God's Presence: The Tabernacle and Our Priestly Calling

Summary

### Summary

Today, we delved into the profound significance of the tabernacle as described in Exodus 27-30. The tabernacle, with its intricate design and detailed instructions, serves as a powerful symbol of God's desire to dwell among His people and restore the broken relationship caused by sin. We explored how the tabernacle's furnishings, such as the lampstand, the priestly garments, and the altar of incense, foreshadow God's plan for redemption and the role of His people as priests in the world today.

The lampstand, with its seven lights, symbolizes the perfect light of God's holiness that must be kept burning continually, representing our call to be the light in the darkness. The priestly garments, described in great detail, illustrate the weight and responsibility of serving as priests, clothed in the righteousness of Christ. The consecration of the priests, involving washing, robing, anointing, and sacrifices, foreshadows our own spiritual journey of being cleansed, clothed in Christ, anointed with the Holy Spirit, and empowered by the sacrifice of Jesus.

Finally, the altar of incense, with its perpetual burning, represents the prayers of God's people rising continually before Him. As priests, we are called to practice the presence of God and maintain a life of constant prayer, bringing light into the dark places of the world and interceding on behalf of others.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Lampstand and Our Role as Light Bearers: The lampstand in the tabernacle, with its seven lights, symbolizes the perfect light of God's holiness. As priests under the new covenant, we are called to keep this light burning in the darkness of the world. This means actively engaging in our spiritual disciplines and being a presence of God's light in our communities, even when it requires sacrifice and discomfort. [37:53]

2. The Weight and Beauty of Priestly Garments: The detailed description of the priestly garments in Exodus highlights the beauty and weight of our calling as priests. These garments represent the perfection and holiness required to be in God's presence. As modern-day priests, we must be willing to bear the weight of this responsibility, serving God and others with a heart of sacrifice and dedication. [46:43]

3. Consecration and Spiritual Cleansing: The process of consecrating the priests—washing, robing, anointing, and sacrifices—foreshadows our own spiritual journey. We must be washed clean through baptism, clothed in Christ's righteousness, anointed with the Holy Spirit, and continually reminded of the power of Jesus' sacrifice. This consecration enables us to serve effectively as priests in God's kingdom. [55:00]

4. The Altar of Incense and the Power of Prayer: The altar of incense, with its perpetual burning, symbolizes the prayers of God's people. As priests, we are called to maintain a life of constant prayer, interceding for others and staying connected to God. This ongoing conversation with God empowers us to fulfill our priestly duties and bring His presence into every aspect of our lives. [01:01:53]

5. Practicing the Presence of God: Living as priests means recognizing that we are always in the presence of God. The lampstand's continual light reminds us that God's presence is with us in every situation. We must learn to practice this presence daily, combining it with a life of prayer, to experience the fullness of God's power and provision in our lives and ministries. [01:04:59]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[25:46] - Prayer Requests
[27:37] - Zoo Exhibit Analogy
[28:11] - Introduction to Exodus 27
[29:12] - Our Greatest Need
[30:12] - Re-Edenizing the World
[31:43] - C.S. Lewis Quote
[32:16] - God's Invitation
[33:17] - The Problem of Sin and Holiness
[35:23] - The Lampstand
[37:53] - Priests of God
[43:12] - Priestly Garments
[51:57] - Consecration of Priests
[01:00:22] - Altar of Incense
[01:04:59] - Practicing the Presence of God
[01:10:18] - Invitation and Baptism
[01:16:02] - Communion
[01:20:28] - Offering and Announcements

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 27:20-21 - "Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning. In the tent of meeting, outside the curtain that shields the ark of the covenant law, Aaron and his sons are to keep the lamps burning before the Lord from evening till morning. This is to be a lasting ordinance among the Israelites for the generations to come."
2. Exodus 28:2-4 - "Make sacred garments for your brother Aaron to give him dignity and honor. Tell all the skilled workers to whom I have given wisdom in such matters that they are to make garments for Aaron, for his consecration, so he may serve me as priest. These are the garments they are to make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. They are to make these sacred garments for your brother Aaron and his sons so they may serve me as priests."
3. Exodus 30:1, 7-8 - "Make an altar of acacia wood for burning incense... Aaron must burn fragrant incense on the altar every morning when he tends the lamps. He must burn incense again when he lights the lamps at twilight so incense will burn regularly before the Lord for the generations to come."

#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions were given regarding the lampstand in the tabernacle? (Exodus 27:20-21)
2. Describe the garments that were to be made for Aaron and his sons. What materials and colors were used? (Exodus 28:2-4)
3. What was the purpose of the altar of incense, and how often was Aaron instructed to burn incense on it? (Exodus 30:1, 7-8)
4. According to the sermon, what does the lampstand symbolize in our spiritual lives today? [37:53]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the continual burning of the lampstand relate to our role as light bearers in the world today? [37:53]
2. What is the significance of the detailed description of the priestly garments in terms of our spiritual responsibilities? [46:43]
3. How does the process of consecration for the priests in Exodus 29 foreshadow our own spiritual journey? [55:00]
4. In what ways does the altar of incense represent the power and importance of prayer in our lives? [01:01:53]

#### Application Questions
1. The lampstand symbolizes our call to be light in the darkness. What are some practical ways you can keep your spiritual light burning in your community, even when it requires sacrifice? [37:53]
2. Reflect on the weight and beauty of the priestly garments. How can you embrace the responsibility of serving God and others with a heart of sacrifice and dedication in your daily life? [46:43]
3. The consecration process involved washing, robing, anointing, and sacrifices. How can you apply these steps to your own spiritual journey? For example, what steps can you take to ensure you are spiritually "washed" and "clothed" in Christ? [55:00]
4. The altar of incense represents the prayers of God's people. How can you cultivate a life of constant prayer, and what specific steps can you take to intercede for others more effectively? [01:01:53]
5. Practicing the presence of God means recognizing that we are always in His presence. How can you remind yourself of God's presence in your daily activities, and what changes can you make to live more consciously in His presence? [01:04:59]
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of spiritual disciplines. Identify one spiritual discipline you want to focus on this week. How will you incorporate it into your daily routine to keep your spiritual light burning? [41:08]
7. As priests, we are called to help others find their way into God's presence. Think of someone in your life who is struggling spiritually. What specific actions can you take this week to guide them closer to God? [50:19]

Devotional

### Day 1: Bearing the Light of God's Holiness
The lampstand in the tabernacle, with its seven lights, symbolizes the perfect light of God's holiness. As priests under the new covenant, we are called to keep this light burning in the darkness of the world. This means actively engaging in our spiritual disciplines and being a presence of God's light in our communities, even when it requires sacrifice and discomfort. The lampstand's continual light reminds us that God's presence is with us in every situation. We must learn to practice this presence daily, combining it with a life of prayer, to experience the fullness of God's power and provision in our lives and ministries. [37:53]

Bible Passage:
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house." (Matthew 5:14-15, ESV)

Reflection:
Think of a specific area in your life where you can be a light in the darkness. How can you actively engage in this role today, even if it requires sacrifice or discomfort?

### Day 2: The Weight and Beauty of Our Calling
The detailed description of the priestly garments in Exodus highlights the beauty and weight of our calling as priests. These garments represent the perfection and holiness required to be in God's presence. As modern-day priests, we must be willing to bear the weight of this responsibility, serving God and others with a heart of sacrifice and dedication. The priestly garments remind us that our service to God is not to be taken lightly but with reverence and commitment. [46:43]

Bible Passage:
"And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty. You shall speak to all the skillful, whom I have filled with a spirit of skill, that they make Aaron's garments to consecrate him for my priesthood." (Exodus 28:2-3, ESV)

Reflection:
Reflect on the responsibilities you have in your spiritual life. How can you approach these duties with a renewed sense of reverence and dedication today?

### Day 3: Consecration and Spiritual Cleansing
The process of consecrating the priests—washing, robing, anointing, and sacrifices—foreshadows our own spiritual journey. We must be washed clean through baptism, clothed in Christ's righteousness, anointed with the Holy Spirit, and continually reminded of the power of Jesus' sacrifice. This consecration enables us to serve effectively as priests in God's kingdom. The steps of consecration are not just historical rituals but are deeply symbolic of our spiritual transformation and readiness to serve. [55:00]

Bible Passage:
"And you shall bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the tent of meeting and wash them with water. Then you shall take the garments, and put on Aaron the coat and the robe of the ephod, and the ephod, and the breastpiece, and gird him with the skillfully woven band of the ephod." (Exodus 29:4-5, ESV)

Reflection:
Consider your own spiritual journey. What steps can you take today to further consecrate yourself to God's service, whether through prayer, study, or acts of service?

### Day 4: The Power of Prayer
The altar of incense, with its perpetual burning, symbolizes the prayers of God's people. As priests, we are called to maintain a life of constant prayer, interceding for others and staying connected to God. This ongoing conversation with God empowers us to fulfill our priestly duties and bring His presence into every aspect of our lives. The altar of incense serves as a reminder that our prayers are a continual offering to God, rising before Him day and night. [01:01:53]

Bible Passage:
"And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel." (Revelation 8:4, ESV)

Reflection:
Identify one person or situation that needs prayer today. Commit to praying for them consistently, and consider how you can intercede on their behalf throughout the day.

### Day 5: Practicing the Presence of God
Living as priests means recognizing that we are always in the presence of God. The lampstand's continual light reminds us that God's presence is with us in every situation. We must learn to practice this presence daily, combining it with a life of prayer, to experience the fullness of God's power and provision in our lives and ministries. Practicing the presence of God involves a conscious awareness of His nearness and a deliberate effort to include Him in every aspect of our lives. [01:04:59]

Bible Passage:
"Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." (Romans 12:11-12, ESV)

Reflection:
Throughout your day, make a conscious effort to acknowledge God's presence in every activity. How can you remind yourself of His nearness and involve Him in your daily tasks and decisions?

Quotes

1. "Our greatest need is not these felt needs that we have that we keep trying to fill with everything the world has to offer and then we still aren't satisfied. That's not really our greatest need. Our greatest need is to be in the presence of God. To dwell in the presence of our Creator. You see that's what we're made for. That's what we're designed for. That's why we exist. Is to be in that relationship with Him. In His presence dwelling with Him." [29:12] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "When we get that, when we understand that, and we know that God's prepared a way for that to happen, then that begins to solve a lot of the deep-rooted problems in us spiritually and emotionally. When we start realizing what the greatest need really is, we stop chasing all the other things thinking that they're going to satisfy that need that we have, that we feel deep down. Sometimes we don't even know what it is and we're filling it with the wrong things." [30:12] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We are sinful. So how do sinful people get into the presence of a holy God and be made welcome there and be allowed to stay there? There has to be an answer to that problem. And the tabernacle, remember, is a foreshadowing of God's plan to make it possible for His sinful people to be restored again in that relationship, to be back in His presence again." [35:23] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "We are able to be in the presence of this perfect light, of the holiness of God. He wants us to be able. See, the priests are able to go in there. They're supposed to be. Here's the instruction: Keep the lights burning all the time. From dusk until the light of the sun comes up again, you keep this light burning the whole time. Never let it go out. It's symbolic of the fact that in the darkness of the world, in the darkness of our sin, God is the presence of that light, of that holiness." [36:55] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We do have a responsibility as parents to protect our children as best we can. But friends, if we keep pulling the light out of the darkness and running from the darkness, there's nothing but darkness left. And God's plan is to redeem the darkness and take his light into those dark places. He's called the church to be that light. He's called us to be the priest of God in our culture today who bring that light to the dark places of our world." [39:01] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "If we're going to be in the presence of God, we have to be clothed in the right way to be in his presence. Notice something else about the garments. The ideal high priest is a man of heaven who walks in all the beauty and the glory of the presence of God. But he also represents and he's responsible for the people of God. Remember, he's wearing the names of all the children of Israel, the different tribes. He's wearing that on his shoulders and on the breastplate. He's representing all of the people of God as he goes into the presence of God." [48:44] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "We have to be clothed in the right way to represent well the people of God when we come into the presence of God. And then he says he carried with him this idea of being responsible for people that are entering into the presence of God. We have a responsibility as priests of God to help others find their way into his presence too. We're not entering in just for us. And the sacrifice, the clothing that we have to wear, the sacrifice we make, it's not just for us. It's not even just for our spouse or our children or our family. It's for everyone who needs to find their way back into the presence of God." [49:48] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "In order for us to enter into the presence of God and serve him as his priest, we've got to be washed clean. Baptism is a beautiful picture of that washing. When we come in faith and repentance, we're buried with Christ in the water to a brand new life in Christ. There's a cleansing, there's a washing. Is it ceremonial? Yes. But is it important and essential for us to be cleansed? Yes, it is both of those things." [54:31] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "If you want to see the power of God in your life and we want to see the power of God in the life of our church, and we're seeing it, we must be a people marked by the presence of God and serious prayerfulness in our lives every day. That's when the power of God will be manifested in greater ways than we've ever seen it before. You combine those two things, living in the presence of God while seriously staying connected to him in prayer all the time." [01:08:56] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "We talk about coming into the what? Presence of God. Guess what? You never left it. You were in the presence of God before you got here. You see, when they got into the holy place where the lampstand was, what was already there? Light. That's what? The presence of God. His light is there. His light is there in the dark places. That's the whole point of lighting the light when it's twilight and keeping it burning all night long. It's there in the dark places too." [01:03:32] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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