“They shall bind the breastplate by means of its rings to the rings of the ephod, using a blue cord, so that it is above the intricately woven band of the ephod …” (Ex. 28:28).
Last time (some time ago - sorry for the delay) we touched on the theme of intercession as we looked at the garments of the high priest and at the engraved names of Israel on the ephod and the breastplate. Today we will focus on how these two figures reveal the power and love of our Great High Priest. The priests of old wore the names of Israel both on their shoulders and on their breasts, intimating both the power and the love with which our Lord Jesus Christ intercedes for those who are His. We should never consider the intercession of Christ from a theoretical or academic point of view alone. His work before the throne is alive and active, full of power and feeling. He not only bears His chosen ones up by the power of His almighty arms, but He bears them upon His heart and carries them in His bosom with most tender affection.
If you are a child of God, He loves you. He gives you the strength to overcome the trials of the day, to face the onslaughts of the world, and to subdue the temptations of sin that strive to undo you. He is the source of your power and your strength. He is your stronghold in times of trouble. His are the wings under which you hide when life beats you down with its harsh realities and its sin-induced bitterness. You never could survive physically or spiritually without the power of our Lord who cares for you as a shepherd cares for His sheep.
If you are a child of God, then you live close to His heart. He loved you while you were still a sinner. He loves you when you fail. He loves you when you fall along the way. He bears your name on His breast, close to His heart. And if your name is so close to His heart, how close should His name be to yours? Your response should be one of humility, submission, and adoration, as love flows from you in gratitude and praise. What a comfort it is to us, in all our prayers to God, that the Great High Priest of our profession has the names of His people upon His breast as a memorial, presenting them to God as the people of His choice, who were made to be accepted in the beloved. Never fear that God has forgotten you, and do not question His being mindful of you in every circumstance, for you are engraved on the palms of His hands (Isa. 49:16) and upon His heart. He loves you because He chose you. He set His love upon you when you would have nothing to do with Him. Receive His love, and return it with adoration and obedience.
Do you ever doubt the love of God for you? Do many days pass before you really think about how much the Father loves you, His child? If you have faith in Christ, then you are His child and you have the promise of His love. Meditate on the verses below and pick one to memorize.
