Exodus 27:9-19 & 38:9-20 – The Door
The instructions for the tabernacle begin with God’s presence, and then work from the inside out. Chapter 27 is the court of the tabernacle. The large open area, fenced off from the wilderness, where every Israelite could come and worship God.
The court is where God’s people worshipped and served as they made their way through the wilderness to the land of promise. It was a place they loved, it was a place where they longed to be. (It was the place where Hannah was praying when Eli found her 1 Samuel 1).
But it was also a place where a distinction was made. There is a distinction between the dwelling place of God where his people gather for worship, and the world outside.
A curtain fence of fine twined white linen that went the whole way around this court said those on the outside were cut off.
The whole tabernacle stands out against the dusty, dry bleakness of the wilderness. The gathering of God’s people is distinct from the world.
Not only is God separated from sinners but those who are brought near through the sacrifice are also made distinct.
So how do we gain access? How are made distinct? The answer is through the door.
The entrance is a beautiful gate made up of vivid colours.
The door is Jesus Christ. Jesus said in John 10:7, “I AM the door”. And again in John 14:6, “I AM the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Paul says in Ephesians 2:12, “remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.”
Through Jesus Christ we can approach God, and through Jesus Christ we are made distinct from the world. Through Jesus Christ alone we can worship and serve. There is no other way.
Questions
- How does the tabernacle help us to see Jesus Christ as the door and the way?
- Why do you think the courts of the tabernacle were so precious to an Israelite (Psalm 84:10)? Do you have this same joy and anticipation in coming in worship through Jesus Christ?
Prayer Points
- Pray for the preaching and hearing of God’s Word tomorrow.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.