Exodus 28

ScriptureExodus 28:29“Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of decision as a continuing memorial before the Lord.Observation - What does it say?

Whenever Aaron and his sons entered into God’s presence, they wore these heavy ceremonial garments. And each part of their garments had a special symbolic meaning and served as continual reminders.

One element of these priestly garments was that they were covered with the names of the tribes of Israel as a continuing memorial. In other words, it served as an ongoing reminder of their holy calling to come before God to represent His people, not their own interests.

Understanding - What does it mean?The priests didn’t just represent themselves but all God’s people.

When they came before God, the priests were reminded when they saw the names of the 12 tribes on their shoulders that they weren’t just coming to God for their own needs and desires but on behalf of all Israel. Under the New Covenant, God considers all believers priests. Writing to all believers scattered around the world, the Apostle Peter said:

1 Peter 2:9 "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession…"

Every believer is considered chosen and set apart by God as a priest, representing the ‘holy nation’ of believers around the world. Throughout the New Testament is this dominating theme of believers having a corporate mindset who should view themselves not as individuals but as those connected to, and representatives of, all believers. A few examples:

• When Jesus taught his disciples to pray he didn’t have them pray, “My Father… Give me… Forgive me… Lead me..” but rather “Our Father… Give us… Forgive us… Lead us..” (Matthew 6:9-13).
• The Apostle Paul commended the young pastor Timothy for being one who didn’t look out for his own interests but rather showed genuine concern for the welfare of the church (Philippians 2:20-21).
• The Apostle Paul referred to each believer as a member of the body of Christ, each of us connected to each other (1 Corinthians 12:27).

Life ApplicationBe reminded that I’m not just representing myself when I come before God!

Are my prayers primarily revolving around my individual interests, needs and desires? Or am I seeking God for the needs and interests of his people?

Use language like ‘us’ and ‘we’ more than ‘I’ and ‘me’ when praying.

God, thank you for inviting us to come to you with our personal needs and concerns. But thank you for the reminder that we are called to seek you on behalf of our local church family and the family of believers around the world. What an awesome privilege! Thank you that we aren’t alone in this world, but are part of your church body. We seek you today for grace and favor and blessing not just for us individually but for all believers everywhere. Amen.

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