Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Exodus 28:31-43 and Luke 2:21-40 (NLT)

Exodus 28:31-43
Other Priestly Garments

31  “Make the robe that is worn with the ephod from a single piece of blue cloth, 
32  with an opening for Aaron’s head in the middle of it. Reinforce the opening with a woven collar so it will not tear. 
33  Make pomegranates out of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and attach them to the hem of the robe, with gold bells between them. 
34  The gold bells and pomegranates are to alternate all around the hem. 
35  Aaron will wear this robe whenever he ministers before the Lord, and the bells will tinkle as he goes in and out of the Lord’s presence in the Holy Place. If he wears it, he will not die.
36  “Next make a medallion of pure gold, and engrave it like a seal with these words: Holy to the Lord. 
37  Attach the medallion with a blue cord to the front of Aaron’s turban, where it must remain. 
38  Aaron must wear it on his forehead so he may take on himself any guilt of the people of Israel when they consecrate their sacred offerings. He must always wear it on his forehead so the Lord will accept the people.
39  “Weave Aaron’s patterned tunic from fine linen cloth. Fashion the turban from this linen as well. Also make a sash, and decorate it with colorful embroidery.
40  “For Aaron’s sons, make tunics, sashes, and special head coverings that are glorious and beautiful. 
41  Clothe your brother, Aaron, and his sons with these garments, and then anoint and ordain them. Consecrate them so they can serve as my priests. 
42  Also make linen undergarments for them, to be worn next to their bodies, reaching from their hips to their thighs. 
43  These must be worn whenever Aaron and his sons enter the Tabernacle or approach the altar in the Holy Place to perform their priestly duties. Then they will not incur guilt and die. This is a permanent law for Aaron and all his descendants after him.

Luke 2:21-40
Jesus Presented in the Temple/The Prophecy of Simeon/The Prophecy of Anna

21  Eight days later, when the baby was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel even before he was conceived.
22  Then it was time for their purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. 
23  The law of the Lord says, “If a woman’s first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the Lord.” 
24  So they offered the sacrifice required in the law of the Lord—“either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
25  At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him 
26  and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 
27  That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, 
28  Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,
29  “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised.
30  I have seen your salvation,
31  which you have prepared for all people.
32  He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!”
33  Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. 
34  Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, but he will be a joy to many others. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. 
35  As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”
36  Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. 
37  Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. 
38  She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.
39  When Jesus’ parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. 
40  There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.

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