Scripture
‘Make sacred garments for your brother Aaron to give him dignity and honor. Tell all the skilled workers to whom I have given wisdom in such matters that they are to make garments for Aaron, for his consecration, so he may serve me as priest. “Fashion a breastpiece for making decisions—the work of skilled hands. Make it like the ephod: of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen. ‘
Observation
Aaron and his sons were divinely called to ministry and leadership. One of the tools they were given by the Lord was their wardrobe. The clothes and ornaments they wore were intended to give them dignity and honor, and even help them in making decisions that affected the nation of Israel. The responsibility of making these clothes was given to ‘Skilled workers’, that God had given wisdom for just such a task. Aaron’s dignity and honor, and even decision-making ability, was directly tied to the preparation made by those under him whom God had gifted in such a way as to prepare Aaron for his own ministry. Aaron was not able to lead without the assistance, preparation, and wisdom of those he led. There was a symbiotic relationship between the two. As Aaron allowed them to fulfill their ministry, his own leadership and ministry was strengthened and enabled also.
Application
God has given me people in my life who are skilled in ways that I am not, and wise in areas that I am not. Without their support and help, I cannot fulfill the responsibilities to which God has called me. If I disregard and ignore their wisdom and council, I will most certainly find myself lacking dignity and honor. This week I need to be mindful to pay attention to those that God has put in my life, who are strong in the areas where I am lacking. God has put them in my life for a reason, and I need to pay attention to not miss out on the blessing that they could be to me. When I find myself picking up needle and thread, I need to be humble enough to set it back down and go find a skilled and wise craftsman to help me. My humility in accepting their wisdom and skill will enable them and me to both fulfill the ministry to which we have each been called.
Prayer
God, thank you for the people and relationships with which You have blessed me! Help me to humbly accept them into the proper role in my life, as a blessing and resource from You. Thank you for the blessing and privilege of being a part of Your body, a part of Your church.