The Red Dress project was conceived by British artist Kirstie Macleod and has become an exhibit in museums and galleries around the world. For thirteen years, eighty-four pieces of burgundy silk travelled across the globe to be embroidered upon by more than three hundred women (and a handful of men). The pieces were then constructed into a gown, telling the stories of each contributing artist—many of whom are marginalised and impoverished.
Like the Red Dress, the garments worn by Aaron and his descendants were made by many “skilled workers” (Exodus 28:3). God’s instructions for the priestly attire included details that told the collective story of Israel, including engraving the names of the tribes on onyx stones that would sit on the priests’ shoulders “as a memorial before the Lord” (v. 12). The tunics, embroidered sashes and caps gave the priests “dignity and honour” as they served God and led the people in worship (v. 40).
As new covenant believers in Jesus, we—together—are a priesthood of believers, serving God and leading one another in worship (1 Peter 2:4–5, 9); Jesus is our high priest (Hebrews 4:14). Though we don’t wear any particular clothing to identify ourselves as priests, with His help, we “clothe [ourselves] with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12).
By Kirsten Holmberg
REFLECT & PRAY
Which of the attributes from Colossians do you most need to put on today? How else has God ‘clothed’ you for service to Him?
Please clothe me, Jesus, in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Exodus 19:3–Numbers 10:10 contains the account of the covenant (treaty) between God and Israel given on Mount Sinai. Exodus 28 provides detailed directions for the priests’ garments. The priests were the people’s representatives before God and were to be holy men worthy of the office. They performed the daily sacrifices, maintained the tabernacle, and demonstrated how to follow God. The high priest, Aaron, oversaw the other priests and Levites. His garments would “distinguish him as a priest set apart for [God’s] service” (v. 3 NLT).
Alyson Kieda
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