"The Holy of Holies" January 25 Readings: Exodus 25-30

Today's Reading - Exodus 25-30

I will be honest with you - readings such as today's are what make "through the Bible" readings tough. This is a specification list for the Tabernacle, and while there is great symbolism of Christ in almost every detail, it is not riveting reading.

Background

The Tabernacle, ordered here by God to Moses, was no simple sanctuary. It was the dwelling of God, fraught with symbolism. I will include some diagrams and drawings to help you picture what you are reading. 

The Tabernacle was a two-room tent (about 45x15 feet) surrounded by a walled courtyard. The courtyard had an altar for sacrifices and a laver for the washing of hands. In the larger room (the Holy Place - 30x15) there were three articles of furniture - a table on which bread was placed, a candlestick (think large menorah), and an altar for incense. A curtain separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies) where the presence of God dwelt. In that room was the Ark of the Covenant, which had inside it the tablets of the Ten Commandments, a jar of manna, and Aaron's rod that budded.

There are many articles that explain in full detail the symbolism of the Tabernacle. Here is one that is very detailed. Here is another.

Devotional - The Holy of Holies

"I have a special relationship with God."

I've heard people say that before, in one form or another. It usually boils down to something both simple and sinister - the person lives their life as they see fit and God comes running when they have a need. God doesn't interfere with their lives until they need him to bail them out of trouble.

When a Jewish person wanted to worship, he went to the Tabernacle, and later to the Temple. There were a prescribed place and prescribed ways. As one friend said once, "You can't just waltz into the presence of God." God is holy and must be approached with awe and obedience.

There was only one door into the Tabernacle, as there is only one way to God. Jesus said, "I am the Way." No one can come to the Father except through him. Immediately upon entering through the gate one would be confronted by a large altar. "Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness." We cannot come to God unless the sins that separate us from him are atoned for by blood. That altar reminds us of the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world. After sacrifice was made, there was a laver, a bowl of water for cleansing. Not only must our sins be atoned for, but Christ works to purify us from our sins. We are forgiven to walk under the Lordship of Jesus in holiness!

Entering into the Holy Place we find a table of bread, a candlestick, and an altar of incense - each a clear symbol of Jesus. We come to God through Jesus and only through him. He is the Bread of life, the one who sustains us and gives us life. He is the Light of the World, who shows us the way to God. And incense represents prayer. He is the incense that carries our prayers to heaven. It is in the name of Jesus that we can go boldly before the throne of grace.

The path to the presence of God was blocked by a thick curtain. Only a priest with the blood of the sacrifice could go in to the "Mercy Seat" where the Shekinah glory of God dwelled. Jesus did more than just enter the Holy of Holies with his blood - he tore the curtain down! The blood of Christ opened the way for us to enter God's presence and be made righteous before him.

Of course, in Exodus, only the priests and Levites could enter the Tabernacle. But Jesus made us a kingdom of priests, opening up direct access to the Father for each of us. Glory, hallelujah! We need not confess to clergy or receive their blessings. We have direct access to God through Jesus Christ!

There is so much more symbolism than I can go over in a brief devotional (it would take a sermon series). But the point is that if you want to come to God, you come God's way - through Jesus. You don't waltz into his throne room any old way you please. You come to God in humility, pleading the blood of Christ, and you are received because of him!

God does not adjust himself to our ideas or simply open heaven and say, "Come as you are." Yes, Jesus demonstrated God's love by dying for sinners, but those sinners must come to God in God's way, by the blood!

God is gracious, loving, merciful - yes, and amen. But that doesn't mean he is a pushover!

Father, I thank you that in Christ you made a way for me, a sinner, to enter your presence through the sacrifice he made at the Cross. Cleanse me and draw me close to you. 

Think and Pray

Do you accept the way of God or do you seek to make God accept your ways? 

Take time to consider the symbolism of the Tabernacle and to thank Jesus for his work of grace!