Exodus 28-29

I will admit I don’t totally understand all the symbolism in these chapters about the priesthood. But I accept the fact it all points to Jesus. So today, as I read I was first of all struck by what must have been the beauty of Aaron’s priestly garments.

From the turban with the gold medallion, to the engraved precious stones, down to the hem of his robe, every inch was a work of art. The colors, the gold, the embroidery work made this a one-of-a-kind garment, costly in both money and man-hours to create it according to God’s instructions.

If I were Aaron I’d be afraid I’d mess it up by either spilling my coffee or stepping on the hem and ripping it. I think of a nervous bride on her wedding day, wanting to present a perfect image to her husband. No pressure.

But then, and this is the second thing that stood out to me as I read these chapters today, God told Moses to take some of the blood from the sacrificed animal and throw it on that priceless garment! Blood. You know you can’t get blood stains out. We’re talking permanent blood stains on that beautiful, perfect, clean robe!

And here’s where I see Jesus. It wasn’t about the robe. It was about the blood. It was always about the blood. It still is.

Sometimes I think we put on our priestly robes – church attendance, good deeds, good intentions – and think we’re golden. We think we are fit for service. We think we please God. But without the blood, we are nothing more than well-dressed sinners.

My prayer is that today, we will begin by not only being sprinkled, but washed in the blood of Jesus. May we lay our sins at the foot of the cross and wear the stains of Jesus’ blood proudly and loudly. Never forget the blood that washes our sins. Never forget that without the blood there is no forgiveness.

Thank God for the blood!