Sept 1989 - Editorial

Our main meditation this month is on the garments worn by the High Priest and the priests which, although they differed, were nevertheless for glory and for beauty (Ex. 28:2,40). The purpose of the garments was two-fold. Primarily, they were to sanctify and for ministering in the Priest's office (28:3,41). Their glory and their beauty were related to the work of the priests before God. In a secondary sense they were to ensure that the priests did not bear iniquity and so die (28:35,43) that is, protection for themselves.

What the garments did for the work of Aaron and his sons as they ministered in the priest's office in the Tabernacle is surpassed by the glory and beauty of the personality and work of the Son as He ministers in the heavenly sanctuary today. A High Priest always officiates in association with a priesthood. So that the glory and beauty associated with the High Priest's work is also seen by God in association with the holy and royal priesthood work in God's house today. The perfection of the Man, of His priesthood, of His ministry, of the Tabernacle in which He officiates, of the worshippers who draw nigh to God through Him, are like the garments which gave glory and beauty to the old order. But they will never become old or grow aged and "nigh unto vanishing away".

Individual, personal relationships with God always precede collective testimony. If the vital truths of the gospel concerning repentance towards God and faith towards our Lord Jesus (Acts 20:21) are neglected by a royal priesthood, how will the garments of glory and beauty be seen? We 'Focus' again on the priesthood's responsibility to show forth the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvellous light (1 Pet. 2:9).

unknown | Sept 1989
Editorial