From the moment of creation, humanity was designed to reflect God's glory. In Genesis 2:25, we are told that Adam and Eve were "naked and not ashamed." This nakedness was not merely physical—it was a profound expression of their purity, innocence, and complete communion with God. They were covered in His glory, basking in His presence, and reflecting His holiness. However, when sin entered the world through their disobedience, they lost this glorious covering, and the need for a different kind of covering became apparent.
In the Old Testament, God provided a symbolic representation of His glory through the garments of the high priest, particularly the attire of Aaron, the first high priest of Israel. These garments were more than mere clothing; they were holy, set apart for the priest's sacred duties before God. Exodus 28:2 tells us, "And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty." These garments were not just for physical warmth or protection but for spiritual significance. They were a symbol of the priest’s role as the mediator between God and His people, signifying holiness, honor, and the weight of God's presence.
Aaron’s garments, as described in Exodus 28 and 40, were for "glory and beauty." This was more than just a matter of aesthetics—it pointed to something deeper: a divine calling and responsibility. The garments represented God's sanctifying power and the honor of being chosen for service in His presence. Aaron, as the high priest, would wear these garments to stand before God on behalf of the people of Israel, offering sacrifices and prayers for their atonement.
However, in Numbers 20:28-29, we see a pivotal moment in Aaron’s life when he is stripped of these garments and passed onto his son Eleazar. This act of stripping Aaron of his priestly garments marks a transition in leadership, but it also signifies a deeper spiritual reality: the glory and beauty that Aaron represented were temporary. They were not his to keep forever, as all things under the old covenant pointed to a greater, eternal fulfillment that was to come.
In light of these Old Testament principles, we find a remarkable shift in the New Testament, where believers in Christ are called a "royal priesthood." In 1 Peter 2:9, we are told, "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light." Through Christ, we are restored to the position of dignity and honor originally intended for humanity. Just as Aaron and his sons were set apart to serve God as priests, so too are believers now part of God's royal priesthood, called to reflect His glory and offer sacrifices of praise and service.
This identity as a royal priesthood is not just a theoretical or abstract concept. It is meant to be lived out in our daily lives as we demonstrate God's praises and reflect His holiness in the world. As priests, we are called to intercede for others, to stand before God on behalf of the lost, and to be living sacrifices, dedicated to His service. Just as Aaron’s garments were for glory and beauty, our lives, as believers in Christ, are to be clothed in the righteousness of Christ, shining His glory to the world around us.
The glory that was lost in the Garden of Eden is now being restored to us in Christ. Colossians 3:4 declares, "When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory." Through Christ’s work on the cross, we are being transformed into His image, and one day, when He returns, we will fully experience the glory that was originally intended for us.
In 1 John 3:2, we are reminded of this promise: "Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is." This is the ultimate hope of every believer—that we will be fully restored to the glory of God and be made like Him in the fullness of His splendor.
As members of the royal priesthood, we are not only waiting for that glorious day of Christ’s return; we are also called to live as royal priests here and now. We are to be a reflection of God’s holiness and glory in a broken and dark world. Just as Aaron's garments were for glory and beauty, our lives are to be adorned with the righteousness of Christ, shining His light in the world. The question for us, then, is how are we living as a royal priesthood? Are we reflecting the glory of God in our actions, words, and attitudes? Are we fulfilling our calling to show forth His praises?
The lost glory is being restored, and we have been given the privilege of wearing the "garment" of righteousness in Christ. As we walk in this calling, we are called to be a witness to the world of the marvelous light that has called us out of darkness. This royal priesthood is not just an identity to claim but a mission to live out, one that will ultimately find its fulfillment in the glorious return of Christ.
Conclusion
As Christians, we are more than just servants; we are part of a royal priesthood, entrusted with the privilege of reflecting God’s glory in the world. Just as the high priest’s garments in the Old Testament symbolized holiness, beauty, and glory, we, too, are clothed with the righteousness of Christ, empowered to live lives that honor God. Let us take this calling seriously, living as royal priests who shine His light and proclaim His praises, knowing that one day, we will share in His eternal glory.
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