...the beautifully stitched garments for the priests to wear while ministering in the Holy Place—the sacred garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments for his sons to wear as they minister as priests. [Exodus 39.41]
I generally try to avoid posting a scripture reference with only a partial sentence in it. However, today, for the sake of space and focus, I want to address the content of the verse above...
The verse noted here is part of a list of items prepared for the service of the Tabernacle. The list includes a limited number of items, however, the value of these items is, by today's standards, unimaginable. The gold and silver alone amount to incredible value, not to mention their sheer weight.
My focus though is on the garments for the priests in light of my post yesterday regarding the New Testament believer's Kingdom role as both king and priest. Most of the translations I compared did not use the description "beautifully" like the New Living Translation does in the verse above. And, that's okay because it does not change the fact that God provided garments for the priests. The fact that they were made with great skill and care (thus, beautiful) is clear elsewhere they are described.
My point is this: God looks favorably upon those who intercede. This is evident in the sacred garments' comparatively matching value to the rest of the Tabernacle. The garments were, no doubt, appropriate for the circumstances.
Why this matters is that those who intercede today - in the role of "priest," and furthermore as "king," can be sure that God will clothe them, not just for utility, but for His glory. There is a difference.
Consider this:
This letter is from John to the seven churches in the province of Asia. Grace and peace to you from the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come; from the sevenfold Spirit before his throne; and from Jesus Christ. He is the faithful witness to these things, the first to rise from the dead, and the ruler of all the kings of the world. All glory to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us. He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God his Father. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen. [Revelation 1.4-6]
Notice what I underlined above.
Now, consider this:
“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. [Matthew 6.28-33]
The role of "king and priest" is Kingdom work. Kingdom work is God's business. God doesn't do "cheapside" business. It is that simple.
Father, I want to rest in Your Kingdom and fulfil my role in it as a king and priest. I don't want to ask You here to provide for me because You have already made clear that You will do just that! I want to dedicate myself to You - I want to quit my thoughts for 'self' and simply obey the faith You put in me to accomplish all the good things that reveal Your Kingdom on earth. So be it.
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