Wed.’s Devo - The Veil

Read: Exodus 26:1-27; Matthew 25:1-30; Psalm 31:1-8; Proverbs 8:1-11
Today we read a detailed description of the curtain for the tabernacle and the frames it was to be hung on and the clasps used to fasten the curtain to the frames. This curtain was to enclose the whole meeting place for the people. They would enter the opening into the veiled area where the laver, the bronze altar and a smaller tent was. The people were only allowed in this area. The smaller tent was reserved for the priests. Inside it was the table of shewbread, the menorah, the table of incense and the Holy of Holies where the ark of the covenant was. The tabernacle was the place the believer came to meet with God, offer their sacrifices and celebrate the feasts. No alien or unbeliever could enter the tabernacle. It represented the true Church. The curtain is the veil. We can enter in because we have seen into the world of faith and are drawn near to God. Second Corinthians 3:13-16 talks about the veil over the people of Israel’s hearts. When they return to the Lord, it will be taken away. When Jesus died on the cross the veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom showing us that God tore that veil to allow everyone to come into his presence. They must come through the door which is Christ.
As Christians, we have are the tabernacle. We carry the presence of the Lord. The veil is our flesh. Notice that the tabernacle was covered with ram skins dyed red (the blood of Jesus) and that was covered with hides of badgers (our flesh). Badgers were a type of antelope that were a clean animal.
The frame stands for the cross spiritually, and our bone structure physically. The oil stands for the Holy Spirit. Their lamps were to burn from evening till morning - all night. The Holy Spirit in our lives keeps us walking in the light even through the toughest of circumstances. The light of the sun was the light during the day. The light of the sun is the light of the Son.
In Matthew we see this same oil. The wise virgins were the ones who kept the Holy Spirit burning in their lives. All of the women are virgins waiting for the bridegroom, meaning they all Christians. But the foolish virgins became drowsy and fell asleep and let their lights burn out; they became lukewarm and ineffective for the kingdom. They will miss the bridegroom when he comes. They will have to refill their lamps so they won’t miss his return.
Jesus tells the same story using talents. He is emphasizing that what we do with what we are given is important to our eternity.
Lord, help us to be the temple of the Lord and let our light shine.