Copyright © 1996-2009 Global Alphabet, Inc. All rights reserved.
BigchurchSM and Big ChurchSM are service marks of Global Alphabet, Inc.
BigchurchSM and Big ChurchSM are service marks of Global Alphabet, Inc.
 | Blogs > livingmyfaith > Recommended Reading > Near To The Heart of God |
Near To The Heart of God
Last Read: |
Exodus 28:29 "And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the LORD continually." KJB Even the very clothing that the priest was to wear when they communed with God in the Temple of God was made according to the instructions that God gave to Moses. The specificness of the clothing is very important even the placement of the breast plate upon the breast of Aaron was vitally important. The breast plate had on it's service 12 precious jewels and these jewels represented the twelve tribes of Israel. Each piece of that garment was vitally important because they not only symbolized God's relationship with Israel but also was a "mikrah" (recital or rehearsal) for the ministry of Jesus Christ who was the "...one mediator between God and man..." (1 Timothy 2:5) KJB. On that breast plate was also two stones, and on each stone there was six names, the names of those twelve tribes of God. Those stones were mounted or placed upon the shoulders of what is called the ephod and it was placed on the shoulders of the high priest. It is interesting to note that this was placed on a man because it was on the broad shoulders to represent strength, specifically because the man was to carry a heavy load. This is interesting because when Christ took upon His broad shoulders the sins of all mankind, I cannot think of any other heavy load that is more important, can you? It also represents His ability or rather capability to carry that heavy burden. He said: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy , and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30) KJB. Even though Jesus took upon His own shoulders the sins of the whole world, He is still willing to take our problems and lay them there also. We also read about these two stones upon the shoulders of Aaron when we read: "And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod for stones of memorial unto the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD upon his two shoulders for a memorial." (Exodus 28:12) KJB. And we read about this being repeated in the New Testament, reflecting what Aaron was carrying on his shoulders was simply a type of what Jesus would do, for we read: "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." (1 Peter 5  ) KJB. I cannot help but see the mirrored image between what the breastplate and the ephod would represent and we learn in the New Testament that this, taking of our troubles upon His own shoulders, would not be a burden but rather a very important labor of love. The names were written on the ephod which was on the shoulders of the high priest they were carried "...upon his heart..." by the twelve stones being placed on that breastplate. Jesus knows the names of every one in the world, He even knows the names of every star in the cosmos. He placed them on His shoulders on the cross of Calvary, what better love can be shone than this? The breastplate and the ephod was the physical representation of what He said of Old, for we read: "Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee" (Jeremiah 31:3) KJB. And for us, His loved ones, the believers of today, Christ's High Priesthood or priestly ministry can not be better explained except in the book of Hebrews, where all believers are assured that "...because He continueth ever, [he] hath an unchangeable priesthood..." (Hebrews 7:24) KJB. And then the Apostle John wrote about what Jesus said: "Let not your heart be troubled, ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know." (John 14:1-4) KJV. We can rest assured that our Lord and Savior has not only our names written upon His broad shoulders, but also that our names are placed over His heart because it is "...for a memorial before the Lord continually (eternally, forever)" (our text for today). I know, by thinking on His word, I can have my troubled heart and spirit comforted by that very same word. What about you, have you hidden His word in your heart against the days when you have troubles, and are you able to recall them to help comfort you during those times? If not, then is it not time that you do? By Dr. Terry Cleaveland, Pastor (retired), Preacher, Teacher of God's Holy Word, Grand Junction, Co. Used with permission Assured Salvation and God's forgiveness are all that matters. |
||
10/30/2009 6:28 am |
First I would like to say: There has been many people here over the years that have left a print on my heart.Amen " He gathers the Lambs in his arms,and carries them close to his heart" Isaia 40:11 There is a place of quiet rest, Near to the heart of God. A place where sin cannot molest, Near to the heart of God. Refrain O Jesus, blest Redeemer, Sent from the heart of God, Hold us who wait before Thee Near to the heart of God. There is a place of comfort sweet, Near to the heart of God. A place where we our Savior meet, Near to the heart of God. Refrain There is a place of full release, Near to the heart of God. A place where all is joy and peace, Near to the heart of God. Refrain Cleland B Mc Afee Love & prayers K
|
 |
 |
 |
| Become a member to comment on this blog | ||
 |
