Today’s reading almost feels like the dawn of a new era for Israel! Months of instruction and preparation have gone into this moment. The Tabernacle, its furnishings, and its instruments are built. The priestly garments are made. Instructions are given for offering all the sacrifices to the LORD. Today, Israel’s priesthood begins its work! Israel’s unique identity comes alive among the nations!
As I thought about this unique identity, the following stood out in the reading.
And he put upon him the coat, and girded him with the girdle, and clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod upon him, and he girded him with the curious girdle of the ephod, and bound it unto him therewith. And he put the breastplate upon him: also he put in the breastplate the Urim and the Thummim. And he put the mitre upon his head; also upon the mitre, even upon his forefront, did he put the golden plate, the holy crown; as the LORD commanded Moses. (Leviticus 8:7–9, KJV)
Aaron has some new clothes! These are not just any clothes; they have an identity! The design, fit, and look of these garments come from God. They have a “God identity”! Aaron and his sons are now clothed in this identity! This reminds me of something incredible in Isaiah 61:10…
I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, And as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. (Isaiah 61:10, KJV)
Now, those are garments! Where do we get these clothes? We get them through Jesus!
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5:21, KJV)
As believers, we have a new identity, just like Israel! We have been clothed in Jesus’ righteousness, our new identity before God! You’ve got some new clothes, and they look good on you! No, you no longer wear the garments of sin, shame, guilt, and fear. Gone is the identity crisis… I am His, and He is mine! That is who we are! Talk about being dressed for success! Talk about a perfect fit! Jesus is just who we need… let’s wear these garments with overwhelming joy!
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