DAILY HOPE DEVOTIONAL: NOVEMBER 24 THE REMEMBERING STONES SCRIPTURE: EXODUS 28: 9-12
In Exodus 28: 9 -12 is seen how God instructed that two Onxy stones be made and have the names of the twelve sons of Israel, which is the sons of Jacob, for the High Priest, precisely Aaron. Each of the stones should carry six names of the sons of Israel in order of birth seniority. The High Priest should be wearing these stones as shoulder pieces upon the ephod (Priestly linen apron). To an ordinary mind, wearing these stones could be seen as mere religious ways priests dress. But for the purpose of God, it conveys greater significance for the Hebrews. This devotional seeks to bring out the real purpose of Aaron’s or any High Priest’s wearing the remembering stones.
God purposed that wearing the stones makes the High Priest know that he is representing the people of Israel before God. In other words, the High Priest, by wearing these stones is a reminder that he is carrying all the Israelites on his shoulders. Aaron, who was the High Priest in Israel, was to carry the stones on his shoulders as a constant reminder that he represents the people of Israel. By carrying these stones, Aaron was in constant remembering that he must be interceding for all the Israelites. Wearing the stones gives Aaron the responsibility of his Spiritual assignment never to allow the people of Israel derail in their faith and commitment to God. Symbolically, Aaron as long as he wears the stones to stand with God, it is the Israelites in totality that are standing with God. Whatever righteous works he does then is the whole Israelites who did it. This is the same with his failures.
The lesson for us Christians here is that; the High Priests are representatives of all people of God in ensuring that their total righteousness lies on the shoulders of the Priests. In the same way, Christians General Overseers wearing Cassocks, or any Clerical dress, must know they represent the church members where ever they go. The failing of the people in carrying out their devoted responsibilities will be blamed on the General Overseers going about in sacred dresses. Also, the Christians are to know that their names bore as Christians symbolizes the wearing of the stones on their shoulders. Bearing Christian names should make the individual Christian to know he/she is God’s image and likeness, which has the potential of drawing the people to God. Therefore, our duties should include ensuring we preserve the righteousness of one another. We must be interceding for one another, work hard to keep up the faithfulness and holiness of one another. We are not to do anything that will cause their backsliding.
PRAYERS:
1. RIGHTEOUS FATHER, please and please, do not allow me to be the reason for the backsliding of my fellow Christians in this world. Make me know always that I represent them before you in Jesus Name.
2. FATHER, fill the minds of all Christians with this knowledge in the name of Jesus Christ.
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