Links for today’s readings:
Read: Exodus 39 Listen: (5:24) Read: Luke 21 Listen: (4:18)
Links for this weekend’s readings:
Read: Exodus 40 Listen: (4:07) Read: Luke 22 Listen: (7:58)
Read: Leviticus 1 Listen: (2:37) Read: Luke 23 Listen: (6:39)
Scripture Focus: Exodus 39.8-14
8 They fashioned the breastpiece—the work of a skilled craftsman. They made it like the ephod: of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen. 9 It was square—a span long and a span wide—and folded double. 10 Then they mounted four rows of precious stones on it. The first row was carnelian, chrysolite and beryl; 11 the second row was turquoise, lapis lazuli and emerald; 12 the third row was jacinth, agate and amethyst; 13 the fourth row was topaz, onyx and jasper. They were mounted in gold filigree settings. 14 There were twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.
Reflection: The Breastplate and The Cross
By John Tillman
Who is “near your heart?”
Westerners picture the heart as the seat of our emotions, identity, and self. When someone is near to our heart, their wellbeing is connected with ours. Our heart beats sympathetically with their sufferings. Our heart races with theirs in celebrations. Our heart aches for them when sin darkens their heart, turning them away from joy to bitterness, cynicism, anxiety, or abuse.
Most of scripture’s authors centered emotions in the bowels or diaphragm. We use these metaphors too, speaking about “gut feelings” or something “moving us” or “taking our breath away.”
Aaron’s jeweled breastplate covered his torso. The jewels represented Israel’s tribes. He bore the people near his heart. The breastplate was a tangible reminder of his task, to carry the people with him, representing them before God. Its weight reminded Aaron that he bore their sins and the responsibility to lead them towards righteousness. The gems reflected light from the lampstands in God’s presence, as Aaron and the people were to reflect God’s light to the world.
Who do you carry near your heart? Your spouse? Your family? Your friends and other loved ones? Carrying someone near to your heart is a priestly duty. But there is another wrinkle to our “priestly garments.”
Christ is our high priest, not Aaron. Christ’s holy of holies, where he made atonement was Calvary. Jesus bore no breastplate. He bore the cross for us while we were ungodly. He demonstrated love for us while we were sinners. He died for us while we were his enemies. He prayed, “Father forgive them” over his persecutors.
Our priestly duty goes beyond those for whom we already bear affection. (Luke 6.27-35) As priests under Christ, our enemies must also be on our hearts. We must bear the cross to love, sacrifice, pray for, and seek the good of our enemies as well as our loved ones.
Seeking an enemy’s good doesn’t mean seeking their success in doing evil. The greatest good we can seek for them is to know Christ and repent. Following that, we can pray that they “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly” (Micah 6.8) with God. Failing that, we can pray that their evil will fail to accomplish its purpose.
In your heart, set apart Christ as Lord (1 Peter 3.15) and carry all people, both loved ones and enemies, before him with heartfelt prayers.
Divine Hours Prayer: The Greeting
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; we bless you from the house of the Lord. — Psalm 118.26
– Divine Hours prayers from The Divine Hours: Prayers for Springtime by Phyllis Tickle.
Read more: Garments of Peace — Guided Prayer
Aaron’s heart felt the weight of Jacob’s children…May our hearts be weighted with loving concern for our communities.
Read more: Enemies Becoming One People
When you even talk about loving your enemies, you can be called a traitor. “Don’t you understand how dangerous they are? You are enabling them!”