The Glory and Beauty of Consecrated Service

“Bring near… Aaron and Aaron’s sons. Make holy garments for Aaron, for glory and for beauty. Speak to all whom I have filled with a spirit of skill, that they make Aaron’s garments to consecrate him for my priesthood. They shall make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a coat of checker work, a turban, and a sash. They shall make holy garments for Aaron and his sons to serve me. They shall receive gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen.

“Make the ephod of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and of fine twined linen, skillfully worked… Take two onyx stones, and [as a jeweler engraves signets] engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel, six on the one stone, and six on the other, in the order of their birth… Enclose them in settings of gold filigree… on the shoulder pieces of the ephod…

“Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel in the breastpiece of judgment on his heart, when he goes into the Holy Place, to bring them to regular remembrance before the Lord… Make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it, ‘Holy to the Lord.’ Fasten it on the turban by a cord of blue… Anoint them and ordain them and consecrate them.” Exodus 28:1-6,9-12,29,36-37,41

There is something beautiful, and almost hushed and reverential, in this description of adorning and consecrating the Lord’s priests. Those who were to lead Israel in worship of the Most High, and offer the sacrifices of atonement and thanksgiving and peace, and instruct the people in God’s way, were to be dressed for glory and for beauty, not to draw attention to themselves, but to reflect the magnificent splendor of the One they represented and served. Their setting apart for service was a holy consecration designed by God Himself, and executed in practical ways through His gifted people.

It is a glory and a beauty to honor the King. It is a glory and a beauty to reflect God’s created loveliness. It is a glory and a beauty to bear up one another before the Lord. It is a glory and a beauty to be regularly adorned with a pure heart and eager expectation for meeting God in the Holy Place of worship, repentance, sacrifice, and prayer. It is a glory and a beauty to reflect God’s holiness in our artistry and exercise of our skills, to display His supremacy and make His name known. It is a glory and a beauty to seek and be clad in God’s wisdom, and to do all our work as unto Him. (Proverbs 4:4-9; Colossians 3:23)

What part do we take in adorning our spiritual leaders with glory and beauty through prayers that undergird their work, support of their heavy responsibilities, and the blessing of encouragement? How can we add to the honor they offer God by affirmation, application of their teaching, or ready obedience?

And how appropriately are we fitted for royal service? Would we esteem our King’s worth and reputation above all, and ‘dress’ accordingly- in respect, wholesome speech, biblical wisdom, and habits that reflects His? Do our actions and attitudes enhance, or contradict, our beliefs, and His greatness? (Ephesians 4:1; Colossians 3:12-17; 1 Peter 3:8)

Holy God, consecrate me daily by renewing my mind. May I walk distinctly from the world, worthy of my calling, honoring Your glory and beauty. (Romans 12:1-2)