Page 47 - Living Light 86

THIS WEEK’S BIBLE INSIGHTS ARE BY:
Andy Robb and are based on Hebrews 9 (NIV)
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO READ MORE ON THIS WEEK’S MAJOR THEME:
Leviticus 16
1 Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. 2 A tabernacle was set up. In its first room were the lampstand and the table with its consecrated bread; this was called the Holy Place. 3 Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, 4 which had the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. This ark contained the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. 5 Above the ark were the cherubim of the Glory, overshadowing
the atonement cover. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now.
6 When everything had been arranged like this, the priests entered regularly into the outer room to carry on their ministry. 7 But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. 8 The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still functioning.
Sunday October 20 - God with us
Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly
sanctuary. A tabernacle was set up. Hebrews 9:1-2
If you’ve ever been camping, you’ll be aware of the time that it takes to set up a tent. This was the lot of the Levites during the Israelites’ wilderness wanderings. Each time they moved on, the Israelites had to dismantle the Tabernacle tent and then reassemble it in their next settling place.
But consider this from God’s perspective. The Holy One, enthroned in heaven and yet willing to dwell with humanity, in a tent. A magnificent tent, yes, but a man-made structure nonetheless. Because God rules the universe from eternity it’s easy to make the mistake of thinking of him as distant. And yet from the beginning of time he has sought proximity with us. God desires to be our Father, so dwelling with his people is vital.
The glory of the Tabernacle and the glory of God’s presence within it can’t disguise the heart of God for us to worship him, not only in his holiness but as Father. Hebrews 9 reminds us of some of the ritual practices that were necessary to enable God to be approached, but let’s not miss the point that God desires that we draw near. ‘Tabernacle’ simply means ‘dwelling place’ and this tent symbolised the truth that God wanted to be at both the heart of the Israelites’ camp and at the heart of their lives. As does he ours.
Father God, thank you that you want to dwell with me. As I still my heart, please draw near to me. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
45