Isaiah 33:20 – The Tabernacle
The imagery that God uses here is of the tabernacle. The tabernacle was initially built under God’s direction during the time of Moses, hundreds of years before Isaiah’s day. It had been made in order to be portable, because the people at the time of Moses were moving, moving from Egypt and into the land of promise. And after they got there, the temple was not built until the days of King Solomon. Why would God use imagery of the tabernacle, a tent with stakes and cords? Because the people were on the move and would be. This world is not the ultimate home of the people of God. We are all on a trip. We are all on a move to the city which has a permanent foundation, that which is called the New Jerusalem. We’re on a pilgrimage. But while on pilgrimage, the city of David would be at peace, the true city of David, growing and thriving. The promise here is that there would be no ultimate destruction of the church of Jesus Christ in their day or in ours. In fact, it would be expanding. Cords would not be broken, even though they would be stretched and lengthened.
The promises here have long term application for us. We are established in peace to God’s glory. We no longer look forward to redemption promised. We look back now to redemption, both accomplished by Jesus Christ and applied by His Spirit. We no longer, day by day, must offer animal sacrifices. No. For it is all done in Jesus’ perfect life, lived in the place of His people, lived in the place of sinners, and in His atoning death. We see that Jesus has willingly, under the plan of His Father, gone to the cross and legally taken the guilt of sinners. And now by God’s grace, His chosen ones have the Holy Spirit come upon and within them, and they believe.
Believers, there are fearsome things around us. We see dangers to the Church of Jesus Christ on the outside. We see dangers within. We see all kinds of possible difficulties for ourselves and for our families with things going on in the world. And perhaps we worry about the church. We worry about God’s people. Friends, don’t. Don’t. The Church of Jesus Christ is safe. God has even yet many arrows to take out the wicked. He can and does destroy those that attempt to touch that which is precious to Him. Even now, Jesus is fulfilling His word: “I will build my church.” Take heart, believer. Take heart and continue to live for and speak for Jesus Christ.
Questions
- Why does God use the imagery of a tabernacle?
- Why can we have hope for the Church?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks that Christ is building His Church.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.