Tues.’s Devo - The Tabernacle

Read: Ex. 25-28
God had instructed the children of Israel to ask the Egyptians for gold, silver and jewelry and it was so that they could use it in building the tabernacle. Everything in the tabernacles was symbolic of God’s heavenly temple. God had shown Moses a picture of heaven’s sanctuary and he was to copy it on earth. God has always wanted to bring heaven to earth and earth to heaven. This was a start of that goal. The ark had rings on the corner where the poles would fit and it could be carried. God wanted to show them that this ark was to be untouched by human hands. Everything about the altar was holy and heavenly. The ark was called the mercy seat because it was here that God’s presence would rest and it was here that the priests were to bring the prayers of the people for their nation. On top of the mercy seat sat two cherubim. They bowed facing with their wings spread to touch one another. Inside the ark would rest the Law, the manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded later. This ark represented the manifesto presence of God. In his being is the Word of Life, provision and the authority he gives to us. The ark was housed behind curtains and only the priest could enter in once a year on the Day of Atonement. On this day, the priest brought the incense and prayers of the people to grant them forgiveness for another year. It was overplayed with gold to show God’s holiness. It even had a crown to represent He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
In the room outside the Holy of Holies where the ark rested was the Holy Place. It housed the table of shewbread, the candlestick and the table of incense. Appointed priests ate the shewbread daily, kept the candlestick burning and offered incense as prayers. The shewbread represented the Word of God which we need daily. The candlestick, which was really a menorah represented the enlightened Holy Spirit who enlightens the Word and gives it clarity and life. The table of incense stood for the prayers of the saints and the priests. Outside this room was the outer court. Here is where the brazen altar and the laver sat. The brazen altar stood for the cross which was where sacrifices were made. The laver was a huge bowl of water where the priests would wash after sacrificing. It stands or our sanctifying process where God changes us and conforms us into his image. The tabernacle was roped off with curtains to contain the people. God makes a distinction between whose are his and who isn’t. All are invited in but it is a choice.
Lord, thank you for giving us such a vivid picture of your plan of redemption.