Exodus chapter 28.
In this chapter four times the form of the word “skill” is used by describing a task that is to be completed. Also many adjectives or verbs or adverbs are used in describing doing certain tasks. All this is done to further God's plans and purposes. God called Aaron and his sons to serve as priests which was their specific place of service. God called the body of Believers to use their gifts for God's glory and for his purpose. Aaron was equipped and then called and made ready to serve.
What are my skills and how can I let God use my skills to the fullest? What is his call on my life? How can others help me in carrying out this calling? How does God want to equip me? What do I need to do in order to be ready to serve him as he wants me to? I'm working at Edinboro Camp & Retreat Center. How does he want to train me or equip me in order to be more effective in serving him? Or is he calling me someplace else? I have learned Matthew 6:33 to seek God with all my heart and to seek his righteousness and in doing these two things he will open the right doors as to the direction I am to go. Help me Lord to seek you with all my heart and to strive for your righteousness. Then I trust you to use my skills For Your Glory!
Not only did the tabernacle need to be set up exactly a certain way, but Aaron and his sons were to serve as priests and wear garments that were skillfully made precisely as God instructed. Everything had to be just right. I was thinking about how we always need to give our best for God and reminded today of Colossians 3:23-24. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
I love this verse,
30 Also put the Urim and the Thummim in the breastpiece, so they may be over Aaron’s heart whenever he enters the presence of the Lord. Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the Lord.
i loved where the Urim and the Thummim are located on the breast plate over the heart. also thinking of what everyone eles is wearing back then I’m sure Aaron and his sons looked very official.
That is my prayer too, Pastor Blair! He gives us all special skills and wants to fill us with His Spirit so we will use those gifts for His glory. May I always look for ways to use the talents He has given me for His work in the world.
The distinctive dress of Aaron and the rest of the priests when serving the Lord certainly set them apart visually from the rest of the people. It reminded them that their approach to God must be done with reverence. To this day, yarmulkes are worn by Jews as an outward sign of submission to God’s authority. That’s a beautiful statement. We need to be mindful, respectful, and reverent of His authority as well.
As I listened to this chapter, I thought about the precise and exact details God commanded of the outfits to be worn by Aaron and his sons, and the tabernacle having similar precise details. It reminds me about how God created us with exact precision and intention. Every part of us was thought out. God wants to use every part of us to further His kingdom and bring salvation to all that we can. How am I using the precise, intentional traits and gifts God has given me? Am I doing it to the best of my ability? I struggle with negative self talk and having a negative head space and view of myself. I pray I can remember, these intricate outfits don’t even have a fraction of the care and intention God had when he knit each of us, including me, in our mother’s womb and just like each of you have said, the plan he has in store for our lives if we put our hope in Him and surrender to His will, not our own.