Exodus 28:29 (ESV) … “So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel in the breastpiece of judgment on his heart, when he goes into the Holy Place, to bring them to regular remembrance before the Lord.”
The breastplate was a piece of beautifully embroidered fabric, nine inches square when folded double. It hung on the high priest’s chest, supported by two golden chains attached to the shoulder clasps. On the breastplate were twelve beautiful jewels, arranged in four rows, each stone representing one of the tribes of Israel. The stones were probably arranged according to the order of the tribes as they marched (28:21; see Num. 10).
The high priest not only carried the people on his shoulders, but he also carried them over his heart. If we don’t have sincere love in our hearts, we won’t be concerned about the needs of others, and we won’t want to help them. “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth” (1 John 4:18). As servants of God, we should be able to say honestly to the people we serve, “I have you in my heart” (Phil. 1:7).[1]
As a pastor, I can truly tell you that there is not a day that goes by that I am not worried and praying for the congregation that the Lord has given me. Furthermore, I am thankful that where I fail that Jesus does not fail. The Lord always have us upon his mind and heart. May you find comfort today knowing you are thought of and prayed for in by Jesus and in the name of Jesus.
[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1998). Be delivered (pp. 154–156). Colorado Springs, CO: Chariot Victor Pub.