What's That On Your Hat?

Daily Reading: Exodus 39

Scripture Focus: They made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote on it an inscription, like the engraving of a signet, “Holy to the Lord.” (Exodus 39.30)

Devotional Thought: Why should we care what the Old Testament priest wore? Think a moment. The Bible says that we are a kingdom of priests and that we have been clothed in the righteousness of Christ. Surely there is some insight to gain from what the priest wore!

Consider the plate that was attached to his turban.

• Pure gold. It was made of the best material, without contamination. In our service to the Lord, do we offer less than our best? Do we willingly allow sin to contaminate our motives? We need to bring our best and ask God to sanctify it!

• Inscription. This was the handwriting of God! This is reminiscent of the finger of God writing the Ten Commandments. God wants to write on the tablets of our hearts - his law and his way, the law and way of love.

• Engraving. God's writing was carved into the priceless and pure gold. Jesus, our perfect Savior, was pierced for our transgressions... Are we willing to undergo pain and suffering, for the cause of Christ? Paul said," I fill up in my body what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ..." What is engraved on you, O Child of God?

• Signet. The priest was an emissary of God himself. The signet ring gave the wearer all the privileges and authority and duties of the king. Christian service is done for Christ's purpose and glory!

• Holy to the Lord. Sanctified... Set apart... The priest did not have his own life. He was God's at all times, in all places. As Paul would later write, "I am crucified with Christ. Nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ lives in me."

What's that on your hat?

Prayer: Lord, “purify my heart. Let me be as gold and precious silver... Refiner's fire, my heart's one desire is to be holy, set apart for you Lord, ready to do your will." Amen. (Brian Doerksen)

Psalm of the Day: 10 But you have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox; you have poured over me fresh oil. 11 My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies; my ears have heard the doom of my evil assailants. 12 The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 13 They are planted in the house of the LORD; they flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, 15 to declare that the LORD is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him. (Psalms 92:10-15)