When We See Him (3)

by Geoffrey M. Hydon, North York, Ontario, Canada. | Category: When We See Him | May 1994

On earth Jehovah's Servant appeared before men in the normal dress of His day, without particular splendour or noticeable difference from those around Him. In large measure that remained true of His appearance in the forty days following His resurrection. But how does He now appear as He ministers before the face of God on behalf of His people? Without erring through too much speculative thinking we can feast upon the pictures provided in Old Testament types as we "consider Him" (Heb. 12:3).

Exalted Priest:

Aaron was given two sets of clothing to wear in his role as High Priest. One set of garments is described in Exodus 28 as being "for glory and for beauty" (v.2). They were many-coloured, skilfully woven from gold, blue, purple, scarlet and fine twined linen, and some of these glorious garments were also adorned with precious stones. Another set is described simply as "holy garments" presumably white and pure. Significantly, they were used in the special service on the annual day of atonement, as recorded in Leviticus 16. It was in this clothing, white and pure, that God looked on the High Priest as he ministered in the holy of holies. When atonement had been accomplished then the many-coloured garments of glory and beauty were once more put on before the High

Priest returned to be seen by the many people (vv. 23,24). The point is that when the people saw the High Priest reappear on that day in his garments of glory and beauty, they knew that the work of atonement had been accomplished.

This is worthy of thought in connection with the work of Christ in His atonement for the redeemed people of God. Aaron's clothing was carefully designed to be fitting for the holiness of his work; his garments said something about him; godly people seeing him would form impressions of the high service he was chosen by God to fulfil. What about Christ? He who was raised to life in glorious resurrection has entered into the heavenly sanctuary to be the Great High Priest (Heb. 4:14; 9:24). Holiness characterizes that work on behalf of the people of God. How does God view Him in that office? Reading over the Exodus passages describing Aaron's priestly clothing can help us meditate on the Lord's appearance. How will he appear to us, when He leaves the sanctuary and returns to the people? The work of atonement accomplished, He will again appear, apart from sin (Heb. 9:28). Godly people will be looking for Him; what garments of glory and beauty will He then wear?

The Heavenly Vision:

A picture of the glory of the Son of Man in connection with His walking

in judgement among the assemblies of His Holy People was given to John, as recorded for us in Revelation 1. Some of the aspects of His appearance there are comparable to what the disciples saw on the Mount of Transfiguration. Also, the brightness and purity respondent in Him is also shared by the picture of the Bride, the wife of the Lamb, in Revelation 19. We are reminded of the hymn:

His people shall His triumph share,

With Him shall live and with Him reign,

In heaven their joy is full, for there

They see Him who for them was slain.

Disciples today share with Job his desire to see the Lord; we say with him: "I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth... from my flesh shall see God" (19:25,26). And John reminds us in connection with the initial phase of His physical return:

"We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is" (1 John 3:2).

Joseph and Aaron serve as types of the beauty, glory and holiness that is true of Christ and that we ourselves shall indeed see. We have also learnt from the experience of those who saw the Lord in the days of His flesh or who gained a glimpse of His future appearing. We can ponder these things concerning the Person and work of Christ and bring to God the fruit of such meditation. We can learn to live before our fellow men as people with spiritual vision, people whose practical sanctification enables us to recognize the work of the Lord in events (Heb. 12:14) and ensures that we are occupied with things that will not bring us regret if His return overtakes us in such pursuits.

Biblical quotations from NASB.

Geoffrey M. Hydon, North York, Ontario, Canada. | May 1994
When We See Him