Starting with the description of the Holy tabernacle, there can never be an image as mind blowing as this.
Its structure, materials, furniture, as well, as the ministry in the tabernacle reveals some particular aspect of the infinite graces, virtues, attributes, personality and work of our Savior, Jesus Christ – See Hebrew 9:2.
As we survey the furnishings of the Tabernacle, we shall see that they are arranged in the form of our all too well-known cross.
If we draw a straight line from the Brazen Altar near the gate, to the Ark of the Covenant, in the Holy of Holies. Bisecting the Altar of Incense, and then draw a line at right angles to this line from the Table of Showbread to the Candlestick, we see they form a perfect figure of a cross.
It is as if the cross of Calvary stands at the beginning of the New Testament and casts its shadow back through the “rent veil” until it lies plain to view and can be clearly traced across the pages of Exodus and Leviticus, as indeed it can be seen across every page of the Old Testament.
This tabernacle in the wilderness, has been the only building ever constructed on this earth that was perfect in every aspect from its beginning - never needing attention, addition or alteration!
The tabernacle, and its furnishings, speaks of one message and that is the salvation provided by Jesus Christ and the work of Christ performed for us upon the cross of Calvary.
The Almighty God designed every detail to perfection– every part had a prophetic, redemptive, and typical significance. No portion of Scripture is richer in meaning or more perfect in its teaching of the plan of redemption than the description of this divinely designed building – the tabernacle!
God is the architect of grace
“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of
Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly
with his heart ye shall take my offering…And let them make me a
sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it” (Exodus 251-2; 8-9).
The blueprint, the pattern, the plan, the design and all of its specification were minutely made in Heaven, and were committed unto Moses on Mount Sinai for the children of Israel shortly after their deliverance from Egypt. God gave every detail of the tabernacle, not one single detail did He leave to Moses’ choice or judgment. Why? Because every detail had a heavenly significance and Jesus Christ is the perfect, eternal, dwelling place of God. It was after the pattern of the Lord Jesus that every part and detail of the tabernacle was designed.
Perfect description of the perfect way
The tabernacle was enclosed by a wall, or hanging of fine twined linen – 75 feet wide and 150 feet long. It was 7 and ½ feet high, supported by 60 brass pillars having hooks of silver (Exodus 27:16-17).
The gate, 30 feet wide, was on the East side of the court yard and was beautifully wrought with needlework of blue, purpose and scarlet of fine. It provides a way into the presence of God for all mankind.
“Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me’ “(John 14:6).
[Also read John 3:14-16; Titus 2:11; 1 John 1:2 & Hebrews 2:9]
There was no color in the wall that formed the courtyard, however, the gate was brightly colored “blue, purple and scarlet of fine twined linen wrought with needle work.”
1. “Blue” the color of heaven and speaks of Christ’s divinity. Christ was the heavenly one, veiled in flesh, living among men.
(John 1:1, 14, 18; 1 Timothy 3:16).
2. “Purple” the color of royalty (Judges 8:26) and speaks of Christ’s kingly power and dignity.
(Philippians 2:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 11:15; and 19:11 through 20:5).
3. “Scarlet” the color of blood and speaks of Christ’s sacrifice.
(1 Peter 1:19-20; Acts 2:23 & 4:38).
That is but a walk through the tabernacle. And as a kick to this week, let us remember Jesus is the way and the gate pass to the kingdom of God.