"They serve at a sanctuary that is a shadow and a copy of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: "See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown to you on the mountaintop." (Hebrews 8:5 NLT)
God had a specific pattern in mind when He set Moses about building the tabernacle. He went to great lengths to prescribe the structure and contents in detail throughout Exodus 26-27. Then in Exodus 36-40 we read how Moses and his team followed through on God’s instructions. They put the tabernacle together according to heavenly plan precisely.
"Moses did everything just as the Lord commanded him." (Exodus 40:16 NLT)
I noticed yesterday, in Matthew 24:2 how Jesus talked about tearing down the Temple buildings – that unexpected ‘s’ caught my attention! My mind flipped back through the book to the original tabernacle instructions in Exodus. Over the years, the Israelites had allowed their kings and priests to add to the tabernacle according to their will, not God’s. By the time Jesus was carried in as an infant the Temple had become a sprawling compound with a Roman fortress overseeing it. Solomon, and later, Herod, had tweaked on God’s plans until the Temple resembled something worldly, instead of otherworldly as intended. And by the end of the first gospel, Jesus was ready to tear it all down to reinstate the original vision: the tabernacle is a place where a man gets to meet with God.
perched upon the northeast corner of the Temple Mount.
"But He responded, "Do you see all these buildings? I tell you the truth, they will be demolished. Not one stope will be left on top of another! (Matthew 24:2 NLT)
A few weeks ago I heard a sermon about our deeds and the difference between straw/wood and gold/precious stones. Every action and inaction will be weighed by God on the day of judgement. Unfortunately, a lot of what we invest in is peripheral; outside of God’s leading and instruction. Extraneous efforts will catch fire under His holy gaze.
Like the kings of ages past, we think we can improve upon God’s plan with our ingenuity and affluence. But really, everything beyond God’s good instruction will be torn down and burnt up. This life, this frame is our tabernacle – our sacred space where we get to meet with God. We needn’t improve upon it beyond God’s specific commands. All He requires is obedience: that we would follow His lead whole-heartedly. He has a good design for our life and worship, He’s laid it out for His glory.
I was today years old when learned that the tabernacle was laid out like a cross: the foot contained the altar of burnt offerings – a place of suffering and defeat. The head behind the veil was the Holy of Holies – the uttermost concentration of His purifying presence. The arms are fellowship (showbread) and witness (the golden lamps-stand) – the blessings available to every believer as they made their way toward glory.
I believe the cross remains as the best pattern for our modern life. We still move from forgiveness into fellowship and witness as we make our way toward glory. I am reminded again to let the Lord lay out the details of my daily, hourly existence. I invite Him to set up His tabernacle in my heart rightly. His pattern is perfect and my interference will only mess it up.
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world by the renown of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2 NLT)
"May Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10 NLT)
Lord, please forgive us for attempting to improve upon Your perfect plans. Today we acknowledge You as the architect of this tabernacle and we recommit to cooperate with Your instructions. Have Your way in our frames; may our lives take on the shape of sentiment of the cross. Amen.