The one thing that caught my attention reading about the priestly garments was the description “for glory and splendor.” These men are serving God. They are to be resplendent! The robes are expensive, colorful, and obvious. They are to catch the eye. They are to be impressive. They are to be glorious.
I don’t know that I would be comfortable walking around with a literal sign on my forehead declaring “set apart for God.” The gemstone encrusted breastplate. The cords and embroidery and everything else.
It seems quite the contrast to the blood that is thrown at them.
It’s all very extreme. I imagine it was all very heavy in every sense of the word. Could you forget what your job was while wearing that? No one else could, that’s for sure. Pretty clearly the point of it all, at that.
It would be an incredible honor. Was it… more than a little terrifying as well? I think it should be, honestly.
Was it difficult to balance the honor with the weight of the responsibility? How many priests throughout history, serving in the inherited position, struggled with resentment? Talk about unasked for obligation.
Of course, it eventually becomes politicized like every other position of human power…
Still. We’re the priesthood now. The label “christian” should be worn like that sign on Aaron’s face declaring us “set apart for God.” We’re warned not to take the name of the Lord in vain. This is what he meant. Do not wear his name lightly. Do not bring dishonor to his name by associating it with behavior he finds abhorrent. Do not say and do things, in his name, that he has so very clearly condemned.
Wear his name carefully, carry it forward in love, present it to the world with compassion, represent him faithfully. Or don’t wear his name on your face.