The garments referred to here were all created to exacting standards and from holy material - gemstones, gold, and fine linen. God specifically asked for the men gifted with the spirit of wisdom to create these pieces of clothing. (Note: They needed God's wisdom, not their own).
These clothes set Aaron and his sons apart for God's use in a way that those around them could physically see. Over his heart, the priest of God was to wear the sacred objects that determined God's will (signifying a prioritization of God's will over their own feelings). And most importantly, they had to be clothed in each holy article to approach God so that they would not die.
As I read this, I had a sudden revelation: we too should be clothed in holiness, according to God's exacting standards, in a way that those around us can see, if we want to be used by Him. Note, Aaron and his sons were to be fully clothed BEFORE they were anointed and ordained, or taken to a higher level of use.
Now I, for one, will not be going out and purchasing gold and gemstones for an outfit those around me can see, so what are we clothing ourselves in?
In writing to the church, Paul says, “[T]hrow off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.” - Ephesians 4:23-24 (NLT)
So we throw off, literally take off, our old nature, guided by the things that make us FEEL good. Then we let God's spirit make our thoughts & desires new, as it cleans us for this new outfit & we prioritize His will over our feelings. Finally, we get to our new outfit - a righteous and holy nature so that we can be used by God. Once fully clothed, our actions will be what those around us see.
Of course, this isn't a one time thing. Aaron and his sons didn't just get dressed once and call it a day. They got cleaned and dressed every time they were going to approach God. So as we wake up and get ready for each new day, let us remember to ask God for a cleaning and our new outfit.
Blessings,
~*CAT8*~
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