Is Jesus the center of all you think, say, and do? It’s the heart of God for Jesus to be your center. A friend defines love as ‘pursuing the best for another.’ Since before time began, God has been pursuing your best. Here’s a beautiful song to listen to as you read how the Old Testament Tabernacle represents Jesus–and your best!
Everything in the Old Testament is for our learning. When we understand it, there is greater beauty in our present-day reality. Hebrews 9 and 10 are necessary reads to grasp ALL Jesus has done for us, but let’s start here.
In the book of Numbers, God explains how His people are to camp around the Tabernacle. Jesus at the Center of It All! Every tribe of Israel encamped around the presence of God. Their tents opened toward God. Natural life tends to close in on us — compelling us to look at the dusty details. We need to walk into each day looking at — looking for — God.
Just in case you’ve never considered the Tabernacle as a picture of Jesus, let’s do a quick walk through. But first–know that in the days of the Tabernacle, average folks didn’t do a walk through. Only the Priests walked on this Holy Ground–more on that later.
The Tabernacle proclaims Jesus from the Gate to the Holy Place. The outer court shows us The Way. The Holy Place — with the shewbread, the lampstand, and the altar of incense reveals The Truth. And the Most Holy Place is true, lasting Life.
The Tabernacle had only One Entrance–a Gate. Jesus is the one and only way to the presence of God. We cannot get there on our own merits, with our own efforts. In John 6, there are several “I am…” statements of Jesus. “I am the Gate” is one.
Worshipers of God entered the Gate and encountered the Bronze Altar. Every sacrifice discussed in Scripture reveals God’s heart for relationship–with Him and with others. The two required sacrifices involve acknowledging our sin and its cost.
Sin at its core is rejecting God’s sovereignty–His right to rule. His love for us pursues our best. Sin takes us away from His love, away from what is best. In the Tabernacle days, God-seekers could only come this far into His presence. But praise Jesus:
You have not come to a physical mountain, to a place of flaming fire, darkness, gloom, and whirlwind, as the Israelites did at Mount Sinai.
Our privilege as believers under the new covenant–the blood of Jesus is so blessed. But let’s keep walking through the Tabernacle. The priests used the laver for cleansing themselves–preparation for serving God. We walk on Holy Ground when we seek to serve the Most High God. Psalm 24 says clean hands and a pure heart are the only way to see Jesus.
A veil separated the Holy Place…we move into that through ‘The Way‘ to learn more Truth. More of the “I am … ” statements appear here. Jesus is our sustenance – the Bread of Life. He is the Light of the World. The Word of God gives us nourishment and strength as we seek to live it in this broken world. It gives us light to walk by–and light to share.
The Lampstand gave light and heat from bowls of olive oil not candles. The wicks are said to have been the remnants of the High Priest’s holy garments worn on Yom Kippur. Revelation 19:8 says the saints have linen garments from righteous acts. Jesus calls us to an active faith in Him and guides us in our steps.
The Altar of Incense – the place of prayer. It is in prayer where we seek the presence of God. An interesting note is that the sacrificial altar was first lit by fire from God. Only God lights the fire of repentance. But it’s important to know that it was coals from that altar that were used at the altar of incense. We can’t bypass repentance and offer up prayers to a Holy God. He’s not a vending machine where we pop in a prayer and get what we want. It’s our best He desires. We can’t have the best till we allow Him to guide.
Then finally we come to the glorious presence of God Himself. As C.S. Lewis says God is not a tame lion. It is dangerous to be presumptuous with God. We are not entitled to anything from Him. Scripture tells us of people who pressed into His presence irreverently — and died. We are not to trifle with God. But He wants us to know His goodness and His power.
Jesus’ death opened the way to the presence of God. We enter into His presence only in Christ. In this portion of the Tabernacle we find the Tablets of God’s commands. Instructions on how to relate to Him and to others. Instructions for living the best life. We find Aaron’s rod – a dead piece of wood that sprouted life. Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. We find manna–the miraculous provision of God.
Best of all–we come to the mercy seat. Oh, friend, how we need mercy. We’re not nearly as amazing as we’re tempted to think. Celebrate Jesus with me today, won’t you? This is a skimming of beautiful truth. It’s a topic so deep, so transforming, our whole lives are needed to begin to unpack its treasures. Here’s some links of folks who know so much more than me. And don’t forget to read about today’s reality in Hebrews 9 and 10.
This Youtube channel provides in-depth commentary on the Tabernacle, the priests and so much more.
A.W. Pink offers in-depth analysis of Scripture. His insights into the construction of the Tabernacle will deepen your understanding immensely.
Share the revelations God gives you! There is so much more than I have breezed through here. The priesthood of believers is an incredible privilege and challenge. We need each other. Let’s glorify God more today than we did yesterday–and more tomorrow than we will today.
