In the New Living Translation the token that the priest wore said “Holy unto the Lord”. Who would dare to put something like that on?
The answer of course is “anyone that God told to wear it”. That’s not a fashion item that you take upon yourself to wear, you need permission. And the High Priest had permission. I was thinking that it was the High Priest who was “Holy unto the Lord” but the priest represents the people as he performs his tasks. That’s why we have the description of the stones with the names of each tribe on them. When the priest entered into the tabernacle, Israel entered in. When he confessed sin and asked for forgiveness, Israel was forgiven..not just him.
If that’s the case, then Israel is “Holy unto the Lord” because the priest is atoning for all of them.
And if that’s true, then Jesus, who is our High Priest and is atoning for us is also “Holy” but by the same token, you and I are holy because we are the objects of his atonement. Think of it: you and I are “Holy Unto The Lord”. Not because of a badge that someone wears…but because God himself has decreed it to be so.
Were the people of Israel perfect and sinless? No. Then how could they be holy? doesn’t holy involve being perfect and pure?
Actually there are two different types of holiness, imputed and imparted. When we are imputed holy that means we have role to play in it, obedience imputes holiness. But imparted holiness is something that God does on His own. God imparts holiness to all who will receive Him. Another way of saying that is “God declares by Himself that all who accept Him are holy”. It isn’t based on human action or activity, but solely on God’s Word.
You are holy unto the Lord. He has declared it, and set you apart for His work and His purposes. When you accept Christ as your Savior, then you are anointed with oil, cleansed with the blood of the sacrifice, and re-purposed for new work.
Some the acacia wood that the Israelites gathered was for ignoble purposes, like cooking food or making tent pegs. Some of it was used for creating the temple furniture. The common use things made of Acacia wood were eventually discarded and forgotten, they were used and even mistreated, and generally taken for granted.
But the holy things were kept and revered and cherished. They were cared for and used to represent God to the people. They had beautiful form and function, and were never taken for granted. They were protected.
You are holy unto the Lord.
Faithfully,
PR