Exodus 28:29
“And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the LORD continually.”
The breastplate of judgment was a very important part of the garments that Aaron, the high priest, wore. On this breastplate was engraved the names of each tribe of the children of Israel. This breastplate was fastened to the high priest so that those names would be placed over his heart. The breastplate was not just fastened over the shoulders, but on the bottom were two rings so that it could be fastened to the ephod that the priests wore so that that it was secure enough to always be close to the heart of the high priest. God wanted that breastplate to be on the heart of the high priest when he went to offer the sacrifice for the judgment of the people.
This is a great representation of what Jesus Christ did for every person. Jesus is our High Priest. This breastplate shows us what was going through the heart of Jesus Christ when He made the payment for our sins. Friend, this should give you comfort to know how precious you are to Him.
First, as different as you are, Jesus still loved you. This breastplate had twelve different stones to represent each tribe. It simply shows us that as different as we may be, Jesus loves each of us. Jesus loves you whether you’re poor or wealthy. Jesus loves you whether you’re intelligent or average. Jesus loves you whether you’re unknown or popular. Jesus Christ loves you no matter what your uniqueness may be.
Second, Jesus will never forget you no matter how far you may feel from Him. Those stones with the names engraved upon them were always on the heart of the priest. Likewise, you are always on the heart of Jesus Christ. I love this because while Jesus was on the cross, you were in His thoughts. Think about that Christian. Though He was suffering for your sin, He still had you on His heart. Yes, you are precious to Jesus Christ!
Third, as sinful as you may be, Jesus Christ had you on His heart and secured a way for you to be saved. That breastplate was secured so that it never was off the heart of the priest. When he went to make the sacrifice for every sin, the breastplate was on his heart. Likewise, Jesus Christ had every person on His heart while paying for their sins. Oh, the love of God! No matter how deep sin may have taken a person, Jesus Christ still had them on His heart as He paid for their sins. You cannot go so deep that the love of Christ cannot reach you.
Christian, this is a great reminder God gives us that we are always on His heart. You may feel unloved by many people, but you can always be assured that you are always on the heart of Christ. When you are forsaken by family, you are still on the heart of Christ. When you are cast out from society, you are still on the heart of Christ. When churches want nothing to do with you, you are still on the heart of Christ. You can go throughout this day knowing one thing; you are on the heart of Christ.