And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD. Exodus 28:36
Our text is part of the description of the garments to be worn by the high priest of Israel. Among the description of the marvellous garments of glory and of beauty is the description of the white mitre on the high priest’s head. Front and centre on that mitre was the golden plate described in our text. Because it was on his forehead, that golden plate and its inscription would catch the attention of the priest’s viewer before any other part of his attire. That’s because holiness to the Lord was to be the most prominent characteristic of that man.
Many of the high priests of the Old Testament were good and godly men who took their roles seriously. And little wonder, with such a declaration on their foreheads as they functioned in their office. But Aaron the first high priest, as great as he was, was not perfect, nor were any of Aaron’s descendants who wore that mitre and its golden plate. Not until we come to the New Testament and find our Great High Priest – of the order of Melchizedek and not of Aaron – do we see the statement on that golden plate fulfilled. The holiness that God desired of His priests was found in His own Son. And His Son, the Lord Jesus, desires to find holiness in His believer priests of our day.
We are still dwelling in sinful flesh, as Aaron was, and cannot be perfect until we reach Heaven. But the New Testament epistles are filled with encouragements and admonitions for us to pursue holiness. The Hebrews writer even addresses us as holy brethren. And we will be, if we do our best to be like our Lord. -Jim MacIntosh
Here is the link to the video of this message: https://youtu.be/P-w-ZWMDLtY