Sat.’s Devo - The Curtains of the Tabernacle

Read: Exodus 26:1-27:21; Matthew 25:1-30; Psalm 31:1-8; Proverbs 8:1-11 Today we read a very long and detailed description of the curtains that will be the walls of the outer court of the tabernacle and the curtains that will be the walls and ceiling of the inner tabernacle. *** These curtains were to be made of linen and embroidered with blue, purple and scarlet yarn. The weavers were to work cherubim into their design. These walls were to give the people the feeling of entering into the Garden of Eden. The curtains were made in five large sections of fabric bordered with loops which were joined together with clasps of gold. Coverings for the top of the tent were made of goats hair that draped over the sides so no rain could get inside the inner tabernacle. *** The frames which held up the curtains were to be made of acacia wood and covered with gold. These frames were held up with ten silver bases on each side. *** The outer tabernacle which was surrounded by the curtain wall were where the people who came to worship would stand and offer their sacrifices on the bronze altar, which we haven’t read about yet. *** Inside the inner tabernacle were two rooms. The first room was entered through a curtain into the Holy Place. In it were the golden lampstand and the table with the shewbread and the altar of incense. Through a curtain in the back you entered into the Holy of Holies where the ark of the covenant and the mercy seat was placed. *** Moses had the people bring him pure beaten olive oil for the menorah which would be attended to by Aaron and his sons every evening. *** In Matthew, Jesus gives another parable about the kingdom of heaven. It was about ten virgins who went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and took no oil with them for their lamps. The other five were wise and took flasks of oil with their lamps. The bridegroom did not come when they expected so they all fell asleep. At midnight the announcement of the bridegroom went out, but only the wise virgins had oil for the lamps. The foolish had to go and buy oil and missed the open door. When they came to the feast and the door was shut, they begged him to open the door, but the Lord told them he didn’t know them. Jesus is coming for a people who are ready and are filled with his Spirit. *** Jesus gave another parable explaining the coming of the Lord. He said it would be like a man leaving for a journey and putting his servants in charge of his property. He gave one five talents, another two an another one each according to their ability to handle talents. The one with the five and the two immediately multiplied their talents but the one with one hid his in the ground. *** When the master came back to settle his account with them the one with the five and the one with two talents showed him how they had doubled his money. The master praised them both and put them over more responsibility. The last one gave him back his one talent saying he knew he was a hard man who reaped where he did not sow and gathered where he didn’t scatter seed. (What a horrible thing to say! This man truly didn’t know his master’s heart.) The master rebuked him for not at least putting the money in the bank and gaining interest. He gave his one talent to the one who had five and cast him into outer darkness where he would weep and gnash his teeth. *** These parables are self-explanatory. We have been given so much from the Lord and we will give an account for what we have done for the Lord on Judgment Day. We have been created for a destiny crafted just for us and our abilities. We are not to compare our talents with others but use what we have been given to the highest potential for God’s glory. *** Lord, as we read about your tabernacle, may we see the beauty of it and understand how you love to surround us with the beauty of your holiness. May we enjoy spending time in your presence today.