Exodus 25 – 33

When we understand that from the foundation of the world the Lamb was slain to redeem fallen people from the slavery and condemnation of sin (1 Peter 1:13-20), we begin to understand that the Lamb of God is found throughout the pages of Scripture. As the story of redemption unfolds by the workings of Yahweh through the family of Abraham, we watch “the Supreme One bound by His Word” preparing mankind for the day He walks the earth in the body of Jesus of Nazareth. Throughout Scripture, our hearts and minds are being prepared not only for the sacrifice at Calvary, but the resurrection of victory and new life as a holy nation, a kingdom of priests. the “temple” of Emmanuel – “God with us” – living to proclaim the righteousness of Yahweh Elohim who saves the unworthy, not the self-righteousness of men who think they can save themselves (1 Peter 2:1-10).

Once delivered from the grasp of Pharaoh, the Law of Hebrew holy living is given and with it the divine plans for His dwelling place among His people. As God so wonderfully does, He used all of this to reveal Himself and His Christ to us all. So in the tabernacle – the temporary dwelling place of God with people – we get a glimpse of Jesus. Long before He became a man (“Emmanuel”, Matthew 1:21-23) and tabernacled among people (John 1:14-17).

In the tabernacle God commanded the altar, so the first thing we understand when we come to Him is the need for the Lamb of God.

In the tabernacle God commanded the bronze laver, so we understand the need for cleansing as we come into His presence.

In the tabernacle God commanded the Holy Place, so we sense the need to be separated from the outside world and set apart for His purpose.

In the tabernacle God commanded the table of showbread inside the Holy Place, to remind us He is with us always. On the table He commanded daily bread be prepared, and we know now that the Bread of Life sustains us today.

In the tabernacle God commanded the Lampstand inside the Holy Place, lighting all inside with a light that never grows dim. The Lamb of God, the Bread of Life, is the Light of the World.

In the tabernacle God commanded the altar of incense right in front of the Veil that separates the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies, reminding us that in prayer we are closest to Yahweh. Here, too, we see Jesus, the one and only Mediator between God and man.

In the tabernacle God commanded the Veil to separate the Holy of Holies, because the time for the wall of separation would not come until the sacrifice was complete (Matthew 27:51). This amazing tapestry was 30 feet tall, 30 feet wide and about 4 inches think. The three colors – red, blue and purple – reveal humanity (red), divinity (blue) and the perfect blending of the two (purple). Jesus is Elohim with us.

In the tabernacle God commanded the Most Holy Place, the Holy of Holies where man could not come, except for the High Priest on Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). The Presence of God dwelled here, in the midst of His people. The Ark of the Covenant, containing Aaron’s rod that budded (a symbol of His power), the stone tablets of the Law (a symbol of His truth) and a container of manna (a symbol of His provision), also was here. The Ark was topped by the Mercy Seat, where the blood of sacrifice came into the Presence of God and the forgiveness was accomplished.

All of this points to Jesus, the Savior of the World. Emmanuel … God with us … the Lamb of God … the Abiding Presence … the Daily Bread … the Light of the World … the Mediator … the Embodied Godhead … the Way to God … the Blood of sacrifice … the Word of God … the Miracle Worker … the Bread of Life from Heaven.

Yahweh did not hide His plans from us; rather He revealed them through the family of Abraham. Elohim wants to be found by you with eyes of faith, diligently seeking (Hebrews 11:6).

Consider His nature. Consider His ways. Strive to love Him more!