LIFE SCRIPTS

6 “Make the ephod of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen—the work of skilled hands. 7 It is to have two shoulder pieces attached to two of its corners, so it can be fastened. 8 Its skillfully woven waistband is to be like it—of one piece with the ephod and made with gold, and with blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and with finely twisted linen. 9 “Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel 10 in the order of their birth—six names on one stone and the remaining six on the other. 11 Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones the way a gem cutter engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in gold filigree settings 12 and fasten them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear the names on his shoulders as a memorial before the Lord. 13 Make gold filigree settings 14 and two braided chains of pure gold, like a rope, and attach the chains to the settings.
Exodus 28:6‭-‬14 NIV

https://bible.com/bible/111/exo.28.6-14.NIV.

The ephod: a skilfully made fabric consisting of gold, scarlet, purple, blue and fine linen was to be used by priests in their work. On them, precious stones containing the names of the children of Israel were curved and hung onto his shoulders. The priest in essence carried the children of Israel on his shoulders. Being a servant of God, he was also a worker for the people ministering to them everyday and every time. The priest was to serve God and work for people. He was to bear their burdens on himself and also intercede to God on their behalf. As a royal priesthood, that’s where God has called us to. The burden of the people is on our shoulders for us to work for them as priests. To some extent it would seem as if priests were servants to all…both God and man. Yes! Their call was and always is a call to serve. A call to work. A call to minister. That’s our call. For we have been granted by God this priestly ministry of reconciliation…reconciling men to God. (2 Corinthians 5)