Daily EncouragementSample

It is recorded earlier in this chapter that Aaron was also to bear the names of the sons of Israel on “the shoulder pieces of the ephod” (Ex. 28:12). So he entered the Holy Place with their names; on his shoulders and over his heart.

Our great High Priest, “Jesus the Son of God” (Heb. 4:14), carries our names on his shoulders. We rest upon the strength of his saving work. We are upheld by him. False religion is “a burden for the weary” but to those whose names are written in heaven the Lord says, “You . . . I have upheld since you were conceived, and have carried since your birth. Even to your old age and grey hairs I am he” (Isa. 46:1,4).

Our great High Priest bears our names over his heart as well. He who always lives to intercede for us is the one who loved us and gave himself for us. Our High Priest is “that great Shepherd of the sheep” who calls his own sheep by name, and there is no danger of those names being forgotten by the Lord.

With joy we meditate the grace
Of our High Priest above;
His heart is made of tenderness,
And every yearns with love.
(Isaac Watts)