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In the twenty-eighth chapter of Exodus detailed instructions are given for the clothing of Aaron. Clothes to be worn as he enters the holiest part of the wilderness Tabernacle to intercede on behalf of the people. Verses nine to twelve are very important.

“Take two onyx stones, and engrave on them the names of the tribes of Israel. Six names will be on each stone, arranged in the order of the births of the original sons of Israel. Engrave these names on the two stones in the same way a jeweler engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in settings of gold filigree. Fasten the two stones on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod as a reminder that Aaron represents the people of Israel. Aaron will carry these names on his shoulders as a constant reminder whenever he goes before the LORD.

            At this point in history essentially all who were part of the wilderness journey were descendants of the twelve tribes of Israel. Every single person then is represented by one of those names engraved on those two stones. What a wonderful provision God was making here. A very deliberate reminder, a very graphic picture, that Aaron as priest was interceding with God on behalf of all the people.

            We know that the wilderness Tabernacle and its worship system was essentially a copy of the Heavenly Tabernacle. But if God made provision for intercession by Aaron the priest for everyone in the Old Testament copy we can be assured that God has made provision for intercession on behalf of all of us in the real thing in heaven. The fact that the names of the twelve children of Israel were to be engraved on the stones is a great reminder that God knows our names and is interested in each of us on a personal level.

In Hebrews chapter nine verses eleven and twelve we read: So Christ has now become the High Priest over all the good things that have come. He has entered that greater, more perfect Tabernacle in heaven, which was not made by human hands and is not part of this created world. With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever.

And in Hebrews chapter seven verse twenty-five we read: Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.

            Old Testament or New, God has ensured that intercession is made for all!

 

                                    Pastor Dave