Holy Underwear

Exodus 28: 31-43

And now instructions for the priestly evening-wear. The robe of the ephod was to be in blue cloth with a woven collar-like edge to stop tearing from occurring. They are to construct pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet yarn around the hem of the robe. In between the pomegranates were to be bells. Aaron must wear this when he ministers. The bells will sound when entering and leaving the holy place so he won't die.

So he won't die? One thought I had was that it was for protection from Israelite thugs. The dude with the bells is off limits- no one better mess with him. But later information in this section seems to suggest that he might be in danger from God without the bells.

They are supposed to make a plate of pure gold and engrave "Holy to the Lord" on it. They are to fasten a blue cord to it to attach it to the front of the turban and Aaron is to wear it. When sacred gifts are offered by the Israelites, Aaron will bear the guilt of them on his forehead. Apparently, wearing this plate on his forehead will make the gifts acceptable to God.

This idea of "wearing guilt" is interesting- especially when combined with the pomegranate motif already discussed. Why pomegranates? Why not mangoes, avocadoes, nectarines? Maybe the legendary apple from the garden wasn't an apple at all- but was a pomegranate and this design was another way for Aaron to wear the guilt of his people. Purely speculation, but some fruit for thought.

Then they are supposed to make some fancy duds for Aaron and his sons to "give them dignity and honor." Tunics, sashes and headbands- after they're wearing them they are to be annointed and ordained so they can serve God. I'm not sure exactly what happened in an ordaining- but in this case the ordainees were quite stylish.

I think it's important to notice this part of their assignment. There has been a lot of construction and creation meant directly to honor God. This honoring is more indirect- it's honoring those who are honoring God. With service comes honor...and responsibility. Remember that whole death thing?

The last things in this section they were to create were linen undergarments for Aaron and his sons. They had to wear them whenever they were in the tent of meeting or approached the altar to minister in the holy place. This was so they wouldn't "incur guilt and die."

Membership may have its privileges- but it comes with a pretty steep price too. Without the holy undergarments their service wasn't acceptable. This was a lasting ordinance for Aaron's descendants. Hopefully they made new linens for the offspring.

This is a puzzling section in terms of what to take from it. The main thing for me is how much was expected from those serving in the role that Aaron took on. There's a lot to think about and a lot to get just so. Not just anyone could do it- I wouldn't be cut out for it.

Ooo- that engraved thing is on my dash board...I'll be right back.

The linen underwear is in the dryer- I forgot about it until the last minute.

Jana do you know where I left my holy sash?

And I think the point is not the need for greater pomp from our worship leaders, but instead a greater appreciation of what it took and takes for Jesus to be that high priest for us. Even if these details serve as metaphor- the glory of being the high priest- comes with great responsibility- it wasn't something taken lightly- and it takes someone diligent enough to cross all the t's and make sure all the sashes are in place so that we don't have to.

And that's what Christ has done for us- he's taken the role and removed the responsibility from us placing it on his shoulders- all the while loving us despite our reaction.