In Order. He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother
February 8, 2017. Exodus 28-29.
So I am a child of the late 60’s and 70’s. I believe the best music came from that era of time. The Hollies recorded the song “He ain’t Heavy He’s my Brother’ in late 1969 and like most songs of that time it is still played today. But the song’s central idea was recorded by God in his instruction for the making of the high priest’s garments.
Exodus 28.9 “Take two onyx stones, and engrave on them the names of the tribes of Israel. 10 Six names will be on each stone, arranged in the order of the births of the original sons of Israel.
12 Fasten the two stones on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod as a reminder that Aaron represents the people of Israel. Aaron will carry these names on his shoulders as a constant reminder whenever he goes before the Lord.
Aaron was given the responsibility of the people’s relationship to God. The heavy Onyx stones on his shoulders served as a physical reminder of this constant spiritual burden.
He was to feel the need of the people in his heart.
Exodus 28.29 “In this way, Aaron will carry the names of the tribes of Israel on the sacred chest piece over his heart when he goes into the Holy Place. This will be a continual reminder that he represents the people when he comes before the Lord.
He was to keep the people on his mind.
Exodus 28.38 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.
He was to be a representative of the people to God and a representative of God to the people.
Exodus 29.44 Yes, I will consecrate the Tabernacle and the altar, and I will consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve me as priests. 45 Then I will live among the people of Israel and be their God,
The New Testament teaches us that all believers are now Priests before God. 1 Peter 2:5 you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Much has been made about our privilege as born again priests but very little emphasis has been made of our responsibilities as priests. Like Aaron we to are to carry the burden of the people to God and the good news of God to the people.
1 Peter 4.7 The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. 8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaint.
This should not be a burden we cannot carry after all “He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother”.
Sal Sberna
Sal Sberna was Lead Pastor at The MET Church in Houston, Texas for 20 years. He retired on February 2015. He and Kristi Sberna have been married since 1981. They have two children, Salvatore and...more