August 15, 2021
“I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.John 8:12
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden . . . Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14,16
The experience of the rescued children of Israel, as they moved away from Egypt and toward the Promised Land, is illustratively detailed in the earthly sanctuary. Thus far, we have seen the Passover represented in the altar of sacrifice, the Red Sea experience as represented by the bronze laver of washing, and the manna that fell from Heaven—nourishment from the LORD—symbolized on the table of showbread. In the first apartment of the tabernacle proper where we saw the table of showbread on the right (north side), we now move across the room, to the south side. Here is the seven-branch candlestick, representing people of light. As we hold tightly to Jesus, His Spirit, as represented by the pure golden oil for the candlestick, fuels the light. God was leading His people to reflect His loving character, in order to bring light to the entire world. He was teaching them how to impart benefit to others by simple obedience to His loving instructions. At that time, they wholeheartedly agreed!
“Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me…a kingdom of priests and holy nation”…Then all the people answered together and said, “All that the LORD has spoken we will do.”Exodus 19:5,6,8
Next, the LORD instructed Moses to direct the people to consecrate themselves in preparation for His visit atop the mount, from whence He would speak directly to them. This was an intense period of heart preparation and prayer. Here we stand at the altar of incense on our “G.P.S. map.”
“And let them be ready for the third day. For on the third day the LORD will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.” Exodus 19:11
Now, brothers and sisters, the last stop on God’s G.P.S. is the Most Holy Place, the second apartment of the tabernacle proper located beyond the veil. Here we find the representation of the throne of God: the Ark of the Covenant containing God’s eternal law. He spoke from the top of Mount Sinai. In a powerful, thunderous, unforgettable time, He gave the people a personal reminder of His will for their lives, now that He had saved them from the hands of their oppressors.
God’s Plan of Salvation, as illustrated in the elements of the tabernacle, perfectly parallel the experience of the rescued children of Israel. Each of the Ten Commandments contrasts vividly with the way of life in Egypt and the surrounding pagan nations. What is God’s purpose in working through His “peculiar people”? To draw all peoples to Himself and fit them for an eternity with Him. Anyone who truly desires to grow “fit” will be aided and empowered by His Holy Spirit. Thus, the Ten Commandments become the Ten Promises! In this profound process of restoration, He promises to aid us along the precipitous pathway. We need His power, for we cannot get there on our own! He is leading us all the way to the Promised Land.
He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Psalm 23:3