Dressing the Part
Exodus 29:5-7
“Then you shall take the garments, and put on Aaron the coat and the robe of the ephod, and the ephod, and the breastpiece, and gird him with the skillfully woven band of the ephod. And you shall set the turban on his head and put the holy crown in the turban You shall take the anointing oil and pour it on his head and anoint him.”
Aaron’s spoken directly to Pharaoh, he’s aided Moses in the defeat of the Amalakites, and he’s been the mouthpiece for the greatest leader of his generation, yet I doubt he’ll ever felt so regal and prominent and godlike as he will when he puts on this wardrobe. Just think: Moses doesn’t get a shimmering, multi- colored robe to represent his authority. Moses doesn’t receive a diamond-studded crown to symbolize his headship over the people. Moses doesn’t wear an ephod filled with finely-cut gem stones to signify his uniqueness among the people. This costume, this anointing, this extravagant gift of divine raiment must make Aaron feel like a king among his brothers—even if his official title reads ‘priest’.
I wonder how well Aaron will manage this newfound glory though. When he steps out before this mixed multitude in his new clothes, when he sees the gleam of the sapphires shining in the people’s wanton eyes, when he hears the communal gasp from the awestruck crowd, will he fall on his knees and beg God for greater humility, recognizing his human bent toward vainglory, or will he sigh with relief in the quiet of his heart, “Finally—I’ve deserved this! About time I get some recognition; I’ve paid my dues; I’ve waited patiently in Moses’ shadow; I’m owed this honor!”
Friend, why did God’s gift of prosperity lead Solomon to unbelievable compromises? Why did God’s gift of a crown lead David to adultery and murder? Why did God’s gift of freewill lead Adam and Eve to disobedience? Let’s get serious about our innate, human weakness before moving on with our day today. God has dressed us in the fineries of His righteousness, robed us in the riches of His favor, distinguished us as kings and priests among the people of earth; but how well will we cope with so lavish a gift and so high a calling?