Near to the Heart of God

Welcome to the Days of Praise podcast, a daily devotional by the Institute for Creation Research. Near to the heart of God. And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the LORD continually. Exodus twenty eight twenty nine. The clothing of the high priest was made according to very specific instructions.

Each piece of the garment both symbolized and preshadowed a ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ as the one mediator between God and man. The name of the tribes of Israel were engraved upon two stones, six names per stone. and they were to be mounted upon the shoulders of the ephod. The broad shoulders of a man are often used as a symbol of strength, particularly in carrying a heavy load. Illustrating his perfect faithfulness and capability, the burden-bearing work of Christ, weighed with the sins and needs of his people, is pictured through Aaron, who would bear their names before the Lord upon his two shoulders for a memorial.

It is with great confidence in that capability that His people can therefore turn to Him, casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you. As seen from the text verse, this work is not a drudgery, but a labor of love. The names of the children of Israel were not only on the high priest's shoulders, but also carried upon his heart. In one sense, this was a visible token of what he had said of old, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love, therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee. For believers today, Christ's high priestly ministry is explained more fully in the book of Hebrews, where believers are assured that because he continueth ever, he hath an unchangeable priesthood.

Therefore let not your heart be troubled, for he has your name upon his own heart, for a memorial before the Lord continually. If you've enjoyed today's devotional, be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. And please rate and review so more listeners can find us. To support ICR's ministry, visit icr.org/slash donate. Your gift of any amount helps us to reach others with biblical truth and encouragement.

Thanks for listening. We hope you'll start each day with days of praise.