From:
Date: October 15, 2019
Subject: It's October 15; Good Morning Union
“Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart.” Exodus 28:29
As I teach my class on the Old Testament story I challenge the students to look for lessons that they can apply to life today. THAT, more than anything else is my greatest desire for my students. Whatever I ask them to do, I also do. This morning when I was looking at Exodus and the high priest Aaron’s outfit I had my ah-ha moment.
On the front of the garment worn by the high priest in the earthly sanctuary was a breastplate with 12 stones imbedded in it, representing the 12 tribes of the children of Israel. There were also two other stones called the Urim and the Thumim, used to help understand the will of and direction from God. So as the high priest, according to my text for this morning, did his job and served as God’s representative, both the breastplate and the Urim and Thumim were next to his heart.
The earthly sanctuary is a copy of the heavenly sanctuary where, according to the book of Hebrews, Jesus is now my high priest. I see Him in heaven, doing the same thing He asked of Aaron and the other priests on this earth—carrying His people close to His heart.
Both those pictures, visualized in my mind, helped me understand a little better my role as chaplain at Union College. It’s not just a job to plan programs, it’s my responsibility, an honor, a privilege, to carry all my “kids” close to my heart as I go before the Lord or as I go about my work. As I go to the presence of God and as I make decisions for my school I do it with my school family close to my heart, understanding that these decisions and the opportunities and environment that we, in Campus Ministries, try to create at Union College are ALL about carrying my school family close to my heart. That’s my job; I am beyond blessed!
Have a great day discovering who God has given to you to “carry close to your heart,”
Pastor Rich
Quote for the day: “Do you trust me when My answer is wait?” God
PS Christ on Demand- every Tuesday evening at 7:30 in the Rees Hall Chapel join Amber and friends for 30 minutes of devotional sharing. The theme for this year is “Trusting in God.” All are welcome.