High Priest was designed to remind Israel of the holiness and glory of God.
Spirit-Filled Service
Exodus 28:3 says:
“I have filled him with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron’s garments.”
These craftsmen were doing practical, manual work, yet God specifically gave them the Spirit of wisdom for the task.
This reminds us that every area of service to God matters. Cleaning, building, cooking, serving, preparing, organising or working with our hands can be spiritual ministry when it is done for the glory of God.
Carrying God’s People
The High Priest wore two onyx stones on his shoulders, engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. He therefore entered God’s presence carrying the people on his shoulders.
The breastplate also carried the names of the twelve tribes, but this time over his heart.
What a picture of ministry!
The priest was to carry the people on his shoulders and carry them on his heart.
It isn’t enough to work for God’s people—we must love them. True ministry requires both strength to serve and a heart that cares.
“HOLINESS TO THE LORD”
A gold plate was placed on Aaron’s forehead with the words:
“HOLINESS TO THE LORD.”
This reminded everyone that Aaron was first and foremost a servant of God.
That must also be true of us. We are not ultimately serving people, churches or ministries—we are serving the Lord.
When our desire is to please people, we can compromise. But when our hearts are set on “HOLINESS TO THE LORD,” we seek to honour Him above everything else.
Jesus — Our Perfect High Priest
The garments of Aaron ultimately point us to Jesus.
Aaron wore beautiful garments; Jesus wore a purple robe in mockery.
Aaron carried precious stones on his shoulders; Jesus carried the cross we deserved.
Aaron carried Israel’s names on his heart; Jesus gave His life for Israel and for all mankind.
Aaron wore a seamless robe; Jesus’ robe was stripped from Him at the cross.
Aaron wore a fine linen turban; Jesus wore a crown of thorns.
Aaron wore a golden plate saying “HOLINESS TO THE LORD.”
Jesus needed no inscription—His entire life was holiness to the Lord.
Hebrews 4:14 says:
“We have a great High Priest… Jesus the Son of God.”
Aaron’s priesthood was temporary, but Jesus is our perfect and eternal High Priest. He carried our sin, bore our shame, gave His life for us and now lives to intercede for us.
A Life of Holiness
Exodus 28 challenges us to ask:
Am I serving the Lord or simply serving people?
Do I carry others on my shoulders through prayer and practical care?
Do I carry God’s people on my heart?
Does my life declare, “HOLINESS TO THE LORD”?
The garments of Aaron were made “for glory and for beauty.”
But their ultimate purpose was to point us to Jesus—the One who is perfectly holy, perfectly loving and perfectly faithful.
May our lives also declare: “HOLINESS TO THE LORD.”
Lord Jesus, thank You that You are our perfect High Priest. Teach us to serve You faithfully, love Your people deeply, carry their burdens in prayer, and live lives that bring glory to Your name. May everything we do be “Holiness to the Lord.” Amen.