Sacrifices

O. T. #237  "Sacrifices"
Feb. 28, 2014
Exodus 29-Part 2
Seven days thou shalt make an atonement for the altar, and sanctify it; and it shall be an altar most holy: whatsoever toucheth the altar shall be holy.  Exodus 29:37

LET IT GLOW

As believers in Christ, we do not offer animal sacrifices. We believer that Jesus became our sacrifice. I wonder, what are we offering to Him, since He do so much for us? Perhaps I should ask myself what I am offering unto my Savior. Give. What am I giving up in order to help another? Where am I going in order to share the gospel? Loving people to Jesus in my theme this year. What about you?

We have talked about the preparation of the priests for the sacrifices, concerning their special wardrobes. Now we read about the ceremonial sacrifices.

The ones chosen to begin the priesthood could not enter into office without Moses' conducting a solemn, seven-day investiture (verses 4-35; Lev. 8:1-36), involving washing, dressing, anointing, sacrificing, daubing and sprinkling with blood, and eating. (MacArthrur)

In order to get the priests eligible to offer the sacrifices, they first had to be cleansed.
Three blood offerings are mentioned:

1. A bullock was slain as a sin offering, each day for the entire week of consecration (verse 36). The person presenting the sin offering confessed his sins as he placed his hands on the animal's head.
2. The first ram was given as a burnt offering, a picture of total dedication to God. (Lev. 7)
3. The second ram's blood was applied to the right ears, thumbs, and great toes of Aaron and his sons, picturing their consecration to hear God's Word, do God's work, and walk in God's way. It became a wave offering and then a burnt offering. (Wiersbe)

The second ram's blood signified that the priests could neither hear, work, nor walk profitably, uprightly, and well-pleasing in the sight of God, without this application of the blood of the sacrifice.
Only through the blood of atonement can we do anything holy and pure, in the sight of a just and holy God. (Matthew Henry)

Whatever is laid on the altar is the Lord's property and wholly devoted to sacred uses, as understood in Matthew 23:19.

Am I sacrificing anything unto the Lord?

Jesus became the sacrificial lamb, taking our place in payment for our sins. I pray everyone has Him to forgive them of their sins and believed this in their heart.


LET IT GROW


As I read over this chapter, the words thou shalt kept being repeated by God. What was He saying to do?

• cause,
• kill,
• take,
• slay,
• cut,
• burn,
• put,
• receive,
• sanctify,
• eat,
• offer.

Do we do these as unto the Lord Jesus? What is He asking us to do? Deny our self, take up our cross, and follow Him.

The special meal for only the priests was from parts of the second ram (Lev. 7:28-38). God permitted parts of some of the sacrifices belonged to the priests as payment for their service to the people.

God prohibited the eating of portions of fat which were normally offered to Him in sacrifice. Even these portions of non-sacrificial animals were not to be eaten. Other areas of fat on the animal were all right to eat (Lev. 7:22-25). The eating of blood was strictly forbidden at all times. (Falwell)

Since the priests were not working outside the Tabernacle to provide food for their family, they needed a source of provisions. A portion of the offerings which the people brought to the Temple was their provision. God allowed it.

What are we hearing throughout the day?
How are we working?
Where are we walking?

Are they done for the honor of our Lord Jesus?

LET IT GO

Do I need to change what I am hearing?

Am I working in a reputable place where I can honor God?

Where am I taking Jesus as I walk and live?

Preparations

O. T. #236  "Preparations"
Feb. 27, 2014
Exodus 29-part 1
And this is the thing that thou shalt do unto them to hallow them, to minister unto Me in the priest's office.  Exodus 29:1a


LET IT GLOW

I have noticed that before people enter a special meeting of sort, they make preparations. The bride spends hours preparing for her walk down the isle to meet her beloved to wed. She probably laid out everything in her attire. Cub scouts put on their uniform before they walked into the ceremony. Before the funeral procession, mourning clothes are put on by those attending. The priests in Moses' day had to make preparations before they entered the Tabernacle. Read on for such preparations. (Previous postings discussed the garments.)

The consecration of the priests, Aaron and his sons, is discussed in chapter 29. What were the instructions for the preparation?

• It was performed at the door of the tabernacle.
• They were first washed with water, speaking of cleansing.
• Next, after Aaron was clothed in the high priest attire.
• Moses poured the anointing oil upon Aaron's head.
• Aaron's four sons were clothed in their priestly garments.

Do we prepare ourselves before entering the sanctuary, our place of worship?
Have you made preparations to meet your God?


LET IT GROW

What does all of this represent?
Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Old Testament explains:

• The washing speaks of the cleansing we have through faith in Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 6:9-11; Rev. 1:5; Acts 15:9), a once-for-all washing that needed never to be repeated (John 13:1-10).
• It was necessary for the priests to have daily washing at the laver, which speaks of our daily cleansing as we confess our sins (1John 1:9).
• In Scripture, clothing often symbolizes character and conduct. Our righteousnesses are like filthy rags before God (Isa. 64:6). We cannot clothe ourselves with good works as Adam and Eve tried to do (Gen. 3:7). When we trust Christ, we are clothed with His righteousness (2 Cor. 5:21; Isa. 61:10).
• We should put off the "graveclothes" and put on the "grace clothes" (Col 3:1).
• The distinctive garments of the priests identified them as the holy servants of God, set apart to minister to the Lord.
• The holy anointing oil is a type of the Spirit of God who alone can empower us for service (30:22-33).

What preparations do we make before we enter the worship service?
The purpose of the priests was to serve God, minister unto Him.
Are we busy doing the same?

Colossians 3:23 (KJV) says, And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.

NIV states, Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.

Who are we working for today?

LET IT GO

Place my heart and life into the hand of Jesus.

Surrender.

Whatever He tells me, do.

Coats, Girdles, and Bonnets

O. T. #235 "Coats, Girdles, and Bonnets"
Feb. 26, 2014
Exodus 28-Part 7
And for Aaron's sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and bonnets, shalt thou make for them, for the glory and for beauty.  Exodus 28:40

LET IT GLOW

I like to wear clean clothes, as I am sure do likewise. I usually don't wear the same dress clothes everyday that I wear on Sunday to worship. So I guess you could say that I get dressed up. So it was with the Israelite priests. Read on  to find out what the coats, girdles, and bonnets have in common.

Since we have covered the clothing (no pun intended) which the high priest was instructed to wear, I wanted to contrast it with that of Jesus.

High Priest/Jesus clothing:

• a beautiful ephod/a purple robe for mocking;
• precious gems on shoulders/no jewels, only an undeserved cross;
• a breastplate with Israel on his heart/died of a broken heart for Israel and mankind;
• an untorn, seamless robe/a robe stripped away at the cross;
• delicate sounding bells proving he was alive/the sound of pounding nails insuring His death;
• a fine linen turban/ a painful crown of thorns;
• a headplate reading "HOLINESS TO THE LORD"/ a life and death showing holiness;
• linen trousers to hide nakedness/bore our sins on the cross in naked shame. (Guzik)

The priests' garments set them apart from the ordinary citizens.

Of course, we are aware that Jesus is serving as our High Priest now, sitting on the right hand of God, making intercession for us.
Are we clothed in His righteousness?

LET IT GROW

To finish this chapter, let's look at the garments of the "regular" priests:

• Coats, in Hebrew, means to cover; a skirt, garment, robe.
• Girdles refers to a belt.[First mentioned in verse 4]
• Bonnets is a word meaning a cap (as hemispherical). [First mentioned in verse 44.] 
• These were made for glory and beauty.
• They were special garments to be worn when the priests went into the Tabernacle, at the altar, lest they die.

Moses was instructed to take Aaron and his sons and anoint, consecrate, and sanctify them that they might minister to God in the priest's office. (verse 41)

These assigned garments remind us of the righteousness that ought to characterize our walk and our service. (Wiersbe)

Annoint means to rub with oil; to consecrate; to paint.
Consecrate and sanctify means the same thing: make, pronounce or observe clean (ceremonially or morally); be or keep holy; sanctify one self; wholly.

Are we walking by faith? (2 Cor. 5:7)
Do we walk in the Spirit? (Gal. 5:16)
Am I walking in love? (Eph. 5:2)
Will I walk in the fear of the Lord? (Acts 9:31)

LET IT GO

Walk, live, worthy of a Christian.

Crowns

O. T. #234  "Crowns"
Feb. 25, 2014
Exodus 28-Part 6
Make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD.  Exodus 28:36

LET IT GLOW

If you don't stop, I'm going to crown you. Have you ever heard that said when one person is bothering another? I don't think it was meant in a good way, though.
In our modern times, we do not see many crowns being worn. We may see a foreign king or queen wearing one on television. I have seen our football and basketball queens wear one, but can't think of any one else. Moses was told that the high priest was to wear a turban, a crown. Once at an airport, I saw a man dressed in a white robe wearing a white turban on his head.

Of the wardrobe for the high priest(Aaron) to wear, we have discussed the ephod, breastplate, and robe. Now let's touch on the crown.

The Holy Crown is a turban (mitre), which is a simple white linen cap, similar to a chef's, but not as tall. On the turban was a gold plate, with the insignia " HOLINESS TO THE LORD" and was held by blue lace.
It was called a "holy crown" (29:6; 39:30; Lev. 8:9) and emphasized the fact that God wanted His people to be holy (Lev. 11:44; 19:2; 20:7). (Wiersbe)

Mitre, in Hebrew, is the word mitsnepheth (pronounced mits-neh'feth), refers to a tiara; an official turban of a king or high priest; a diadem. (Strong's Concordance)

New International Version of the Bible calls the gold plate a "sacred diadem" in Leviticus 8:9.
The turban was to be worn continually on Aaron's head as he bears the guilt involved in the sacred gifts the Israelites consecrated.

The headdress carried the declaration essential to worship a priestly representation, namely the holiness of the Lord, and in so doing reminded the high priest and all the others that their approach to God must be done with reverence. (MacArthur)

It was a constant reminder of the priest's acceptance before God and of his holy ministry. (Falwell)

The word LORD in Hebrew (verse 36) Yahweh (Adonai), refers to He (who) is. (Young's Concordance)

LET IT GROW

The nation of Israel was accepted before God because of the high priest (verse 38), just as God's people are accepted in Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:6). Because of Jesus Christ, God's people today are a holy priesthood (1 Pter 2:5) and a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9).  Wiersbe

Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)states, Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

Are we staying 'fessed up? Striving to be a holy vessel for the Lord to use?

LET IT GO

The Chimes

O. T. #233  "The Chimes"
Feb. 25, 2014
Exodus 28-Part 5
A golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, upon the hem of the robe round about. 
Exodus 28:34

LET IT GLOW

We attended a Christian college of our denomination. Whether a person was on campus or in town, you could hear the chimes ringing out a hymn at noon. I thought it was a very special unto the Lord. Do I hum a hymn throughout the day as a song of praise unto the Lord? I should.
Did you know the high priest's robe mad a sound? Read on to find out more about it.

So far, we have talked about two parts of the high priest's wardrobe. They were the ephod and the breastplate. Today we are going to discuss the robe.
What do the Scriptures say about it?

• This outer garment was to be made of a blue cloth. (verse 31)
• It was to be woven into one piece, with a hole in the top, as an opening for the head in its center. (verse 32)
• So it would not tear, a woven edge like a collar was to be included. (verse 32)
• The hem was to have around it pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, with gold bells. They were to be placed alternately. (verses 33, 34)
• Aaron was instructed to wear it whenever he served in the Holy Place, least he die by not wearing it. (verse 35)

Why the bells?
The sound of the tinkling bells sewn on the hem of the high priest's robe signaled those waiting outside the Holy Place that their representative ministering before the Lord was still alive and moving about, fulfilling his duties.  (MacArthur)

Are we ringing the bells for Jesus?

LET IT GROW

While Aaron burned incense in the Holy Place, the men were in the outer court applying themselves to praying to God at the same time. (Luke 1:10)

We must serve the Lord with fear and holy trembling, as those that know we deserve to die, and are in danger of making some fatal mistake. Some say the bells on the holy robe typify the sound of the gospel of Christ in the world, giving notice of His entrance within the veil for us. Blessed are they that hear this joyful sound. (Ps. 89:15). The joining of the pomegranates, which are a fragrant fruit, denotes the sweet savour of the gospel, as well as the joyful sound of it, for it is a savour of life unto life. The church is called an orchard of pomegranates. (Matthew Henry)

The bells represented joyfulness and the pomegranates represented fruitfulness. (Wiersbe)

If God did not accept the sacrifice which the high priest was offering for his people, and he died, then the silence of the bells would signify such occurred. The people could pull him out by a rope instead of entering the Tabernacle and risking their own death. I am not sure if this actually happened or tradition teaches it.

Do we still ring the church bells as the time of worship occurs?
A trumpet will sound when the Lord calls His children to meet Him in the air and the dead in Christ rise. (1 Cor. 15:52)

Are you and your loved ones ready?

Ps. 100:1-2 says Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before His presence with singing.

How joyful is our noise as we enter the place of worship? Are we glad? Do we sing before Him?


LET IT GO

Be joyful and glad as I sing praises to my Savior.

Enter the house of worship with singing.

Continue to be joyfully sing unto the Lord wherever I am.

Hey everyone,
I am currently enjoying my grandchildren in a faraway state. Please excuse me for not posting our study today. We will pick up priestly garments in Exodus on Monday.

Psalm 106:1 says Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.

Have a blessed day!
Linda 

My Precious Diamond, Lost

O. T. "My Precious Diamond, Lost"
Feb. 20, 2014
Exodus 28-Part 4
Then mount four rows of precious stones on it. Exodus 28:17a

LET IT GLOW

It happened when I was married less than a year. One day as I worked at the sewing factory, I saw that the diamond in my wedding ring was missing. I had lost it. Disheartened, I searched around my sewing machine, with nothing found. I hated to leave work that day. My diamond was gone forever. I knew that it had taken my then fiancé several weeks to work and save up for it. Saddened by the lost, I continued to wear the plain rings. I valued it as a symbol of my husband's love.
Several years passed before we were financially able to replace it with a whole set. The new set of rings are even more beautiful than the first ring, although not as sentimental. (By the way, my husband lost his original wedding band while on a mission trip, so I don't feel so badly.)
Aren't we precious jewels to our Lord? After all, our salvation cost Him everything.
Shall we take a look at the second article of the high priest's wardrobe mentioned in this chapter?


We are discussing the wardrobe which the high priest, Aaron, was instructed by God to wear while he ministered in the Tabernacle. In our previous lesson, we discussed the ephod. Today we will discuss the breastplate (verses 15-30).
How is the breastplate described in the New International Version of the Bible?
It was to be/have:

• fashioned for making decisions; (verse 15)
• the work of a skilled craftsman; (verse 15)
• made of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely twisted linen; (verse 15)
• 8"-10" square; (verse 16)
• 12 precious stones, each with the name of a tribe or sons of Israel on it, in 4 rows, and mounted in gold; (verses 17-21)
• or have 2 braided chains of pure gold, like a rope, each attached to the breastplate using 2 rings of pure gold, one on each side, and the other ends of the chains were attached to the two settings at the should pieces of the ephod in front; (verses 22-25)
• another set of gold rings, attached to the other two corners of the breastpiece on the inside edge next to the ephod; (verse 26)
• two more gold rings, attached to the bottom of the shoulder pieces on the front of the ephod, close to the seam just above the waistband of the ephod; (verse 27)
• rings of the breastpiece were tied to the rings of the ephod with blue cord, connecting the waistband so it wouldn't swing out from the ephod. (verse 28)

So this breastplate was to be securely attached to the ephod. How detailed the Lord was in this part of the high priest's attire.
Are you aware of the details in your life that the Lord handles? Perhaps you barely escaped an accident. He is so good to us!


LET IT GROW

It seemed like a lot to read about the breastplate. Stay with me, now, we aren't finished yet. I think this will spark some interest in you.

The purpose of the breastplate was that Aaron would bear up the children of Israel upon his heart, when he went inside the Holy Place. It was to keep Israel before the LORD continually.(Falwell)

Attached to the breastplate of judgment were two items called the Urim and Thummim.

According to the Strong's Concordance, Urim (in Hebrew is Uwrim, pronounced oo-reem'), means lights; the oracular brilliancy of the figures in the high priest's breastplate.
Thummim (Tummitm, pronounced toom-meem'), meant perfections; one of the epithets of the objects in the high priest's breastplate as an emblem of complete Truth.

Aaron wore these two pieces over his heart as "the judgment of the children of Israel." Judgment was in the sense of giving a verdict or decision. They represented the right of the high priest, who could not approach God directly after Moses was gone, to request guidance.  (MacArthur)

In Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Old Testament we read:
Jesus Christ, our high priest in heaven, has His people on His heart and His shoulders as He intercedes for us and equips us to minister in this world. The beautiful cloth "pouch" had the twelve precious stones on the outside and the Urim and Thummin in the pocket.
The names of the tribes on the two shoulder stones were positioned according to their birth order (verse 10), established by the Lord (Num. 10). God sees His people as precious jewels-each one is different, but each one is beautiful. It is generally thought that those were stones that were used to determine God's will for His people (Num. 27:21, 1 Sam. 30:7-8). Today God has given us His Word and His Holy Spirit to direct us.

Matthew Henry's commentary on the Whole Bible encourages us with this:
Let not any good Christians fear that God has forgotten them, nor question His being mindful of them upon all occasions, when they are not only graven upon the palms of His hands (Isa, 49:16), but graven upon the heart of the great Intercessor.
Divine revelation centers on Jesus Christ, and comes to us through Him: He is the Light, the true Light, the faithful Witness, the Truth itself, and from Him we receive the Spirit of Truth, who leads into all truth. It was by His death that He purchased this honor for Himself, and this favor for us. It was the Lamb that had been slain, that was worthy to take the book, and to open the seals. (Rev. 5:9)

Wow! PRAISE THE LORD!

LET IT GO

Seek God's will through His Word and Holy Spirit.

Remember that I am loved by the King, Jesus.

Stay close to the heart of God.

A Long Apron

O. T. "A Long Apron"
Feb. 19, 2013
Exodus 28-Part 3
And the curious girdle of the ephod, which is upon it, shall be of the same, according to the work thereof; even of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen. Exodus 28:8

LET IT GLOW

Last week, I brought my granddaughter and her two cousins to my home after school so they could have some playtime together. As they prepared her play kitchen, one girl asked me tie an apron around her waist, another asked me tie a full sized apron around her neck and waist. Third girl sat at a child-sized table awaiting her order to be taken at their imaginary restaurant. They were so cute; I should have taken a picture. This came to my mind after studying about the apron-type garment worn by Aaron, the High Priest. Are you curious yet? Read on dear ones.

God gave specific instructions for the special clothing to be worn while the high priest was serving God in the Tabernacle. Aaron, Moses' brother, was to be the first high priest of Israel. Aaron's sons and the tribe of Levi were selected by God for the duties for worship and sacrifices.

{The last post gave an overview of the high priest's wardrobe. If you missed it, it would advantageous for you to read it first, then proceed with today's lesson.}

The four parts of the high priest's garments mentioned in this chapter include:

1. The Ephod (verses 6-14)
2. The Breastplate (verses 15-30)
3. The Robe of the Ephod (verses 31-35) or embroidered coat
4. The Holy Crown (verses 36-39)

Shall we look closer at the first one today?

The Ephod
Whenever Aaron entered the sanctuary, he carried with him on the shoulders the badge and the engraved stones that were representative of the Twelve Tribes. (MacArthur)

In Strong's Exhaustive Concordance, there are two different Hebrew words used in this chapter for the word ephod: (1) Ephod (e'fod)-The first meaning of it as in verses 4,6, 12, 15, and 25-31 refers to
                                  the image, a high priest's shoulder piece;
                            (2) Ephuddah (ay-food-daw')-The second meaning of it as in verse 8, refers to a
                                 plating of metal (ornament).

Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Old Testament says:

The ephod is described as a particular garment-a sleeveless coat made of the same material and colors as the hangings in the tabernacle. It was held together at the shoulders by special clasps, and on each clasp was an onyx stone engraved with the names of six of the tribes of Israel. The high priest carried his people on his shoulders as he served the Lord. The high priest wore a beautiful girdle around the ephod as a reminder that he was a servant.

Liberty Bible Commentary describes it this way:

The ephod was a beautiful outer garment similar to an apron in the front and back, joined at the two shoulders pieces (verse 7). Two onyx stones were to have engraved upon them the names of the twelve children of Israel (verse 9), six on each stone (verse 10). These were to be worn upon the shoulders of the ephod for stones of memorial (verses 11-12). Aaron bore up the children of Israel before the LORD. Ouches of gold mean gold settings in which the engraved stones were placed.

I'm sure you have seen pictures of this long, full-length outer apron garment.
Aren't you glad that we are not told what to wear and when to wear it?
Although, this wardrobe did set apart the office of the high priest in the Tabernacle service.


LET IT GROW


Friends, I was not wise enough to figure out the meaning of the ephod in relation to Jesus, our High Priest. However, I did find a wise man who helped me out.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible states:

Christ, our High Priest, appeared to John, girt about the paps with a golden girdle; such as was the curious girdle of the ephod (Rev. 1:13). Righteousness is the girdle of His loins (Is. 11:5) and should be of ours (Eph. 6:14). He is girt with strength for the work of our salvation, and is ready for it. The government is said to be upon His shoulders (Is. 9:6), as Aaron had the names of all Israel upon His shoulders in precious stones. He presents to Himself and to His Father a glorious church (Eph. 5:27). He has power to support them, interest to recommend them, and it is in Him that they are remembered with honor and favor: He bears them before the Lord for a memorial (verse 12), in token of His appearing before God as the Representative of all Israel, and an Advocate for them. 

LET IT GO

Make sure we are covered with the righteousness of Jesus.

Be a part of the glorious church of Christ.

Remember Whose name we represent to the people around us.

Go to Jesus for a spiritual cleansing so we are worthy to bear the name Christian.

Dressed in My Best

O. T. #230  "Dressed in My Best"
Feb. 18, 2014
Exodus 28-Part 2
Make sacred garments for your brother Aaron, to give him dignity and honor.  Exodus 28:1


LET IT GLOW

When are some times that we dress in our best? I can think of weddings, funerals, Easter and Christmas church services, even some banquets and special meetings. Why do I do that? Isn't God more important than what others think of me? Shouldn't I be dressed in my best whenever I go to the house of the Lord for worship? Doesn't He deserve my best? Aren't we set apart for His service? Do I honor my Lord in how I dress for worship? (Perhaps I should not dress casual on Sunday and Wednesday nights for service.)

Aaron's priestly wardrobe showed how important his role  was in the religious life of Israel. His sons and the tribe of Levi were going to be a part of the priesthood, also. (However, we know that two of Aaron's sons disobeyed God's instructions in Leviticus 10 and died.) It was not by self-appointment that these men came to their position. Their duties of worship and sacrifices were defined in the law.

Not only were the garments of the priests designed to exalt the office and function of the priesthood, but they distinctly marked Aaron as a special person playing a significant mediatorial role. This is the first reference in God's instructions to Moses that certain men would be especially empowered by Him to work skillfully on this construction project.  (MacArthur)

A priest had to mediate between the individual and Almighty God. None of the offerings (in Leviticus 1-7) could be offered by a common person. These were the offerings of: sweet savor offerings of whole burnt, meal, peace; the non-sweet offerings for sin and trespasses. (Falwell)

I think that God wanted His servants and intercessors in the Tabernacle dressed in the best. Probably you will agree after we study each piece of the priestly wardrobe. Not only was their dress to be honorable, but I imagine it was humbling, also. It must have been such a beautiful sight.

The sacred garments for the high priest (Aaron) to wear were:

• to give him dignity and honor;
• made by the skilled men which God gave wisdom for the tasks;
• for his consecration;
• so he may serve God as priest;
• to be made with gold, blue purple, and scarlet yarn and fine linen.

Again, I must say that believers in Jesus are priests (1 Peter 2:5,9). We can enter the throne room of God because of the blood which Jesus shed for us, as a sin offering. Jesus intercedes for us to the Father. We do not need a priest here for such things.


LET IT GROW

Looking at the whole priestly garment we read:

• The innermost garment of the priests was a pair of linen breeches or undergarments (verse 42-43) reaching from the waist to the thigh. All priests were to wear them while inside the Tabernacle and especially approaching the altar.
• Next was a fine linen coat or woven tunic (verses 39-41), with a sash tied around it (part of the undergarment).
• Over these, the high priest wore the blue robe of the ephod (verses 31-35);
• Next was the ephod itself;
• Then the holy breastplate (verses 6-30).
• Finally, the high priest wore a linen turban (mitre) with a golden plate on it that read "holiness to the Lord" (verses 36-38).

[Resources: Wiersbe' Expository Outlines on the Old Testament, New International Version of the Bible, Liberty Bible Commentary, The MacArthur Bible Commentary]

How do we dress when we go to the house of God for worship and offerings? Do we wear our casual, everyday attire or do we dress up in special clothing, signifying that our God is important to us and we want to wear our best for Him? (Of course, God looks at the heart instead of the clothes, but what we wear is an indication of our heart's condition.)

LET IT GO...

                        of worldly ways and strive to please God.
                                    of casual attitudes and attire when going to the house of God.
                                    of personal comfort for His honor.

Who is a Believer-Priest?

O. T. "Who is a Believer-Priest?"
Feb. 17, 2014
Exodus 28-Part 1
There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.  1 Tim. 2:5

LET IT GLOW

Do you consider yourself a believer-priest?
As this chapter focuses on the clothing of the priests of Israel, the next chapter focuses mainly on the consecration of the priests. As believers in Jesus Christ, our High Priest that intercedes for us to God,
we are priests (1 Peter 2:5, 9) (We no longer need a priest to go to for confessing our sins.) We have direct access to the Father through Jesus. It is in His name that we pray to our God.
Before discussing Aaron's priestly wardrobe, let's talk about the position.

The MacArthur Bible Commentary shows the comparison of the Old Testament priests and the New Testament believer-priests.

 Both are: 

                      *elected by privilege (verse 1; John 15:16)
                      *cleansed from sin (Lev. 8:6-36; Titus 2:14)
                      *clothed for service (verse 42; Lev. 8:7)
                      *anointed for service (Lev. 8:12; 1 John 2:20, 27)
                      *prepared for service (Lev. 8:33; Gal. 1:16; 1 Tim. 3:6)
                      *ordained to obedience (verse 4; Lev. 10:1)
                      *to honor God's Word (verse 2; Mal. 2:7)
                      *to walk with God (Mal. 2:6; Gal. 5:16, 25)
                      *to impact sinners (Ma. 2:6; Gal. 6:1)
                      *to be messengers of God (Ma. 2:7; Matt. 28:19,20).

Are we fulfilling our duties as a New Testament believer-priest?
Do we take seriously our privilege to enter the heavenly throne room because of the blood of Jesus?
How are we clothed-differently from the world?
Is our service for the glory of God or self?
Do we honor His Word, studying and applying it?
Is our walk with God throughout each day?
Are we impacting sinners, showing them the way a Christian is to live, act, speak?
Will we be a messenger for God today?
(So much for me to think about as these apply to me personally.)


LET IT GROW

Studying the Aaronic priesthood can teach us much about the privileges and obligations we have as God's priests. Our Lord's priesthood comes from the order of Melchizedek and not the order of Aaron. See Heb. 7-8.)   (Wiersbe)

Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Old Testament explains the duties of the priests:

• Minister first to the Lord and serve Him; (verses 1, 3,4,41)
• Represent the people before God;
• Minister at the altar.

The law clearly defined priests' duties for worship and sacrifices in the tabernacle and for the individual worshiper and the nation's covenantal relationship to God. (MacArthur)

A believer-priests in Jesus, are we serving our Lord faithfully? Do we seek His agenda for our day? Are we asking Him what He wants us to do and how He wants us to do it? Or are we living for our self? How are we representing Him to others? Do we minister to God at the altar of sacrifice with praise and prayer?

LET IT GO

Let go of the world and cling to Jesus.

Set aside time and a place especially for worshiping and ministering to the Lord daily.

As a believer-priest, serving-Jesus and others.

Study His Word and apply it in my life.

Hey, Ya'll Sweet Friends,

First, let me say how much you are loved by our heavenly Father God and by me. I am so grateful for your faithfulness to read this blog. I am so blessed to have you as a friend. I feel like I am not alone on this country road of faith.  Just wanted to let you know that I am praying a special blessing upon everyone who visits with me this day.
Share the love of Jesus today; its an Everlasting and Eternal love. His mercies are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness. His love never fails, it never gives up, it never runs out on me and you.

Jesus showed how much He loves us by enduring the beatings and the cross in our place. There is no greater love. His salvation is a free gift of love to us. Have you accepted it yet? Do you share it?

I know, it is Valentines Day, the one day of the year we express our love to people. So I was thinking, it might be appropriate to share verses describing love. Some tell what love is and what love is not.
The way they are typed, you can use them to memorize, make a valentine for someone with that shows that characteristic of love, put on your frig, whatever. I am cutting them out, taping each one onto a pink index card, and setting them on the table at our ladies luncheon.

Most importantly is that we work on demonstrating these kinds of love to others today and everyday. Are you up for the challenge? Can we get through today showing them all to others? Hmmm. (Maybe I better start with the last one.) Consider these my gift of love to you.

Have a lovely day, ya'll. Join me Monday for chapter 28  in Exodus. Remember, you are loved.

These are from the New International Version:

Love is patient.
1 Cor. 13:4

Love is kind.
1 Cor. 13:4

Love does not envy.
1 Cor. 13:4

Love does not boast.
1 Cor. 13:4

Love is not proud.
1 Cor. 13:4

Love is not rude.
1 Cor. 13:5

Love is not self-seeking.
1 Cor. 13:5

Love is not easily angered.
1 Cor. 13:5

Love keeps no record of wrongs.
1 Cor. 13:5

Love does not delight in evil but
rejoices with the truth.
1 Cor. 13:6

Love always protects.
1 Cor. 13:7

Love always trusts.
1 Cor. 13:7

Love always hopes.
1 Cor. 13:7

Love always perseveres.
1 Cor. 13:7

Love never fails.
1 Cor. 13:8

Now these three remain:
faith, hope and love.
But the greatest of these is
LOVE.
1 Cor. 13:13

A Source of Light

O.T. #228  "A Source of Light"
Feb. 13, 2014
Exodus 27-Part 3
And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil, olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always.  Exodus 27:20

LET IT GLOW

What sources of light do you have in your home? I have the electric light bulbs, candles, oil lights, flashlights, matches, and the fireplace. I bought two red oil lamps several years ago, but have never used them. They sit on a rock which sticks out on the fireplace, looking countrified. I have used candles quite often, though, whenever the electricity goes out. I don't like being in the dark, do you? Just as I need light to do things around the house, so did the priests doing their duties in the Tabernacle. Shall we shed a little light on the subject?

What do we learn about the oil to be used in the lampstand in the Holy Place?

• The Israelites were commanded to supply the oil for the Lampstand in the Tabernacle. It was the only source of light for the priests to have as they ministered there.
• The Bible describes it as pure oil, olive, beaten for the light. the Hebrew word for oil, shemen (pronounced sheh'-men), refers to grease, especially liquid as from the olive, often perfumed. This word comes from shaman, which means to shine. Pure (zak) means clear, clean.
• It was to cause the lamp to burn always.

The clear oil from crushed unripened olives granted almost a smoke-free light. The people were to provide the fuel to maintain the light needed by the high priest and his priestly staff in the Holy Place.
(MacArthur)

Verse 21 in New International Version is written this way: In the Tent of Meeting, outside the curtain that is in front of the Testimony, 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.

Do we fulfill our obligations, our calling, within the church?

In John 9:5, Jesus said, As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
Jesus described us as light of the world in Matthew 5:14. He told us in verse 16 to: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

If Jesus is our light, and He is supposed to be shining through us, are we allowing Him to do so? Or is our sin hiding Him?
Paul instructs us in Ephesians 5:8: For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.

That is our challenge today-walk as children of light (God's child with Jesus in my heart).


LET IT GROW

David Guzik's Commentary on the Bible says

The oil for the lamps on the lampstand-the only light in the tabernacle-came from pressed olives, not beaten olives.  We, like Paul, may be hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed (2 Cor. 4:8)-and God uses our times of pressing for His glory. The priest were to tend the lamps, making sure that the lamps had oil to burn and that their wicks were trimmed, so that the lamps would never go out-especially during the night. God never wanted the lamps to lose their fire. Only by a continual supply of oil and trimming of the wicks could keep them burning. We can only continue to be on fire for God if we are continually supplied with the oil of the Holy Spirit, and are "trimmed" by God to bear more light.  In dark days there is all the more reason to be filled with the Holy spirit and to be "trimmed wicks" for the LORD.

 The lamp's light in the Tabernacle was to "burn always" (Lev. 24:2). Do we attend to our lamp of light daily, allowing the Holy Spirit to control us and work through us?
Don't let your light go out, dear one.

LET IT GO

Keep going to my source of light, Jesus, then allow Him to clean up my life, trimming the wick, removing those things not pleasing to Him.

Don't hide my Light. Tell others about Jesus. Bring them to the Light.

Show that He is in my life by sharing His love.

              

Front Doors

O.T. #227  "Front Doors"
Feb. 12, 2014
Exodus 27-Part 2
And for the gate of the court shall be...  Exodus 27:16

LET IT GLOW

Our house has a front door, like most houses. Not only does it allow me to leave our house, but
the door allows others to enter it. This door is not extraordinary, just an ordinary door with nine window panes in it, so I can first see who is there. It allows me to decide who I want to allow entrance into our home. This door is the entrance to a special place, the place my husband and I call home. Not everything or everyone is allowed to enter our home.
The portable Tabernacle had an unusual gate for its entrance. Go grab you a cup of hot tea, hot
chocolate, or coffee, and join me as we look at this entrance.

We have talked about the inner court of the portable Tabernacle. The two rooms were the
Holy Place contained the Table of Showbread, the Golden Lampstand, and the Altar of Incense,
and the Holy of Holies, which had the Ark of the Covenant and the Mercy Seat.

What do we learn about this outer court in this chapter?

• It had the Altar of Burnt Offering and the Bronze Laver.
• It was a large open area about 150' x 75'.
• It surrounded the whole tent itself as well as the two rooms.
• This area was enclosed by a linen fence of hanging curtains which were 7 1/2 feet tall.
• Inside this enclosure is where the animals were killed and sacrificed, and the priests carried on their duties. (Falwell)
• The gate of the court was a differently colored curtain forming the entrance into the     courtyard.

What kind of coverings do we hang on our outer body? How are we representing the Lord who created our body?

LET IT GROW

The New International Version Bible describes this special gate being made of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen. Its posts had silver bands and hooks with bronze bases.

Wiersbe looks at the total picture of the Tabernacle with the three parts and their representation.
The outer court was seen by everybody, as our physical body is.
The inner court, which contained the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies, is compared to our inner person, spirit and soul.
Moses could take down the fence of the outer court, and it would not affect the tent. So with our
own death, the body may turn to dust, but the soul and spirit go to be with God and are not
affected by the change (2 Cor. 5:1-8; James 2:26).

Do we spend as much time cleaning up our inner person as we do our outer person?
Our heart, attitudes, mind, and character are affected by what we spend time putting into our
spirit and soul. Are we particular about what we watch on television, listen to on the radio, and
read on the internet? Do we protect ourselves and our children from the "bad stuff" out there?
Will we slam the door or open the door to immorality? Familiarity-a day at a time can effect a lifetime.

Paul tells us, in Philippians 4: 8 to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report.
A gate in the Bible is also a door, and vice versa.
In John 10:9, Jesus says, I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and
shall go in and out, and find pasture.

There are no special requirements needed to enter Jesus' door of salvation. Just open it, friend.

Psalm 100:4 tells us to Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise:
be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.

How do we enter the worship center? Is it with thanksgiving and praise?


LET IT GO

Be careful what I allow to enter into my gate, into my body, soul, and spirit.

Be objective as to what I watch, listen to, smell, taste, and feel.

Have a thankful heart; praise my Lord Jesus.

Sacrifices

O. T. #226  "Sacrifices"
Feb. 10, 2014
Exodus 27-Part 1
And thou shalt make an altar...  Exodus 27:1


LET IT GLOW

I wonder, what I have sacrificed lately? Hum.... Let's see, I did give up my comfort of a warm house as I waited for a new heat stove. Nope, that was out of necessity as I waited for the order to
arrive in two weeks.
Oh, I know, I gave up my free time as I babysat for a month due to snow. No, that was enjoyable.
Perhaps it's the 2-3 hours I spend writing these studies. Really, Linda, that's obedience.
Maybe it was when I baked banana bread and gave to our deacons' families. I ate some, too, so
what kind of sacrifice was that?
All these were good deeds, but were they actually a sacrificial thing God asked me to give up?
Not really. Maybe I only did things for those I loved or what I wanted to do.

So I asked myself some questions:
What am I willing to sacrifice in order for someone to come to Jesus? Or for His will to be done?
Or for Him to be glorified? Am I willing to lay my life on the altar of sacrifice for whatever Jesus
wants of me? How about you? Soul searching time.

Let's see what the altar in the Tabernacle was like. Please read on sweet friend.


There were two altars in the Tabernacle? The golden altar for the burning of incense is discussed
in Exodus 30:1-10.
The other altar was made of bronze for sacrifices, found here in chapter 27.
What do we know about this altar of sacrifices?

• It was situated in the courtyard or the Holy Place of the Tabernacle.
• It was a made of acacia wood seven feet square and five feet high.
• It was covered with brass, thus called the bronze altar.
• Four horns were made into it at each corner.
• It had a grating, a bronze network, and a bronze ring at each corner, which was put under       the ledge of the altar so it was halfway up the altar.
• Poles of acacia wood overlaid with bronze were placed on the two side when the altar was carried. It was hollow, out of boards.
• The utensils were made of bronze-its pots for removing the ashes, its shovels, sprinkling     bowls held the blood sacrifice, meat forks or fleshhooks were for taking the priests' share       of the offerings, and firepans.

Falwell described this altar's function much like a modern barbecue pit.

This altar was the place where  animals died in place of its owners so their sins could be forgiven.
This was God's standard for the Israelites, His beloved children.


LET IT GROW

The bronze altar stood just inside the entrance of the court. There was one entrance and one altar,
just as there is only one way of salvation for lost sinners (Acts 4:12).
God lit the fire on the altar when the tabernacle was dedicated. The priests kept the fire burning
(Lev. 6:9-13).
This altar speaks of the sacrificial death of our Lord Jesus on the cross. He is pictured in all the sacrifices God commanded Israel to bring (Lev. 1-5; Heb. 10:1-14). He went through the fire of judgment for us and gave Himself as the sacrifice for our sins. (Wiersbe)

The Hebrew word for altar means slaughter place. (Young's Concordance)

The idea is that an altar is a "killing place." As believers, our altar, or killing place, is the cross,
where Jesus died for our sins and we follow by dying unto self and living for Jesus. (Guzik)

In Galatians 2:20 and 6:14, Paul says: I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith of the Son of
God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.
But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the
world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

Are we willing to lay down our lives on that same altar? Will we deny our self, take up our cross,
and follow Jesus?


LET IT GO...

                                    of sin.                                   
                                    of myself and let Jesus live through me.
                                    denying myself and let others be...
                                    of  my focus on things, looking where Jesus is leading and follow Him.

*Thank you dear ones, for sacrificing your time to faithfully study God's Word with me. I am so
   glad that you are with me on this journey. Feel free to share your comments with us.
                                   

Colored Curtains

O.T. #225  "Colored Curtains"
Feb. 10, 2014
Exodus 26-Part 2
...and the veil shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy. 
 Exodus 26:33c

LET IT GLOW

Today we can go to the store and buy whatever color of curtains we wish and not give it much
though as to the process for making them. My kitchen curtains have red apples pained on them. I really have not given much thought as to how they got there. It wasn't easy for the Hebrews in the wilderness. Are you curious? Read on, friend.

Instructions for the two veils hung in the Tabernacle, the inner and outer veils.
What do we learn about the inner veil?

• It separated the two rooms, the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies.
• Only the high priest could pass through this veil, and only once a year, on the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16).
• This beautiful veil was made of finely twisted linen, blue, purple, and scarlet, with         cherubim motif woven into the design by a skilled craftsman.
• It hung with gold hooks on four posts of acacia wood overlaid with gold and standing on      four silver bases.
• It hung with clasps and the Ark of the Covenant, or Ark of the Testimony, as it is called.

How is the outer veil described?

• It hung was also made of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen, which an embroiderer made.
• It hung on gold hooks as a curtain, across five posts made of acacia wood that formed the entrance to the tent of meeting, the Tabernacle, like a screen. They had five bronze bases.

The three colors of blue, purple, and scarlet were produced by dying the thread. Blue was from a shellfish, purple was from the secretion of a murex snail, and crimson from powdered eggs and bodies of certain worms, which attached themselves to holly plants. Producing these colors
required some technical sophistication with textiles and fabrics.  (MacArthur)

Did you ever consider all the work which went into making these curtains?


LET IT GROW

The veil hiding the Holy of Holies, the place where the Ark of the Covenant and the Mercy Seat
were placed, represented our Lord Jesus Christ's body which was given for us on the cross. When He offered u His Spirit, the veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom, thus allowing anyone to
come at any time into God's presence. (Wiersbe)

Matthew 27:50-51 states, Jesus, when He had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the
ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom;
and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent.

As Jesus hung of the cross and died, this inner veil tore from top to bottom. This signified that no person did, only God. Why was this significant?

Hebrews 10:19-21 says, Having therefore , brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh; And having a high priest over the house of God.

As believers in Jesus Christ, and Gentiles, we do not need a priest to speak to God for us. We
now have access to  Holy God our Father, in His throne room. Jesus is our High Priest,
interceding for us to The Father as we pray. Such a wonderful privilege! Thank You Jesus!

LET IT GO

Use my skills for the Lord's work.

Pray with reverence, since I am entering the Holy of Holies, bowing before Jesus.

Always thank Jesus for what He endured for me, a sinner.

Curtains and Blankets

O. T. #224  "Curtains and Blankets"
Feb. 7, 2014
Exodus 26-Part 1
Make the Tabernacle with ten curtains of finely twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet
yarn, with cherubim worked into them by a skilled craftsman.  Exodus 26:1 NIV

LET IT GLOW

Most of the curtains and blinds which hang in our house I purchased before we move in. We
have had such a cold winter in which temperatures plunged into the single digits several
consecutive nights, that I had to add something to those thin curtains in order to block the cold
wind seeping inside. Yep, I hung blankets up over the curtains and rods. They may not add to
the décor of the rooms, unmatching valances, but they sure do help keep it warmer. Like the
rest of the country, our propane and electricity bills have doubled and even tripled in price, so desperate times required desperate measures. (I am glad my mother cannot see those blankets.)
The Bible mentions curtains here in our chapter. Want to see what colors they are?

Inside the Tabernacle, were three separate rooms. The first room contained the Bronze Laver
and the Altar of Burnt Offering. The Middle room, the Holy Place contained three things-The
Table of Showbread, the Golden Lampstand, and the Altar of Incense. This Altar is described
in chapter 27, so we will discuss it later. The third room housed the Ark of the Covenant and
the Mercy Seat.

Chapter 26 describes the curtains and coverings (verses 1-14), the framework (verses 15-30),
and the veils (verses 31-37).
As the priests were ministering within the Tabernacle, only they could see the colorful curtains
of linen, hung upon the wooden framework. God had the Israelites make the beautiful walls
from ten curtains from fine twined linen, even-textured, speaking of the perfection of  Christ.
They were embroidered blue, purple, and scarlet, which speaks of Christ's heavenly origin,
royalty, and shed blood to cover our sins. The images of angelic cherubims were woven into
the curtains.
There were four different coverings, the inner two woven, the outer two of animal skins. The
third covering was made of rams' skins dyed red, as a picture of death. The fourth, or
outermost covering, was of leather-like badgers skins. These materials were commonly used
by the nomadic peoples of that day.

How do we clothe our body? Are we Christian women revealing too much to the world? Or do we modestly keep our private parts covered. Some parts are only for my husband to see. Therefore I must make sure I am properly covered before leaving the house. How about you? Are we teaching our daughters and granddaughters modesty?

LET IT GROW

The framework of the Tabernacle is discussed in verse 15-30. It was a series of acacia wood
standing about 15 feet high and 2 feet wide. The wood and gold coverings suggest the
humanity and deity of our Lord Jesus Christ. the frame or trellis work was the support of the
curtains and outer coverings. The Tabernacle boards rested on silver sockets, while the curtains
were hung from the silver hooks. The Israelites could quickly dismantle the Tabernacle, easily
transported, and rapidly reassembled during their wilderness wanderings.

The silver sockets, curtain bases, were used to securely hold the tent in place and level. We
read where the silver for these sockets came from the "redemption price" given by each male
who was twenty years old or older, in Exodus 30:11-16. The basis for our worship today is our redemption in Christ.

According to the New International Version of the Bible, it records in Exodus 38:25-28,
one-fifth of an ounce (about 5.5 grams) was given by each male 20 years and older. There
were 603,550 men at that time. About three and three-fourths tons was used for the
Tabernacle. There was about 45 pounds of silver used for the hooks.

God had it all planned out before the Israelites left Egypt. They used the silver and gold which
the Egyptians willingly gave to the Israelites, for the building of the Tabernacle, the place of
God's presence and glory.

What are we willing to give sacrificially unto the Lord?

In Psalm 34:1, David says, I will bless the LORD at all times: His praise shall continually
be in my mouth.

Ladies, are we thankful for the curtains we hang in our house? Do we thank Him for the
jewelry we have to wear?

LET IT GO

Thank the Lord for the curtains in my house.

Thank Him for the big and little things He provides in my life.

Praise Him for being such a loving and compassionate God.

A Swaying Candelabra

#223 "A Swaying Candelabra"
Feb. 6, 2014
Exodus 25-Part 5
And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold...  Exodus 25:31

LET IT GLOW

My husband has presided in many a weddings over the years. One ceremony sticks out in my
mind. The ceremony was going as usual, the bridesmaids and maid of honor were dressed in
the beautiful, pink gowns. After the couple was pronounced man and wife, the duty of the maid
of honor was to move the bride's train behind her as she and her new husband went down the
steps and the isle. (No tripping.) Well, the maid of honor unbeknownst) bent over to move the
train and hit the candelabra, with candles lit. As it weaved back and forth, swaying as the
guests gasped. No, it didn't topple over, but settled back in its place. I recalled that event as I
read about a lampstand in this chapter.

The second item within the Holy Place of God's Tabernacle is the lampstand.
What are the explicit instructions for making this lampstand?

• made of pure gold, hammered out, with a base and shaft;
• have flower like cups, buds, and blossoms in one piece with it;
• six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand (3@ side);
• three cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms are to be on 1 branch,               same for all 6 branches;  
• four cups have the same shape, with 1 bud located under another, 6 in all;
• seven lamps, located in the front, using wick trimmers and trays made of pure gold. 

The lampstand is:

• placed opposite the Table of Showbread on the south side of the Holy Place;
• patterned after a flowering almond tree; 
• provided light for the priests serving in the Holy Place;
• special care instructions (27:20-21; 30:7-8; Lev. 24:1-4);
• pure olive oil was used continuously. (MacArthur)

Remember, this Tabernacle was to be a portable tent, taken down and moved as the Lord led
the Hebrews in the wilderness.


LET IT GROW

What does the Lampstand and items represent to us?

• The lampstand is typifying of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is the light of the world           
•  (John 8:12).
• Just as the lampstand provided the only light within the tent itself, Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12; 9:5). Believers are to radiate that Light.
• The pure olive oil used to produce the light represents the Holy Spirit, who anoints us.
• The almond tree likeness represents new life, as the almond tree is the first to blossom  in Israel.  
•  Local churches are represented by golden lampstand in Revelation 1, giving God's light  
• to the dark world. (Wiersbe)

[Resources: The MacArthur Bible Commentary, Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Old
Testament, Liberty Bible Commentary]

Are we representing Jesus to the sin sick and dark world?

LET IT GO

Make Jesus the light of my life.

Allow the Holy Spirit to direct me.


         


 

What a Table

O. T. #222  "What a Table"
Feb. 5, 2014
Exodus 25-Part 4
And thou shalt set upon the table showbread before Me alway.  Exodus 25:30 

LET IT GLOW

Our dining table is an old, oak table which previously belonged to my parents. Even though it
is wobbly, marred, and stained, the memories made of loved ones around this table are invaluable. We ate meals with family and friends throughout the years there. My husband and I played many
a card game with my folks sitting there. Such fun and fellowship has been experienced around that table. I had not realized what a treasured item in our house this table is. Yes, what a table!
God wanted a special table in His residence, too. Will you join me in checking it out?

Previously in this chapter we read about the details of the Ark of the Covenant which was to
be placed in the Holy of Holies room of the Tabernacle. Over the Mercy Seat is where God
appeared in His shekinah glory, representing His presence with His people. (Only the High
Priest could enter behind the veil, once a year on the Day of Atonement as he offered the
blood sacrifice for the people.
Jesus is our Mercy Seat. He is the place and the means of our redemption. (Guzik)

Located in front of the Holy of Holies was a separate room called the Holy Place. It contained
three special things:

1. The Table of Showbread
2. The Altar of Incense
3. The Golden Lampstand

What are we told about this table?

• It was about 3' long and 2' wide, made of Acacia wood, and overlaid with pure gold.           Pure refers to the physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense of being clean. (Strong's Concordance)
• Four rings made of pure gold were to be made in the four corners of the Table. This was          for transporting the Table whenever the tent, Tabernacle, was moved. 
• On it were placed twelve fresh, new loaves of bread. Each Sabbath the priests on duty were allowed to eat  the bread (Lev. 24:5-9). This bread was to sustain the priests as they ministered within the Tabernacle.  
• The utensils on the table were to be made of pure gold, also. The utensils included dishes, spoons, bowls, and their covers.
• The Table of Showbread was to always be set before the Lord God.

Do we provide enough bread (money, salary) for the pastor in our church to live on? Is he
provided for as we are provided for through our salary?


LET IT GROW

What can we learn from the Table of Showbread and its articles?

• The showbread is a typify of the Lord Jesus Christ as the bread which came from heaven    (John 6:32-33).
• In John 6:35, we read where Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to         Me will never go hungry, and he who believes in Me will never be thirsty.
• The bread was to remind the tribes that they were constantly in the presence of God and He saw all that they did (Lev. 24:5-9) As God fed His people with manna, He feeds us on      His truth and His Word (Matt. 4:4). Israel was supposed to fee the Gentiles and witness to them, but they did not always obey.
• Bread is the means of nourishment of the natural life. It points to the higher bread with      which God nourishes the soul. It reminds us of our duty to give thanks for this. As Christ    gave Himself for us (John 6:51), we are to live, not to ourselves, but to Him who died for us, and rose again (2 Cor. 5:15).  (Matthew Henry)
• The priests picture Christ sustaining believers in their service for Him. God meets the needs    of His children.
• The gold used to cover the items used in the Tabernacle was to be pure gold. That meant that the gold was refined in the fire. As I understand, the heat brings the impurities to the top and are removed from the pure gold. When we are put into the fire of trials, they should expose our impurities, sins. We come to Jesus for the cleansing of our soul from its sins.

Isaiah 48:10 God states, See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in
the furnace of affliction.

1 Peter 1:7 tells us, These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise,
glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Is Jesus the bread for our soul's substance? Do we give Him thanks for His love, grace, mercy,
and forgiveness, as well as meeting our physical needs? How pure is our faith? Does it withstand the heat of the trials? Are our motives pure? Morals pure?

LET IT GO

Go to Jesus when my soul is hungry.

Feed on God's Word.

Keep my faith, motives, and morals pure.

Special Chairs

O. T. #221  "Special Chairs"
Feb. 4, 2014
Exodus 25-Part 3
And thou shalt put the Mercy Seat above upon the Ark; and in the Ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee.  Exodus 25:21

LET IT GLOW

Most men have their favorite chairs in their home. My grandpa had a golden leather chair; Dad
had a burnt orange recliner; and my husband has a burgundy material covered recliner. Everyone knew that that particular chair was sat in by its owner. When they were around, you knew that
you should not be found sitting in their chair. (Dad played with the grandkids who got into his
chair.) The Lord had a special marvelous chair, so to speak. Let's see what was put into His
special tent.

The Ark of the Covenant was the most important piece of furniture to be placed in the tent Tabernacle. It was the throne of God where His glory rested (verse 22; Ps. 80:1, 90:1).
The Ark is described here in chapter 25:

• made of acacia wood, a box or chest about 3' x 2';
• overlay with pure gold inside and out;
• gold molding around it, as a crown of gold;
• four gold rings were to be connected to the four feet, two on each side;
• poles made of acacia wood were inserted into the rings, used for moving the Ark, and    remained there;
• two cherubims were to be hammered out of gold at the ends of the Mercy Seat; their         wings were spread and they were to face each other;
• above the Mercy Seat, cover, is where God would meet with Moses.

The term Mercy Seat  (kapporeth pronounced kap-por'eth in Hebrew) is defined as a lid
 (used only of the cover of the sacred Ark.
Had it not been for the Mercy Seat upon the Ark, Israel could have been under God's judgment.
This was the place where the sacrificial blood wads sprinkled annually on the Day of Atonement (Lev.16:14). The shed blood covered the sins of the people so God only saw the blood, not their rebellious sin. (Wiersbe)

The Ark and the Mercy Seat were to be in the place called the Holy of Holies, the place where
God was present with His people. It was to be separated from the rest of the Tabernacle by a
veil. More  details of it will be discussed in the future.

What were the three special items to be inside it?

1. The tablets of the Ten Commandments, the tables of the Law (verse 16)
2. Aaron's rod that budded (Numbers 16-17)
3. A pot of manna (Ex. 16:32-34).

Each of these three items were connected with Israel's rebellion: the Law tablets-making of
the golden calf, the rod of Aaron-rebellion led by Korah, and manna-complaining in the
wilderness. (Wiersbe)

LET IT GROW

According to Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Old Testament, the phrase mercy seat also
means propitiation, and Jesus Christ is the propitiation (mercy seat) for us today (Rom. 3:25;
1 John 2:2). We come to God through Jesus and offer our spiritual sacrifices (1 Peter 2:5,9).

Jesus Christ is at once both the blood that is shed for our sins and the Mercy Seat that bears it
up before the Father in heaven.  (Falwell)

How do we please God? What spiritual sacrifices does the Lord God accept from us as
believers in Jesus?

• our body as a living, holy sacrifice (Rom. 12:1),
• live a life of love (Eph. 5:2 NIV),
• showing mercy and having the knowledge of God (Matt. 9:13; Hosea 6:6),
• obedience (1 Sam.15:22),
• a broken spirit, and a broken and contrite heart (Ps. 51:17),
• praise, the fruit of lips that confess Jesus' name (Eph. 13:15),
• doing good and sharing with others (Eph. 13:16),
• praise God's name in song, and glorify Him with thanksgiving (Ps. 69:30 NIV),
• preaching salvation in Jesus (1 Cor. 1:21),
• faith (Heb. 11:6; Rom 1:17),
• love (1 Cor. 13),
• serving Christ in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom 14:17-18).

This is some good spiritual food for me today. How about you? Do we consider these things as offerings unto our God? Don't we all want to please Him? Although we do not offer burnt
offerings and animal sacrifices, Jesus has replaced all of that. Are we loving Christ, our
Passover Lamb, which was sacrificed for us, in our place (1 Cor. 5:7b)?


LET IT GO

Come to Jesus with a broken spirit, confessing my sins, asking His forgiveness.

Give my live, body, and soul to Jesus to be used as an offering for His glory.

Obey and praise my Lord Jesus. In everything give thanks.

Show others love, mercy, doing good and sharing with them.

Just Another Building?

O.T.#220  "Just Another Building?"
Feb. 3, 2013
Exodus 25-Part 2
God loves a cheerful giver.  2 Corinthians 9:7

LET IT GLOW

How do I dress for entering the sanctuary of God for worship? Is it casual as though I am going to a sports event or do I dress my best for Him? How is my attitude? Is it one of prayer, thanksgiving, and praise unto my Savior Jesus? Do I consider the church building a special place or just another building in which believers gather?

Do you remember that God told the Hebrews to collect certain items from the Egyptians before they left Egypt? Did you wonder what their purpose was? Here is the answer.

The last post spoke of the offering from the heart of the Israelites. These offerings were to be used according to God's instructions in making the tent sanctuary, tent tabernacle where the LORD God would dwell.
Here are the things (NIV) which they were to bring:

• gold, silver, brass;
• blue, purple, scarlet yarn and fine linen;
• goats' hair; 
• ram skins dyed red, and badgers skins; (for curtains)
• acacia wood;
• olive oil for the light;
• spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense;
• onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breast piece. 

Do we bring our offerings to God into His house of worship? What is our attitude in giving?
God loves a cheerful giver.  (2 Cor. 9:7)
Are we cheerful in giving it? Is it out of habit that we give or love?

LET IT GROW

The rest of the book of Exodus tells of the construction of the tabernacle, the items within it, the priests requirements, and procedures of offerings.

The MacArthur Bible Commentary informs us about the Tabernacle:

"The Pentateuch records 5 different names for the tabernacle:

1. Sanctuary, which denotes a sacred place or set apart, holy place.
2. Tent, which denotes a temporary or collapsible dwelling.
3. Tabernacle, from "to dwell," denotes the place of God's presence (as well as other titles).
4. Tabernacle of the Congregation or Meeting
5. Tabernacle of the Testimony."

Is our church building, a sanctuary, reverenced as special place, set apart for worship, offerings, prayer, and teaching of God's Word?

Jesus said that His house was to be called a house of prayer, found in Matthew 21:13 and Luke 19:46.
Are we praying in His house? Are we teaching our children such things?

Do we enter His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise, be thankful unto Him and bless His name? (Psalm 100:4)

Do we come to worship singing with joy and gladness?  (Psalm 100:1-2)

For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations.
(Psalm 100:5)

Everything comes from God alone.  Romans 11:36

Are our bodies a sanctuary of the Lord, for Him to dwell in today? (Rom. 12:1)


LET IT GO

Leave my burdens at the altar.

Offer praise, singing, and worship with a joyful heart.

Cheerfully give Jesus thanks for all He has done.

Glorify the Lord in His sanctuary and outside it, also.

Give my body as a living sacrifice unto the Lord.