Exodus 26 & 35:30-36:38 – A Way In
The construction of the tabernacle tent points us to the effects of the Fall in Genesis with the hope of restoration. There is restricted access to God’s presence but also there is the hope of fellowship with God being restored.
The tent of the tabernacle has much beauty and structure. Furniture made of pure gold and the inner coverings of curtains with heavenly pictures and glorious colours is a reminder of the Garden of Eden. Beauty and structure. The tabernacle is a picture of close fellowship with God in his place and everything very good.
But with the Fall came a broken relationship.
When we come to the tabernacle tent we find there is a covering that goes over the fine linen cloth. And this covering is longer than the inner covering, so that none of the inner covering can be seen. The inner beauty is hidden. Access is denied. The sign over the tabernacle tent would read, “You cannot enter.” The cherubim guard the way.
All of this is saying to the Israelite that access to God is denied, but there is hope. The Priests could go into the tabernacle tent, the Holy Place, and the High Priest could go into the Holy of Holies, but only once a year on the day of atonement. Yet they could go in. There was the possibility of access. A restricted access but still access.
The ordinary Israelite could enter the tabernacle fence but could only go so far because the curtain was in the way. Access into the presence of God is denied.
This is our standing before God. Because of sin, access is denied. We cannot approach God, we cannot enter into relationship with God, we cannot look forward to the beauty and splendour of heaven and the heavenly throne room, because of sin.
Nevertheless there is hope. The Priests could go in and the High Priest could go behind the curtain into the Holy of Holies. Our representative can approach for us. There is a way into the beauty and glory and majesty of his presence. There is a way for access to be restored.
And this is what Jesus Christ has done for us. Matthew 27:50-51; Hebrews 10:19-22
Questions
- How does the tabernacle speak of access being denied and access being opened for God’s people?
- How can we make better use of the access we have to God through Jesus Christ?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks that through Christ access to God is restored.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.