Into the Fire

Some believers prefer pageantry, rituals, and solemnity in their worship. Did you ever consider the clothing of Old Testament priests? The symbolism and representations of their garments gave purpose to every piece of adornment and every step to seeking atonement for the nation of Israel.

Flash forward to the Highest Priest: Jesus Christ. Nothing fancy about his clothing. Nothing stoic or somber about His worship, His preaching, His teaching, or His friendship. He observed the feasts, but he discussed His Father’s business with priests in the synagogues when he was only 12 earth years old. Our God in a boy’s body. Neither wealthy nor specially dressed.

Did the garments of the Old Testament elevate the priests? Cover their sinfulness? Add anything to their character? No, they did not. So what was it about the fancy garments? Their Designer gave them their meaning. It wasn’t the cloth and the accessories themselves that became sacred when worn by a man. The intent of the Designer packed each article with the symbolism of His holiness, love, and mercy. The ritual was given to impact not just the people but the priest who offered the sacrifices, knowing full well that the sacrifice alone was only part of the requirement. A man dressed in fancy duds better enter into the Holy of Holies with a right spirit or . . . Adios! God’s mercy and forgiveness stretched to its limits every time a mere man walked into that sacred meeting place. Some never made it out.

Perhaps it’s easier for some people to think of another man/person to go before God on their behalf rather than approaching Him alone. Maybe it’s easier to believe God will accept a “holy” man before He will accept a sinner-man. Without Christ there are no “holy” men or women.

I’ve never warmed up to ritualism. And if I can’t approach God in my feeble, helpless state, then what’s the point? I don’t want someone else speaking for me. I’m broken and unfixable by human hands. I need the Master. I need the prayers of the saints, my brothers and sisters in Christ, but not one of them can atone for my life’s sins. Only Jesus knows me from the inside out, and only He can cleanse me with His sinless Blood when I seek God’s forgiveness. There’s no pomp, no glory, no fanciness in seeking the Lord. All the glory radiates from His response, His gracious attention, His devotion to mankind.

The clothing was never meant to give man meaning but to help man understand the depth of what they sought from a sinless holy God.     

Father, I’m in awe of you and desperate for you. Everyday. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.