Every religion has its own priests appointed by man. The priests are usually the mediators between the devotees and their deities. This is unlike the priests in the Bible. They are appointed by God and serve as a type of the Lord Jesus Christ. Everything that is associated with the priests of the Bible (including their duties and even their garments) were specified by God alone. Exodus 28 records the requirements of the ministry of the priesthood of God. Three points can be highlighted with regard to the priesthood of God.

1.  Priests are consecrated (Exod 28:1-5)
God had stated that the priests must be from the line of Aaron (Exod 28:1). Priesthood is a specific calling by God, chosen and appointed by God only. Hence, it is a privilege to be a priest of God. Even the garments of the priests are specified by God, and this symbolises that the priests are set apart from the rest of the children of God. It also signifies the seriousness of the duties of the priests which must be carried out in holiness and according to God’s standard. As “a royal priesthood” (1 Pet 2:9), believers are also set apart from unbelievers. We are to be a reflection of the glory and the beauty of God, just like the beautiful garment that God had set for the priests to wear. Thus, our lives must not be stained by sins.

2.  Priests are responsible for the people (Exod 28:6-9)

The ephod is a beautifully designed long apron that a priest wears when performing his duties. The names of the twelve tribes of Israel are inscribed on the stones (Exod 28:9-12) on the shoulders of the ephod. This signifies the responsibilities of the priests for the spiritual well-being of God’s people. Similarly, we are keepers of our brothers and sisters-in-Christ. We are to build up one another’s faith in Christ, and to care and help one another, even in overcoming their struggles.

3.  Priests are bearers of God’s people before Him (Exod 28:9-14)
Priests are representatives of God’s people before God. Through the sacrificial offerings, the priests (on behalf of the children of God) offer up to God their sacrifices. We too can be representatives of God’s people by praying for one another, and thus be an encouragement to the people we are praying for.

Thank God we have the Lord Jesus Christ as our Great High Priest. He is perfect and full of glory. Hence, we must look up to Him in faith. He had sacrificed His life for us and is now seated at the right hand of God interceding for us.