“You shall make on its hem pomegranates of blue and purple and scarlet material, all around on its hem, and bells of gold between them all around: a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, all around on the hem of the robe. “It shall be on Aaron when he ministers; and its tinkling shall be heard when he enters and leaves the holy place before the Lord, so that he will not die. ” (Exodus 28:33–35, NASB95)

The intricate detail of the High Priest’s garments goes on for an entire chapter.  God gives Moses many instructions about the tunic, robe, breastplate, turban, etc.  In all the times I read through Exodus I never caught the verses above.  God had the craftsmen make golden bells that would hang from the bottom of the High Priest robe.  What was the purpose of the bells?  Here is what the Lord says to Moses: “…Its tinkling shall be heard when he enters and leaves the holy place before the Lord, so that he will not die.”

Wow!!!  Day in and day out Aaron had bells ringing every step he took in the temple.  There was no sneaking around for Aaron.  His life was always under the microscope.  Everyone, including God, literally knew his every step.  From God’s perspective, it was important for Aaron to be aware of the fact that he was walking/working in God’s house, not Aaron’s house.  He needed to take his life actions seriously.

What message is here for us?  Well, if Aaron had to be this attentive when he was in the holy place, just imagine the preparation for being in the Holy of Holies.  You and I embody the Holy of Holies in our hearts and souls.  We need to know that we are always in God’s presence.  We need to live honest lives before God.  We need to daily live through repentance and forgiveness.

Today, let’s imagine that hanging from our clothing we have bells that announce to God our every action, and let’s live bold lives of faith to His glory!

Peace!

Pastor Tom

www.firmlyrooted.church