Encountering God's Presence: The Significance of the Tabernacle

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing God's Kindness in Rebellion

God's enduring kindness is most evident at the altar of the Tabernacle, where the gravity of sin and the necessity of atonement intersect. The altar is not merely a relic of ancient worship but a poignant reminder of the divine patience and mercy that meets humanity in its rebellion. It is here that one is called to reflect on the depth of God's provision, which began with the first sacrifice to clothe Adam and Eve and continues through the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This place of sacrifice symbolizes a divine kindness that is meant to lead to repentance, a kindness that does not ignore sin but provides a path to reconciliation.

The altar, therefore, is a place of both remembrance and encounter. It invites believers to acknowledge their transgressions while resting in the assurance that God's kindness remains steadfast. It is a call to recognize the cost of sin, which necessitates bloodshed for forgiveness, and to approach God with a humble heart, ready to receive His mercy and grace. The act of coming to the altar is an act of humility, acknowledging one's need for the Savior and the beauty of salvation offered through Jesus Christ [11:32].

Bible passage: Hosea 6:6 - "For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings."

Reflection: How does understanding God's kindness toward you in your moments of rebellion change the way you approach confession and repentance?

Day 2: The Living Promise of the Covenant

The covenant with Abraham stands as a testament to God's faithfulness, extending His promise beyond historical boundaries to reach all nations through Jesus Christ. The sacrifices of the Old Testament, which were once offered on the altar, find their true meaning in the life and death of Jesus. This covenantal promise is not confined to the pages of scripture but is alive and active, shaping the faith of believers and connecting them to the grand narrative of God's redemptive work.

As one reflects on the covenant with Abraham, it becomes clear that the story of faith is not just a collection of individual narratives but a unified tapestry woven by God's promises. The altar in the Tabernacle serves as a tangible link to this promise, reminding believers that through Jesus, the blessings of the covenant are fully realized. This understanding enriches one's faith and fosters a deeper connection to the divine purpose that spans across time and touches every life [15:59].

Bible passage: Galatians 3:29 - "And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise."

Reflection: In what ways do you see the covenant with Abraham impacting your personal faith journey and your understanding of God's promises today?

Day 3: The Humility of Confession

The altar in the Tabernacle is a sacred space where pride is laid down and sins are openly acknowledged before God. This act of humility is a crucial step in the spiritual journey, one that involves not only personal introspection but also the support of a faith community. Confession is an opportunity for healing and victory, a chance to come clean before God and receive His forgiveness.

In the act of confession, there is a recognition of one's limitations and a reliance on God's grace. It is a moment of vulnerability, where the soul is laid bare and the need for divine intervention is most acutely felt. The altar invites believers to embrace this humility, to seek the wisdom and guidance of mentors or trusted friends, and to walk together towards the light of truth and reconciliation [22:25].

Bible passage: James 5:16 - "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to embrace humility and seek God's forgiveness, and how can you take a step toward confession this week?

Day 4: Jesus, Our True Tabernacle

The physical Tabernacle was a mere shadow of the heavenly reality, a copy of the true sanctuary that Jesus would enter with His own blood. Jesus, the Word made flesh, is the true Tabernacle who came to dwell among us, embodying the fullness of grace and truth. His sacrifice was the ultimate fulfillment of all that the Tabernacle represented, securing redemption for humanity once and for all.

This revelation of Jesus as the true Tabernacle should inspire awe and worship in the hearts of believers. It is a call to contemplate the divine plan that was perfectly accomplished through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. The Tabernacle, with all its details and rituals, points to the greater reality of Jesus' presence among us and His work on our behalf. It is a reminder that the divine has broken into the human experience, offering a relationship that is both intimate and transformative [07:34].

Bible passage: Hebrews 9:11-12 - "But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption."

Reflection: How does the understanding that Jesus is our true Tabernacle influence your daily worship and the way you perceive God's presence in your life?

Day 5: Responding to the Call of the Altar

The altar extends an invitation to experience the presence of Emmanuel, "God with us." It is a call to respond to God's love with a heart of gratitude, to seek forgiveness, and to offer one's life as a living sacrifice. This response is a step of faith, a declaration of dependence on God, and a celebration of the life found in Jesus.

Approaching the altar is an act of worship and surrender, a recognition of the need for God's grace in every aspect of life. It is a moment to lay down one's burdens, to confess the need for a Savior, and to embrace the salvation that Jesus offers. The altar invites believers to step out of their comfort zones, to come forward with open arms and empty hands, ready to receive the fullness of God's love and to live out the implications of the gospel in their daily lives [31:08].

Bible passage: 1 Peter 2:4-5 - "As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."

Reflection: What does it mean for you to approach the altar with open arms and empty hands, and how can you live out this posture of surrender in your daily routine?

Sermon Summary

In our journey through the scriptures, we have arrived at a pivotal point where we delve into the significance of the Tabernacle and its intricate details as outlined in Exodus and Leviticus. The Tabernacle, a physical manifestation of God's desire to dwell among His people, is a profound representation of God's presence, our spiritual journey, and the foreshadowing of eternity.

The altar, or the Brazen Altar, is the first piece encountered upon entering the Tabernacle. It is here that we are reminded of God's kindness in the face of humanity's rebellion. The altar serves as a recollection of the first sacrifice made to clothe Adam and Eve after their sin, symbolizing God's provision even in our disobedience. It is a powerful reminder of God's patience and kindness, which are meant to lead us to repentance.

As we approach the altar, we are also reminded of the covenant with Abraham. The sacrifices offered are a reflection of the promise God made to Abraham, a promise that extends to all nations through Jesus Christ. The altar signifies the cost of sin, the necessity of bloodshed for forgiveness, and the humility required to confess our sins. It is a place where we acknowledge our guilt and seek reconciliation with God.

The Tabernacle is not only a historical artifact but also a representation of Jesus, our true Tabernacle. Jesus, the Word made flesh, tabernacled among us, full of grace and truth. The Tabernacle is a shadow of the heavenly reality, a copy of the true sanctuary in heaven. Jesus, our High Priest, entered the most holy place once and for all with His own blood, securing our redemption forever.

The altar is a call to action. It invites us to step out of our comfort zones, to come forward with open arms and empty hands, confessing our need for Jesus. It is a step of humility, acknowledging our sins and our need for the Savior. The altar is where we meet Emmanuel, God with us, and where we are reminded of the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made on Calvary.

As we prepare to celebrate Easter, we will have the opportunity to participate in a Seder meal, led by a Messianic Rabbi, to see firsthand the connection between the Passover and Jesus' sacrifice. This experience will deepen our understanding of how the Old Testament foreshadows the New Covenant established by Jesus' atoning work.

In summary, the Tabernacle and the altar are central to our understanding of God's redemptive plan. They teach us about God's presence, the cost of sin, the need for atonement, and the journey we are on towards eternal life with God. The altar is where we come to terms with our humanity, our need for God's mercy, and the beauty of the salvation offered through Jesus Christ.

Key Takeaways

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Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was the primary purpose of the Tabernacle according to Exodus 25:8?
How does John 1:14 describe Jesus' relationship to the concept of the Tabernacle?
What does Hebrews 9:12 say about the significance of Jesus' sacrifice compared to the Old Testament sacrifices?
According to the sermon, what is the first piece encountered upon entering the Tabernacle, and what does it symbolize? ([00:59])

Interpretation Questions

How does the Tabernacle serve as a representation of God's desire to dwell among His people, both in the Old Testament and through Jesus? ([01:40])
In what ways does the Brazen Altar remind us of God's kindness in the face of humanity's rebellion? ([09:51])
How does the covenant with Abraham find its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, and what does this mean for believers today? ([15:59])
Why is confession and humility important in our spiritual journey, and how can the altar serve as a place for this practice? ([22:25])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence in your life. How did that experience impact your faith? How can you seek to experience God's presence more regularly? ([01:40])
The Brazen Altar symbolizes the cost of sin and the necessity of bloodshed for forgiveness. How does this understanding affect your view of sin and repentance? ([09:51])
The covenant with Abraham is a living promise fulfilled in Jesus. How does this covenantal perspective enrich your faith and connect you to God's redemptive work? ([15:59])
Confession and humility are integral to our spiritual journey. Is there a specific sin or struggle you need to confess to God or a trusted friend? How can you take a step of humility this week? ([22:25])
Jesus is the true Tabernacle who came to dwell among us. How does this revelation inspire you to worship and live out your faith daily? ([07:34])
The invitation to approach the altar is an invitation to experience the presence of Emmanuel, God with us. What steps can you take to respond to God's love with a heart of gratitude and seek forgiveness? ([31:08])
As we prepare to celebrate Easter, how can participating in traditions like the Seder meal deepen your understanding of the connection between the Old Testament and Jesus' sacrifice? ([25:37])

Sermon Clips

"The altar is a recollection of God's kindness in Humanity's Rebellion because as soon as you come into the Tabernacle the first thing that you see is this altar of burnt offering and it was a reminder to to to the people what happened in the Garden of Eden." [10:26](Download | Download)

"The altar is a realization of our need for humility as we confess our sins. See, because when you came to the Altar and when you brought your sacrifice, you would place your hand upon the Altar and confess the sins of the people." [20:10](Download | Download)

"Jesus was that lamb that traversed all of these places and came to that most holy Place, remember these are just pictures of things that are actually in heaven and Eternity, and Jesus came as the offering to say here's my blood to cover the sins of humanity." [26:45](Download | Download)

"Jesus with one offering and at one time died for us and his sacrifice pays the penalty for all of humanity. His blood cleanses our consciences from acts that lead to death so that we may serve the Living God." [28:40](Download | Download)

"God does this beautiful work in the New Covenant because of the blood of Jesus. He tells us that your sins and your iniquities will I remember no more and I will give you a new heart and a new mind." [29:18](Download | Download)

"Jesus entered into heaven itself to appear now before God on our behalf but now once and for all, one time, not many times like the children of Israel had to do, he has appeared at the end of the age to remove sin by his own death as a sacrifice." [30:36](Download | Download)

"Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results." [23:25](Download | Download)

"The Tabernacle points towards Jesus, our true Tabernacle. The word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, full of grace and truth. This word actually dwell is the word tabernacled." [08:14](Download | Download)

"The Tabernacle also points towards our spiritual journey because all of us together are the temple of God and that the spirit of God dwells with us." [08:48](Download | Download)

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