Exodus 28
Today's Passage: Exodus 28
Chapter 28 might have been hard for you to read through, but with chapters of the Law we need to ask “why is it here?” Verse 2 gives us some insight into that answer, “And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty.” Another way I like to think about this verse is with significance and excellence.
Glory or significance means that these garments have a purpose to them. They help accomplish a job, but more than that, they help point Aaron and his sons to the Lord. The garments were clothes, but they were also full of significant imagery. Verses 11-12 talk about two tones placed in the shoulder pieces that bear the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. So that when Aaron performed his duties he would bear their names before the Lord for remembrance. Nearly every piece of his garments includes a level of significance or “glory” to them.
Excellence is a little easier to see in this chapter. God told Moses to find those that were especially skilled to make these garments. He wasn’t looking for tailors that could get the job done, but ones that were exceptional at their craft to craft these elaborate and beautiful garments. God cares about excellence! He himself is a divine artist that created beauty itself! He created us as creative beings and commanded us to work hard. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” God is glorified when we strive for excellence in everything we do because we bear the name of Jesus while we do it!
As we reflect on “glory” and “beauty” we need to understand their context. We do not strive for beauty or excellence simply for the sake of excellence - but for God’s glory. These two shouldn’t be separated or placed out of order. God is the only thing worthy of our worship, and our working and excellence should be worship to him.
Family Discussion:
What is your favorite work of art? (Book, song, picture, etc.) and why?
How can your job, school, work, etc. glorify God?
Does the effort you put forth represent the Lord?
Written By: Joe Weaver
Chapter 28 might have been hard for you to read through, but with chapters of the Law we need to ask “why is it here?” Verse 2 gives us some insight into that answer, “And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty.” Another way I like to think about this verse is with significance and excellence.
Glory or significance means that these garments have a purpose to them. They help accomplish a job, but more than that, they help point Aaron and his sons to the Lord. The garments were clothes, but they were also full of significant imagery. Verses 11-12 talk about two tones placed in the shoulder pieces that bear the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. So that when Aaron performed his duties he would bear their names before the Lord for remembrance. Nearly every piece of his garments includes a level of significance or “glory” to them.
Excellence is a little easier to see in this chapter. God told Moses to find those that were especially skilled to make these garments. He wasn’t looking for tailors that could get the job done, but ones that were exceptional at their craft to craft these elaborate and beautiful garments. God cares about excellence! He himself is a divine artist that created beauty itself! He created us as creative beings and commanded us to work hard. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” God is glorified when we strive for excellence in everything we do because we bear the name of Jesus while we do it!
As we reflect on “glory” and “beauty” we need to understand their context. We do not strive for beauty or excellence simply for the sake of excellence - but for God’s glory. These two shouldn’t be separated or placed out of order. God is the only thing worthy of our worship, and our working and excellence should be worship to him.
Family Discussion:
What is your favorite work of art? (Book, song, picture, etc.) and why?
How can your job, school, work, etc. glorify God?
Does the effort you put forth represent the Lord?
Written By: Joe Weaver
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