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Set Apart for God’s Glory

Exodus 28-30

In Exodus 28, God provides detailed instructions for the garments that Aaron and his sons, as priests, are to wear while performing their duties. These holy garments, including the ephod, breastplate, and crown, were designed for glory and beauty, symbolizing the dignity and sacredness of their role in serving God. The breastplate carried twelve stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel, signifying that the priests stood in the gap for the people, representing them before God. These garments are a visual reminder that those who serve God are set apart for His purposes, and they point to Christ, our great High Priest, who mediates on our behalf before the Father.

Exodus 29 outlines the consecration process for Aaron and his sons as priests. They are washed, anointed with oil, and clothed with the sacred garments. The sin offering, burnt offering, and peace offerings are made as part of their consecration. This chapter emphasizes the holiness required for those who minister before God, underscoring that a life dedicated to service must be consecrated and purified. The anointing with oil signifies the Holy Spirit’s empowering, and the sacrifices point to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, whose atoning death cleanses and consecrates believers for service.

In Exodus 30, God gives instructions for the altar of incense, where sweet-smelling incense is burned daily as an offering to God. This altar represents the prayers of the people, rising up to God as a fragrant offering. Additionally, God establishes the half-shekel atonement offering, which serves as a reminder of the cost of redemption. This chapter teaches that worship is not only about offering physical sacrifices but also about the continual offering of our hearts and lives to God. It points to Christ’s intercession on our behalf, as He ever lives to make intercession for us, and to the ultimate sacrifice that secures our atonement.

Exodus 28-30 emphasizes the importance of holiness, consecration, and worship in the life of God’s people. Through the priestly garments, the consecration of the priests, and the altar of incense, God sets apart those who serve Him for sacred duties. These chapters point to Christ, our ultimate High Priest, who made the perfect sacrifice for our sins and continues to intercede for us. As believers, we are called to live consecrated lives, dedicated to God’s glory and service, offering our lives as a fragrant offering to Him.

Reflection Questions:

  • What do the priestly garments teach us about the holiness and dignity of those who serve God?
  • How can we reflect the consecration and dedication of the priests in our own lives of service to God?
  • In what ways does the altar of incense point to the importance of prayer and intercession in the believer’s life?
  • How does the atonement offering in Exodus 30 foreshadow the ultimate atonement made by Christ?
  • How can we offer our lives as a fragrant offering to God in our daily worship and service?