It's easy to get lost in the details, the measurements, and the different instructions given in building the sanctuary and in making the priestly robes. But here's a few nuggets from these chapters:
I noticed that all the furniture in the courtyard was made of brass. But when you go into the Holy Place, as we read yesterday, the furniture is gold. This made me think of how, when we first come to CHRIST, we are still baby Christians with a superficial spiritual experience, represented by brass, which is a cheaper metal. But it is God's desire to give us a deeper and richer spiritual experience until we are experiencing the GOLD (represented by the more expensive metal in the Holy Place). In fact, He's leading us right into His very throne room.
All throughout Exodus 27-28 we see measurements. "Make the length of the court this long" or "make the curtains this long" or make the priestly garments "such and such a way." Jesus and His Word is the ultimate measuring stick for our lives. And He is calling us to align ourselves with Him! We don't bring Him down to our measurements and expectations. He supernaturally, as we are willing, brings us up to His, and when we cooperate, the creation He makes is truly beautiful. :-)
The significance of the priestly garment in Exodus 28 is a study all in itself. But let me share a couple quotes from Patriarchs and Prophets that make this more meaningful.
"Over the ephod was the breastplate, the most sacred of the priestly vestments. This was of the same material as the ephod. It was in the form of a square, measuring a span, and was suspended from the shoulders by a cord of blue from golden rings. The border was formed of a variety of precious stones, the same that form the twelve foundations of the City of God. Within the border were twelve stones set in gold, arranged in rows of four, and, like those in the shoulder pieces, engraved with the names of the tribes. The Lord’s direction was, “Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the Lord continually.” Exodus 28:29. So Christ, the great High Priest, pleading His blood before the Father in the sinner’s behalf, bears upon His heart the name of every repentant, believing soul. Says the psalmist, “I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me.” Psalm 40:17." – {PP 351.1}
"At the right and left of the breastplate were two large stones of great brilliancy. These were known as the Urim and Thummim. By them the will of God was made known through the high priest. When questions were brought for decision before the Lord, a halo of light encircling the precious stone at the right was a token of the divine consent or approval, while a cloud shadowing the stone at the left was an evidence of denial or disapprobation." – {PP 351.2}
Let me just recommend reading Patriarchs and Prophets, chapter 29 - "The Tabernacle and Its Service" as complimentary with the study of the building of the Sanctuary and the High Priest garments as it shares so many deeper insights behind this process. It's overwhelmingly glorious... and gives me a deeper awe and respect (and reverence) for God that we serve. Truly He has a purpose in every detail, in every command, in every instruction. And His purposes are beautiful!
Tomorrow's Reading: Ex. 29-30 and Matthew 28
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