A Disciple’s Appearance

Then

Prior to Jesus’ paying mankind’s debt to Almighty God through the shedding of His blood, the high priest of Israel (a type of Jesus Christ) was to have a certain outward appearance when he entered into the Holy of Holies to serve before the Lord. Strict and detailed instructions were given regarding the high priest’s clothing, which was required to be worn as he entered into God’s presence.  The high priest was tasked to serve before the Lord wearing “holy garments” designed “for glory and for beauty.” (See Exodus 28:1-2)

The appearance of the high priest left no mistake about his identity. He was God’s man.  His appearance and demeanor reflected his unique status as one who represented man to God and God to man.  Anyone seeing the high priest would immediately recognize something of the grandeur of the Lord God he served.

Moses’ brother, Aaron of the tribe of Levi, was the first high priest.  Aaron’s sons made up the remainder of the priesthood (symbols of the disciples of Jesus Christ). All of these priests wore white linen undergarments to cover their flesh, along with white linen tunics, sashes, and skullcaps (Exodus 28:40-42). 

Now

“And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split.” (Matthew 27:50-51 emphasis added)

After Jesus’ death on the cross, His burial, His resurrection from the dead and His ascension to the right hand of the Heavenly Father, the composition of the temple and the outward appearance of the priesthood changed dramatically.  The disciples of Jesus Christ became the “priesthood” and their bodies, each indwelled by the Holy Spirit of God, became the “temple.” Through their speech and actions, the outward appearance of each priest is now to be the manifestation of Jesus’ characteristics.

Just as each priest serving prior to the cross of Christ covered his flesh with white linen garments, disciples of Christ today must NOT allow their “sinful flesh” to manifest as they offer sacrifices to Almighty God.

“Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16)

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9)

“…offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world.” (Romans 12:1b-2a)

“Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.” (Hebrews 13:15)

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” (2 Corinthians 5:20a)

From This Day Forward 

Therefore, as a disciple of Christ, get “dressed up,” i.e., delve into God’s Word, choosing to take off your old selfish nature’s “clothing” and to put on “new clothing,” which will be evident to others as you allow the infilling of the Holy Spirit.  Choose to die daily (i.e., say “no”) to your flesh and allow the Holy Spirit—who indwells you when you receive Jesus—to exhibit the characteristics of Jesus Christ in your speech, actions and appearance.

Live like a believer. Turn your back on the deceiver.  Sound like and look like Jesus every day of your life!  Let your speech and actions say,

“I have somewhere to go — and something special to do!” 

Since you are a priest who has the privilege in Jesus Christ (our High Priest) to enter into the very presence of our Lord, go out daily into the world where you live as His ambassador, representing Him in your demeanor, oral communication and behavior.

Conclusion

Always know that any “good” that you try to fabricate from the old Adamic nature will ultimately fail.

With the understanding that God created you with a free will to choose, take a few minutes to listen to the song embedded below (activate by clicking on the arrowhead icon below) while pondering the above information.

As you carefully consider the song lyrics penned by John Newton in 1774, you will begin to understand that walking out this earthly sojourn requires choosing every moment of every day to “say no to” your old sinful nature (flesh), and to allow the Holy Spirit to exhibit Christ-like characteristics through your speech and actions.  Those Christ-like characteristics are defined in God’s Word as, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no law!  (See Galatians 5:22-23)

 

Let us love and sing and wonder,

Let us praise the Savior’s name!

He has hushed the law’s loud thunder,

He has quenched Mount Sinai’s flame:

He has washed us with his blood, (3X)

He has brought us near to God.

Let us love the Lord who bought us,

Pitied us when enemies,

Called us by His grace and taught us,

Gave us ears and gave us eyes:

He has washed us with his blood, (3X)

He presents our souls to God.

Let us sing, though fierce temptations

Threaten hard to bear us down!

For the Lord, our strong salvation,

Holds in view the conqu’ror’s crown

Let us wonder grace and justice

Join and point to mercy’s store

When through grace in Christ our trust is

Justice smiles and asks no more

He Who washed us with His blood (3X)

Has secured our way to God

Let us praise and join the chorus

Of the saints enthroned on high

Here they trusted Him before us

Now their praises fill the sky

You have washed us with Your blood (3X)

You are worthy Lamb of God

Let us love and sing and wonder,

Let us praise the Savior’s name!

He has hushed the law’s loud thunder,

He has quenched Mount Sinai’s flame:

He has washed us with His blood, (3X)

He has brought us near to God. (2X)