Thoughts on the readings for February 17th (Exodus 28, Psalms 83, 84, Mark 13)

Exodus 28 describes the clothing of the priests and of the High priest. The clothing of Aaron and his four sons was, verse 2, for glory and for beauty since they were the LORD's representatives. These garments were skilfully embroidered by Aholiab, whose name means "from the Father's tent". John Thomas wrote about these clothes one and a half centuries ago saying, that what the High Priest wore on his person spoke of the inwrought character of the Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 4 describes the clothing common to all five men - a white turban; a linen robe; a golden coloured sash; and a coat of linen of checkered work appearance woven throughout with threads of blue, purple, scarlet and gold. The scarlet spoke of his lowly sin prone human condition. The blue talked of him being motivated, as the Father's only begotten Son, by the Word of God which permeated his thinking. The purple, being a mixture of red and blue, represents royalty. The gold was a token of tried and precious faith. The High Priest had two additional items attached to these garments - in the centre of his turban was a golden plate, which carried the engraved inscription, "Holiness to Yahweh" - speaking of the purpose of the High Priest's life. The second item was a golden breastplate with 12 compartments each one containing a rare and precious gemstone. And upon each of the gemstones was an engraving of each of the twelve tribes of Israel. The breastplate covered Aaron's heart. We sing a hymn that says, "the name of all the saints he bares, engraven on his heart". (see verse 29). These, likewise, were a reminder of the High Priest's role in representing his people when he approached his God. Verses 15-22 tell of the type of stones (compare the picture presented in Revelation 21); and how they were arranged. The breastplate was attached to two golden rings - one on each shoulder - and tied in place by a blue line lace. This blue lace spoke of the heavenly calling. Verse 30 tells us that the Urim and Thummim were placed within the breastplate; presumably in the back of it for the front was filled with glistening gemstones. Urim means "lights" and Thummim ("fires", or "perfections"). The Urim spoke of the perfection that was to be found in all of these 12 stones together - every member of the ecclesia of God is an essential part. The Thummim were placed in the back of the breastplate. These may have been a white stone, signifying acceptance (see Revelation 2 verses 17,; 3 verse 12); and a black stone for an unfavourable judgment. (As an aside, which doesn't relate to the clothing of the High Priest, the following Is submitted. The lot from the ephod is spoken of in the first book of Samuel several times. In the New Testament decisions by means of the casting of lots is referred to on a few occasions in the Acts of the Apostles - including for the replacement of Judas Iscariot in chapter 1). On the hem, or fringe (Hebrew "wing", or "extremity") of Aaron's robe was an embroidery of blue, purple and scarlet. And dangling from the bottom of that garment were alternating golden bells and pomegranates. The pomegranate speaks of the ecclesia: a multitude (of seeds), united in the blood of Christ, by the blood of the Covenant (the red juice) in One (fruit). And the bell of the gospel message, which when heard would tell of the Lord's life and its significance in gaining the victory over sin, saving the world, and having righteousness and eternal life gained by faithful believers. These were there, so the record says of the High Priest, "that he die not". Later Leviticus tells of the High Priest elect being struck dead by God. Paul in writing to the Romans comments on the significance of the bell (Romans 10 verses14-18). Exodus 40 finishes by repeating that these clothes were "for glory and beauty". Psalm 83 is once more from Asaph. It describes the battle of Armageddon. The nations named as being confederate against Israel have never before been so many assembled together with one common purpose (verse 4). And in their hatred for Israel it also tells of their antagonism to God. The psalm recounts many memorable and historical victories when the Almighty rose up to defend His people. And He will always do this for He is a God who keeps covenant (Isaiah 54 verses17, Zechariah 2 verse 8). The psalm concludes with the thought that Yahweh will be known and magnified in His triumph. Think how frequently the refrain occurs in Ezekiel, when describing these times, "and they shall know that I am Yahweh". Psalm 84 is from the sons of Korah and was sung by male voices. It speaks of the writer's longing to dwell in the house of the LORD. The wonderfulness of worshiping in the presence of "the living God" is captured by this Psalm. Verses 3 and 4 tell of the blessing of a humble sparrow, or a swallow, to make a nest (that is home) close to God. Verse 5 likewise tells of the blessings for those in whose heart are the highways to Zion (RSV translation). Such people are pilgrims now. And though trials produce much weeping; these enable them to comfort and console their fellow pilgrims verse 6 tell us. Compare the Apostle Paul's comments in 2 Corinthians 1 verses 3-7. These pilgrims are not destroyed by trials; they in fact make them stronger. The Almighty will hear the prayers of the faithful and be their defence in times of trouble. Verse 10 tells that the sons of Korah separated themselves from the wicked tents of their father (Numbers 16 verses 26-27) and were, consequently rewarded with the privilege and responsibility of being the doorkeepers of the Tabernacle (and in later times, the Temple). God is a fierce sun to destroy the wicked and the protector (shield) of a loving Father to His children. Blessed are all those who put their trust in their Sovereign. Our 13th chapter in Mark tells us of the Olivet prophecy. Jesus, in response to his disciples pointing out to him the magnificence of the temple precinct, tells them all stones of it will be overturned. Peter, James, John and Andrew ask him two questions in verse 4; which he answered in the subsequent verses to 27. Actually, the disciples ask three questions (Matthew 24 verse 3; and Luke in fact tells us two further questions). Verses 5-13 answer the first question and the concluding statement was relevant to that generation, and for all time - the one who endured to the end will be saved. The 14th to the 23rd verses link the prophecies of Daniel 8 and 9 to our Lord's message. They have special reference to the Roman desolation of Jerusalem that would be fulfilled in the overturning of Zion by the emperors Vespasian and his son Titus in AD 70. The following 4 verses relate to the interval from then until Israel's national restoration and identity in 1948. This is outlined in the parable of the fig tree from Vv28-31. An exhortation to watchfulness is from verses 32-37.   Penned by Warwick Rosser and his team, produced by Christadelphianvideo.org See more Thoughts from the Christadelphian Dialy Bible Reading Planner (By R.Roberts) here... https://christadelphianvideo.org/thoughts-on-the-readings-for-february-17th-exodus-28-psalms-83-84-mark-13/?feed_id=85241&_unique_id=67b1a6e6b38f3