Feb. 3, 2021
Aaron and his sons were chosen to serve as priests. Artisans followed specific directions to make clothes for them. Each piece of clothing had a purpose.
The ephod and the breastpiece represented how Aaron is to act as a representative of the 12 tribes of Israel before the Lord. Much later in the Bible, similar stones to those listed in Exodus 28:17-21 are found in the new Jerusalem in Revelation 21:12-21. The Bible ends with the promise that “the dwelling place (tabernacle) of God is with man.” (Revelation 21:3)
The Altar of Incense was overlaid with pure gold and stood in the Holy Place. There is a connection between incense and the prayers of all God’s people (Revelation 8:3-4). When Aaron offers incense every morning and evening, it symbolizes the continuous nature of the peoples’ prayer to the Lord.
In the parable of the wedding feast, Jesus warns about the dangers of rejecting His invitation into the kingdom of heaven. “For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14) The Gospel is proclaimed to all people everywhere, but those who respond to the invitation are those who are chosen.
This parable angered the Pharisees because they perceived that he was talking about them. They resolved to trap him with a riddle, hoping his words would get him into trouble politically or religiously.
Jesus perceived their wickedness and told them they are to give to Caesar what is Caesar’s (taxes) and give to God what belongs to God. His response left them dumbfounded and defeated.
Make It Personal
- The book of Hebrews tells us that Jesus serves as our great high priest today. Pray to Him with all of your cares and concerns, knowing that He represents you before the Father.
- Have you responded to God’s invitation into His kingdom? If not, what is stopping you from taking that step?