Verse of the day: Exodus 39:2-3 He made the ephod of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and of fine woven linen. 3 And they beat the gold into thin sheets and cut it into threads, to work it in with the blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and the fine linen, into artistic designs.
The ephod, to put it simply, was vest-like and worn over the priestly robe, covering both front and back. It was intricate and colorful in design. It was made of two parts, had two straps that held it together by golden clasps and two onyx stones. The onyx stones each had six names of the Tribes of Israel inscribed on them. As the priest served the Lord in the Tabernacle, these two onyx stones showed that the priest was representing Israel before God, and was symbolic of Jesus Christ, as our High Priest, representing us before our Heavenly Father. The placement of the onyx stones on the shoulder straps was symbolic of one who was carrying the burdens of Israel, just as Christ came to bear our burdens. This serves as a wonderful reminder of what Jesus has done for us, and continues to do for us. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” The high priest was tasked with bringing the sacrifice for the forgiveness of Israel’s sins. Jesus was, and is, the Perfect Sacrifice for the payment of our sins (1 John 2:2). Now, He calls us to come to Him and bring our burden of sins, one that is far too heavy for us to carry, and leave it with Him. Far too many people are trying to work their way into God’s favor and earn their way into heaven. The Word of God is clear that there is nothing we can do to earn eternal life, and no amount of works or religious rituals will gain us the kind of favor that will make us acceptable before the Father (Isaiah 64:6). Salvation is by grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:4-5; Colossians 2:13-15). Not only has Jesus relieved us of the burden of finding forgiveness for our sins by our own efforts, but also as born again believers, He has relieved us of carrying the daily burdens the world puts on us, and we put on ourselves. For many it has become more difficult to obtain the things that were once easily accessible, or available, to us. Things that are necessary for daily living and survival. Food, clothing, transportation, and other necessities are becoming more expensive, while in many places jobs are either scarce or the wages we receive not enough to pay for food and shelter, especially if we have to support a family. God has promised that in Christ, He will provide all our needs. Matthew 6:25-34 reminds us that we need not worry about what we will wear or what we will eat. Our primary concern should be to seek the Kingdom of God. In other words, put our eyes on the Lord, seek Him daily, serve Him daily, and let Him take care of our daily needs, because He already knows what we need even before we ask (Matthew 6:8). Sadly, what happens far too often is that God does provide what we need, but we start looking around at what others have, that we think is better or newer, and we begin to covet that which God has already decided we do not need. Hebrews 13:5-6 tells us, Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” If we live on earth any number of years, we all know that none of us are exempt from facing trials, tribulations, and if we are faithfully serving the Lord, persecution. However, Jesus told us in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” He wants us to bring the burdens associated with the trials of this life to Him, because He truly cares for us. In 1 Peter 5:6-7 we are told, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” This humble submission in bringing our burdens to Him is assurance that He will protect us and give us victory over the attacks of our enemy, the devil. The bottom line is that the ephod is a wonderful reminder that we have a Savior who has already shouldered the burden of our sins, wants us to give Him the burden of our needs, and of our trials.
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
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