“And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat.” Exodus 25:22
Dear Ones:
What is the greatest privilege and calling in life according to the Bible? And, are we convinced of it?
We begin our search for the answer to these questions in the Old Testament, after Israel came out of Egypt, but before entering the promised land. God gave to Moses specific instructions, a picture and “pattern,” with regard to the building of a portable structure called the “tabernacle,” or “tent of meeting.” God’s specific instructions were designed to provide the people with a clear understanding that there was a place where they could individually come and meet with Him. In later speaking of the “mercy seat” on top of the Ark of the Covenant, located in the tabernacle, the Lord would say: “There I will meet with you.” By these very words the believer is ushered into the presence of the Creator, and Redeemer, to commune with the eternal God. God has made him for this reason, that he should truly know God. The Lord Jesus, many years later, would declare this same truth: “And THIS is life eternal, that they might KNOW Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.” (Jn. 17:3) But, how is the individual believer to seek God, and be certain to find and know Him? What is God’s way? Again, we come to the tabernacle as not only a picture of a place where one can go to meet God, but also, as the “pattern” by which to know Him. How wonderful to see the goodness and love of God in that He provided Israel, and all men everywhere, with the knowledge of His ways in truth, that all should truly know Him!!
If we were to climb a hill, and look down on the camp of the people of Israel in the wilderness, we would see the structure of the tabernacle in the middle of the assembly. By this picture, we are to understand that Israel is called to live in the perspective, and reality, of the personal presence of the living and holy God. Secondly, within the tabernacle, we have a picture and a pattern of things that were, and would come, the eventual realization of a “new and living way,” established by Christ, that we might know Him. The pattern was given so that man might see and understand that God has provided a way by which all sin can be forgiven, washed away, and the heart and mind cleansed. The great objective in the construction and maintaining of the tabernacle, was to reveal clearly that man can know and commune with God, according to God’s design and purpose.
As the bronze altar in the outer court speaks of God dealing with sin on the basis of a sacrifice. The bronze laver would consequently speak of washing, cleansing. The approach to God into the holy place would be characterized by a reverential respect of God, acknowledging His presence and perfect provision for one’s approach to God. The worship of God as the Eternal Light, singular and life-giving, would be embraced. The prayerful recognition of the sweetness, beauty, and goodness of the Lord, is remembered with thanksgiving. However, it is at this point that we come to a veil, one that separates the Holy Place of the tabernacle, from the “Holiest of All.” It is here that a limit is imposed, one that only a priest, once a year, can pass beyond. There will come a day, when on the cross of Calvary, Jesus will utter the words: “It is finished.” The veil will be torn, that limit removed, and access will be given by God, to every believer, to enter that place of fullest communion with God, in Christ, by the Spirit. This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes!!!
Dear Father, teach us Thy way into the Holiest of All, there to have true and eternal fellowship with Thee. Enlarge our hearts and minds according to Thy truth, by the Spirit, to know Thee, and Thy Son. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad