Wearing Excellence

Read This Week: Exodus 28

Make sacred garments for your brother Aaron to give him dignity and honor. Tell all the skilled workers to whom I have given wisdom in such matters that they are to make garments for Aaron, for his consecration, so he may serve me as priest. These are the garments they are to make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban and a sash. – Exodus 28:2-4 NIV

This chapter focuses on the high priest’s garments, specifically Aaron and his descendants, who were set apart to serve in the Tabernacle. Though ancient in context, Exodus 28 contains timeless lessons that are both spiritual and practical. Verse 2 says, Make sacred garments for your brother Aaron to give him dignity and honor. These garments were not just ceremonial attire; they symbolized the weight and dignity of Aaron’s role as a mediator between God and His people. Each piece of clothing had a specific purpose and meaning:

• The Ephod: A crafted apron-like garment made of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn. It bore two onyx stones engraved with the names of Israel’s twelve tribes for the priest to represent the people before God.
• The Breast Piece of Judgment: A square pouch with twelve precious stones, each representing one of the tribes of Israel. This highlighted the priest’s responsibility to seek God and carry the nation’s needs before Him.
• The Robe, Tunic, and Turban: These items reflected holiness and set the priest apart, emphasizing the sanctity required in God’s service.

The meticulous design of the garments underscores the holiness of God. Approaching Him requires intentionality, preparation, and reverence. The high priest served as a mediator, foreshadowing the ultimate mediator, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:14-16). Just as Aaron bore the names of Israel on his shoulders and over his heart, Jesus carries His people, interceding for them in the heavenly sanctuary.

For us, this serves as a reminder of the importance of holiness in our relationship with God. While Old Testament ceremonial laws no longer bind us, the principles of reverence, dedication, and intentionality in our worship remain crucial. The names of the twelve tribes engraved on the ephod and breast piece symbolize unity and collective identity. Aaron’s role was not about personal glory but about representing the entire community before God. This principle of shared responsibility is as relevant today as it was then. In a world often marked by individualism, this challenges us to consider how our actions impact our communities and how we can carry one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).

The craftsmanship described is nothing short of extraordinary. Skilled artisans were tasked with creating the garments using the finest materials. This reflects the principle that serving God requires our best—not out of obligation but out of love and gratitude. In our modern context, this might translate to offering our best efforts in whatever roles we play, whether in ministry, work, or family life. Excellence honors God and inspires others.

While this chapter highlights the separation between God and His people, it also points to His desire to dwell among them. The elaborate preparation for entering His presence underscores the value of that privilege. Through Christ, the barrier has been removed, granting all believers direct access to God (Ephesians 2:18). This accessibility invites us to approach God with confidence, bringing our prayers, struggles, and joys before Him. At the same time, it challenges us to never take this privilege for granted.

This passage teaches us to intentionally cultivate holiness in our lives and reflect on areas of our journey where we can grow in reverence and dedication to God. As we grow, we embrace unity and seek ways to support and represent our community, remembering that faith is not a solo journey. This understanding also alerts us to strive for excellence in our work, relationships, and worship and aim to offer our best as an act of devotion. As we actively pursue a wholehearted approach to life and worship, we will cherish God’s presence and regularly spend time in prayer and Scripture, nurturing our relationship with God.

As we reflect on the symbolism of the high priest’s attire in this passage, we are called to wear excellence with dignity and honor and lead lives that honor God, serve others, and celebrate the privilege of His presence. May this chapter encourage us to approach our sacred or secular roles with the same intentionality and quality that God’s service calls for.