Who is Jesus? #85 (From the Apocalypse)

He was, "dressed in a robe reaching down to His feet with a golden sash around His chest, (Revelation 1:13).
A priest! John saw the vestiture of a priest on "the son of Man." These garments are described for us in detail in the Old Testament. We won't go there right now.
I find it both interesting and thrilling that this is what John describes for us first. He sees Jesus as priest. This is something that we are exposed to over and over again in the New Testament...the priesthood of Jesus.
Just exactly what did/does a priest do? Again, the Old Testament is full of details, sometimes gory details, of the functions and responsibilities of the priests.
The first thing that comes to my mind is that the priests were a unique group of servants that were set apart and specialized in service to God. Only a priest could execute the duties of the priest. We probably see them as offering sacrifices, primarily, but they had other responsibilities; pronouncing people clean or unclean, sanctification/purification rites and more.
The tribe of Levi, from which the priests came, were not even numbered among the people when a census was taken. Their cities were given to them, they didn't have to "take" them.
I believe their function can be best described as ones who went to God in behalf of the people. I often contrast them with prophets who went to the people in behalf of God.
The priests were appointed by God for their office.
Jesus serves as one. John saw that.
I wonder if the people to whom John was writing had forgotten that Jesus was constantly going to God in their behalf (Hebrews 7:25).
I wonder if we have forgotten. I wonder if I have forgotten.
The must be more to explore about this one in the long robe and golden sash!
Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.