Exodus 26:1-27:21
It’s amazing to consider the details given to the construction of the Tabernacle, especially when you realize that every little part and portion of it is significant.
The Tabernacle which would be 45 feet by 15 feet, the 10 curtains of fine woven linen, the curtains of goats hair, the covering of rams skins dyed red, and the badger skins above that. Then there’s the boards of acacia wood, the silver sockets, and the bars of acacia wood.
The veil that would separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (Exodus 26:33) was symbolic of the barrier between us and God, for into the Holy Place only the High Priest could enter in, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). When Jesus died on the cross, however, this veil of separation was torn in two from top to bottom, meaning He made a way for us to go in…to His presence, this most Holy Place is available to believers anytime (Mark 15:38; Hebrews 4:16).
Exodus 27:1-2 describes the Bronze Altar where all the sacrifices would take place outside of the Tabernacle, but within the Tabernacle Courts (bronze is symbolic of judgment). The Court of the Tabernacle was 150 feet by 75 feet (see visuals below – zoom in to get a better look).
The children of Israel were commanded to bring the pure oil of pressed olives for the light/lampstand to burn continually. This pressed olive oil would be symbolic of prayer, and isn’t it interesting that Jesus prayed frequently and passionately in the Garden of Gethsemane (Gethsemane means “Olive Press). This oil gave fuel for light, and would be symbolic of the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 25:1-30
Continuing in the context of His return, Jesus shares a couple of extremely insightful parables concerning the Kingdom of Heaven.
The first parable likens His return to a wedding feast. In those days the groom would gather His bride and bring her to His home for a 7-day celebration. In the parable, Jesus shows that five guests were ready for His coming, and five were not. The difference between them was the oil – and oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. There are many who profess to be Christians, they might even attend church, but they’re not truly born-again. These people do not have the Holy Spirit and when Jesus comes they will be left behind. Even though they think they have the right to enter-in, they don’t. In that day Jesus will speak the most horrible words they will ever hear, “Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.”
The second parable has to do with stewardship. We’ve all been given life, money, gifts, talents, things that God has blessed us with, things that we might use for His Kingdom and His glory. Some people are faithful and industrious; they realize that ultimately it all belongs to the Lord, and they work hard and responsibly with what He’s entrusted to them. Such people will be rewarded. Others, however, are wicked and lazy – they show by their life that they really don’t know the Lord and will be cast into outer darkness. What a heavy, heavy warning!
Psalm 31:1-8
Another Psalm of David who found himself in frequent need of God’s deliverance. As we read through the Psalms and discover David’s constant need, it reminds me of:
Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV) “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Don’t you also find yourself in times of constant need? Let’s pray like David, even sing for “salvation.”
Psalm 31:2 (NKJV) “Bow down Your ear to me, deliver me speedily; be my rock of refuge, a fortress of defense to save me.”
He really is our rock and fortress, who leads us, and guides us, and pulls us out of the nets (traps) of the enemy.
Proverbs 8:1-11
Another invitation from wisdom personified to learn and listen, to understand – that we might stand strong in God and for God, even in this world of wickedness.
Wisdom is infinitely more valuable than any amount of wealth we may amass!
Proverbs 8:11 (NKJV) “For wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.”
If you have any questions or comments on today’s reading, or you’d like to share something the Lord showed you, feel free to leave a reply below. I’d love to hear from you as we grow forward in 2021.