Carried

I have always loved the "Footprints In The Sand" poem. It is such a comforting reminder that even when we feel alone in the trials of life, God is NEAR. He carries us.

In Exodus 28, God gives Moses instructions for making the high priestly garments. Twice in those garments, Aaron (and every high priest following him) are bearing or carrying the names of the tribes of Israel "before the Lord". It really jumped out at me earlier this year, and did so again today. The first "bearing" takes place on Aaron's shoulders. This encouraged me because the shoulders are a place of strength. The second "bearing" is over Aaron's heart. This also encouraged me because the heart represents affections.

I can't read about Aaron without thinking of Jesus. The New Testament writers tell us that Jesus is the Great High Priest. He is the one that Aaron and all his sons foreshadowed. So as I'm reading about Aaron bearing the names of the Israelites before the Lord, I'm thinking of Jesus bearing MY name before the Lord. Carrying me in the strength of His sacrifice for my sin. Carrying me in the affection of a lover for his bride. It's amazing!

And you shall set the two stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod, as stones of remembrance for the sons of Israel. And Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD on his two shoulders for remembrance.
Exodus 28:12

So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel in the breastpiece of judgment on his heart, when he goes into the Holy Place, to bring them to regular remembrance before the LORD.
Exodus 28:29

For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God. And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath, but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him: "The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, 'You are a priest forever.'" This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
Hebrews 7:18-25