Bearing Burdens

Exodus 28:9-12
“Then you shall take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel: 10 six of their names on one stone and six names on the other stone, in order of their birth. 11 With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, you shall engrave the two stones with the names of the sons of Israel. You shall set them in settings of gold. 12 And you shall put the two stones on the shoulders of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. So Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD on his two shoulders as a memorial.

Exodus 28:29
“So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel on the breastplate of judgment over his heart, when he goes into the holy place, as a memorial before the LORD continually.

What a beautiful picture of priesthood. in every way, spiritually, and physically, literally and symbolically, Aaron bore the burdens of his people continually. These practices were a memorial to both Aaron and the people. To Aaron, these were a constant reminder of prayer and intercession on behalf of God's people. To the people, this was a constant reminder of their need for a priest and intercessor to make reconciliation between them and God. Ultimately, these symbols pointed to Jesus, out Great High Priest who bore our sins and the judgement of God as well as became our intermediary between us and God. He bore our cross on His shoulders and our names on His heart. This is the role of the priest. So I ask myself, how have I figuratively and literally, physically and spiritually bore the burdens of those God has entrusted to me? What memorial can be seen in my life that bears others burdens and points them to Jesus and His amazing work on the cross?

Father, make me Holy. Make me worthy to come before you in prayer and bear the burdens of those under my care. Let Your work be seen in me continually and may it point to You, our Great High Priest. Amen