"a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, upon the hem of the robe all around." Ex. 28:34
I was asked to do the decorations for our writer's group's 25th anniversary in February. Last night I stopped by a local florists because I had a coupon for a plant. "Maybe I can use it as part of the decorations," I thought as I entered the store.
The peace lily that I bought was lovely - and a great buy! The salesperson wrapped it in silver foil and put a wonderful red bow on the front. Perfect for the colors silver, red, and white that we're planning to use!
As I was leaving, I was led to go by the marked down Christmas items on the 75% off table. There were three creations that I thought would go great with our theme. One even had red tulips. Who uses red tulips for Christmas? I bought all three and took them home, delighted with "my finds." But, think about it.
Who had sent me the coupon? Who had prompted me to go to Memorial Florists? Who had shown me the peace lily with one white blossom? Who had led me to the mark down table? Who was smiling at me saying, "Isn't this fun?"
Who else but the God of detail, of course.
How intricate are His instructions to Moses in today's reading. Up on the mountain, for forty days and forty nights, God gave Moses the details about the tabernacle where He would meet with men on earth. He gave him instruction on what Aaron and his sons would wear when they ministered to Him, down to the last detail of Aaron's robe. Pomegranates were to be made with blue and purple and scarlet yarn. They'd be sewn on the hem of the garment all around - "a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate."
The sound of the golden bells would tell those waiting outside the Holy Place that Aaron was still alive and was moving around doing his duties. He would be alive in the presence of God by the grace of God. Like us!
Michael and Christopher brought a pomegranate over the other day. When they enthusiastically cut it open, I was amazed at the amount of seeds in the fruit. Seeds, seeds, seeds! However, with two boys working feverishly, it wasn't long before they had removed them all and were munching away.
Pomegranates symbolize fruitfulness. God would not only meet with men on earth in the tabernacle. He would make His people fruitful. He had promised Abram that his descendants would be as many as the stars of heaven.
I'd love to have seen Aaron's high priestly outfit. It was not only beautiful, but every detail represented something in God's great plan for His people.
On our joyful journey we get to walk hand in hand with the awesome Lord of life's most intricate details. He is concerned with everything about our lives - even buying decorations for a writers' anniversary party.
"A golden bell and a pomegranate" and tulips at Christmas!
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