March 27: FROM SYMBOLS TO REALITY (part 1)

In the courtyard surrounding the tabernacle—a symbol for the world—remember that the first article of furniture one encountered after entering the single gate, was the altar of sacrifice. This altar showed the rescued children of Israel—that they might show the world—the once-for-all death (1 Peter 3:18) of the coming Messiah and Savior as a substitutionary sacrifice. He willingly died the death that we deserve. After the innocent animal was killed, it was also burned, symbolizing the second death (Revelation 2:11; 20:6; 20:14; 21:8). This is the “wages of sin” (Romans 6:23) for everyone who refuses the offer of cleansing that only Jesus can provide.  

The only other article of furniture in the courtyard was the laver of washing. It was placed between the altar and the tabernacle, signifying that cleansing awaits the forgiven sinner (Exodus 30:18). This bronze laver held water and had a base that could also hold water, where feet were washed. The Savior’s magnificent plan of salvation is to save to the uttermost. In walking with Him daily, we gain an awareness of any spot or wrinkle for Him to correct. Our sinless Savior is currently working as High Priest. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them (Hebrews 7:25), so that He might present . . . to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish (Ephesians 5:27).

These two furnishings, the altar of sacrifice and the laver of washing, lead us into the Holy Place, the first apartment of the tabernacle where beautiful symbols provide divine instructions for the building of character. We are to feed upon the Bread of Life—Jesus Himself, The Word of God (John 1:1; Revelation 19:13)—represented by the table of showbread (Exodus 25:30). The beauty and glory that emanates from the forgiven sinner as he internalizes the bread of life (John 6:35) becomes evident in his countenance and in his actions toward others (Matthew 5:15): a witness for Him! This beauty is represented by the seven-lamp candlestick (Exodus 25:31) across from the table of showbread.

We live in a world of stress. Ironically, many of our modern advances often have the effect of increasing stress! They are intended, of course, to aid us, relieve stress, and lighten our workload. If we take advantage of these things while remaining at all times under the direction of the Lord’s Holy Spirit, we are likely to reap the intended benefits. Conversely, if we rely upon these things apart from ultimate reliance upon the One who made us, we will, by default, arrive at an anticlimactic dead end. Rather than allowing the fallen world to sweep us into default mode, let us seek God. This means that our experiences, whether on the “mountaintop” of a new revelation of Jesus, or in the wake of our blunders, can be used for the building of character. Are you thrilled over a fresh insight from the Lord? Or are you in a low spot of disillusionment? Either way, He is calling you to give it to Him to use as He sees fit to grow your character. Place your spiritual growth and your witness for Him into His loving hands for His purpose alone.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28