The phrase “All dressed up with nowhere to go” gained popularity when it was used by newspaper editor William Allen White to describe the downfall of the Progressive party following Theodore Roosevelt’s decision to retire from the presidential election of 1916. On the other hand, Cinderella had the opposite problem when all the single ladies were invited to the Prince’s ball. She was ready to go with nothing to wear.
The high priest of Israel didn’t have this problem. He was given specific instructions about the type of clothing he was required to wear as he performed his priestly duties. The priests were to be “set apart from the common people” and their primary tasks were to minister to the Lord (Exod. 28:1). The clothing made for the High Priest Aaron was so designed to distinguish him and to “show his separation to God --- beautiful garments that will lend dignity to his work (Exod 28:2). His appearance was not to be mistaken as to who he was, the one assigned to represent man to God and God to man.
The ephod and the chest-piece both were crested with precious gemstones on which the names of the 12 tribes of Israel were engraved. As the high priest entered the presence of the Lord on the Most Holy place, the Lord was “reminded” of his people.
In all actuality, the Lord didn’t need to be reminded of his people. He was ever present among them during the course of their journeys. But as in the Old Testament, the high priests were adorned to take the burden of the people to God, we in the present do not need to be represented to enter the Most Holy place through Christ His Son.
Aaron was all dressed up and he had someplace to go. He has specific tasks he had to do. Through Christ, we in the present also are dressed with someplace to go so long as we profess His name through faith and our Godly actions.
When my youngest son said ‘goodbye’ to me this weekend, I stretched my arms out to my sides and told him I loved him. He ran into my outstretched arms and I hugged him as tightly as I could, never wanting to let him go. My other two older children then joined in to form a group hug.
My outstretched arms reminded me of the One whose arms were open wide for you and me the day He was crucified.
My children are my inspiration. Because of them, I am constantly aware of my faith and that through Him, I am dressed with someplace to go.
1 comment:
Dear Noel...The nicest lines of this whole post;
1. "When my youngest son said "goodbye" to me this weekend, I stretched my arms out to my sides and told him I loved him.".... "The Father's love"!
2."He ran into my outstretched arms, and I hugged him as tightly as I could, never wanting to let him go."...."The child's response and the Father's grip".
3."My other two older children then joined in to form a group hug.".... "The unbroken circle of the Father and His children".
Those children truly love you Noel and nothing is going to destroy that love!
Now I will read the rest of the post for a fifth time and savour the writing you have done here Noel.
It is so deep!.....From Terry
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