Bible Study: God In The Tabernacle
Thursday, Jan 31, 2008

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Thursday January 31, 2008 and today we are completing our studies on the book of Exodus. Please read, Exodus 40. In today's lesson we will read and learn about the dedication of Aaron and his sons; glory of the Lord fills theTabernacle.

On Mount Sinai, God instructed Moses to Make Him a sanctuary so that He may dwell among the people according to all that He has instructed. (Exodus 25:8-9). After nine months, the building of the Tabernacle was complete and Moses did exactly what the LORD commanded him. "Thus did Moses: according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he." (Exodus 40:16). This phrase emphasizes the supreme importance of obedience to the will of God (40:16-32). Moses' obedience was complete in every detail for making about 40 different items, including the tent, altars, vessels, Brass Laver, garments, pins, sockets, loops, posts, and furniture.

After the Tabernacle was constructed, the cloud of the Lord and the Tabernacle were inseparable throughout the Israelites' journeys. If the cloud lifted and moved forward, the Tabernacle and the people then followed; if the cloud stopped, the people remained until it moved again. "Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys: But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up. For the cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys." (40:34-38).

God's Word provides all the wisdom, spiritual guidance, and strength necessary to live for Him. It is vital that we, like Moses, do all that the LORD commanded. The only possible way to understand all of what He has commanded is to read all of His Word with a desire to obey Him.

In today's lesson Jesus Christ is revealed through Aaron as the high priest (Exodus 40:13). "But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." (Hebrews 9:11-12).

Today's Psalm: 111:10
"The fear of (to respect) the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever."

Today's Prayer: From Psalm 31
Dear Lord,
"In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness. Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me. For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me. Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength. Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth. I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the LORD. I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;" I will put my complete trust in you for you know what is best for me and will never forake me. In Jesus' name, I pray......Amen.

Have a wonderful day/night.
God Bless,
Christina

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I Will Break The Bands 01.30.08

"And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not. (For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.) And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him. And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep. And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them. Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked." (Luke 8: 27-33).

It seems that no matter how much faith we have in our Lord there are times when we fall into the clutches of the devil. We can be high on the moutain top, gleaming as we are blessed abunantly and in a matter of seconds we fall and that assurance knowing that God will provide for and protect us gets toppled by negative emotions and insecurities. All it takes is the mere blink of an eye and the devil catches us and tries to bound us with his chains and fetters (shackles), making us lose sight of the Lord.

This happened to me this past weekend, I was having a wonderful week walking with the Lord, He blessed me with extra clients and provided me with things I needed. Then just like that my faith turned to fear and for two days I was abound with worry and confusion. I lost a lot of sleep, had horrible dreams, made myself sick, and had no ambition to do anything.

However, Jesus knew my pain and He knew my faith in Him was just clouded by the devil's thoughts controlling my mind. He drew me close to Him and when I realized that He was still with me. I cried out to Him and He broke the bands and freed me from those chains and shackles.

Life can be so cruel and unbareable at times, I will not even try to understand why things happen or why people do what they do, but I do understand that we have a great and mighty God that will help us through every situation and will break those chains that bind us.

Are you ready to break free from the chains and shackles that the devil caught you with?

Whether it is past or present chains holding you down you can break free. Go to Jesus, cry out to Him and He will break the bands that keep you from the bondage that the devil uses to hold you down.

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Wednesday January 30, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Exodus. Please read, Exodus 38-39. In today's lesson we will read and learn about the Brazen Altar of burnt offerings; the Tabernacle courtyard; and the high priest's garments.

Again we continue reading about the construction of the Tabernacle with the precise instructions of God regarding even the garments the priests should wear. Nothing was altered for personal preference, including the Brazen Alter. (Edoxus 38). The fire on the Brazen Altar, known as the Altar of Burnt Offering, was never permitted to go out and was symbolic of the fact that every sinner may come to Christ anytime, day or night to atone for their sins. On the Day of Atonement a bullock for His sin offering and a ram as a burnt offering had to be sacrificed by the priest before he could proceed further toward the Tabernacle on behalf of the congregation. The high priest had to recognize the holiness of God, as well as his own sinfulness, and be cleansed from his guilt and sin before he could perform the sacrifice and intercede on behalf of the people. The only way for sinful man to stand before the Holy God was through the atoning sacrifice.

But Christ offered Himself as a whole burnt offering on the cross for our sins. Our wonderful Lord was both our mediating High Priest and the sacrificial Lamb of God, which took away the sin of the world. It is through Jesus' sacrifice alone that we receive redemption and reconciliation with God.

The Altar of Incense was the smallest piece of furniture in the Tabernacle and, as such, may seem insignificant. But this altar was made of gold and was symbolic of Christ praying for Christians. He both prays for and receives the prayers and praise of even the most helpless Christian and transforms them into a sweet fragrance before God the Father. His intercession makes our prayers precious to God.

The Tabernacle was finally completed and according to the instructions the Lord commanded Moses. "Thus was all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation finished: and the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did they. And they brought the tabernacle unto Moses, the tent, and all his furniture, his taches, his boards, his bars, and his pillars, and his sockets, And the covering of rams' skins dyed red, and the covering of badgers' skins, and the vail of the covering, The ark of the testimony, and the staves thereof, and the mercy seat,"(39:32-35).

The Ark of the Testimony (See Exodus 25)contained the Covenant between God and His people Israel. It was a wooden chest overlaid with gold, both inside and out. The Ark was a type of Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, Who alone can atone for sin. The wood represented His human nature and the gold represented His divine nature, for He is both fully God and fully Man The Ark was made from the wood of the acacia tree that grew in the desert, that which a symbol of the world system of things. The lid of the Ark was made of pure gold and was called the Mercy Seat. It covered the Law that had been placed in the Ark. Everyone is a sinner, but Christ, the perfect, sinless Son of God became our High Priest. By His perfect atonement for our sins, He provides repentant sinners with mercy and salvation, represented by the Mercy Seat. The Law provides the "knowledge" of sin, but not the "forgiveness" of sin (Galatians 2:16; 3:11). You can be sure that, as you prayerfully read the Word of God daily and seek to please Him above all else, His indwelling presence will bring meaning to your life.

In today's Lesson Jesus Christ is revealed through the golden Altar of Incense and its incense, representing prayers going up to heaven. We see Christ praying for us. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word (John 17:20).

Today's Psalm: (6:9)
"The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer."

Today's Prayer: From Psalm 61
Dear Lord,
Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. In Jesus' name, I pray......Amen.

Have a wonderful day/night.
God Bless,
Christina

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Tuesday January 29, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Exodus. Please read, Exodus 35-37. In today's lesson we will read and learn about Freewill offerings for the Tabernacle; the construction of the Tabernacle; the Ark of the Testimony; the Mercy Seat; the Table of Showbread; the Candlestick; & the Altar of Incense.

The next three chapters describe the actual building of the Tabernacle. All it's furniture was constructed according to the Word of God. Nothing was added, altered, or left out. "And every wise hearted among you shall come, and make all that the LORD hath commanded; The tabernacle, his tent, and his covering, his taches, and his boards, his bars, his pillars, and his sockets, The ark, and the staves thereof, with the mercy seat, and the vail of the covering, The table, and his staves, and all his vessels, and the shewbread, The candlestick also for the light, and his furniture, and his lamps, with the oil for the light, And the incense altar, and his staves, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the door at the entering in of the tabernacle, The altar of burnt offering, with his brasen grate, his staves, and all his vessels, the laver and his foot, The hangings of the court, his pillars, and their sockets, and the hanging for the door of the court, The pins of the tabernacle, and the pins of the court, and their cords, The cloths of service, to do service in the holy place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office." (Exodus 35:10-19).

It was more than a worship center. It's design and order of worship were meant to teach Israel the meaning of the Covenant made at Sinai. Furthermore, it was a means whereby the Holy God could fellowship with sinful man through its sacrificial system. It was further designed to lead the believer into the Lord's presence undefiled, with heart, thought, and motives to please Him. The Tabernacle and every item were symbolic of Jesus Christ's life, ministry, and our relationship with Him.

The Altar of Incense was symbolic of Christ as our Intercessor and was located near the Most Holy Place. The priests were permitted in the Holy Place, but only the High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and then only once a year on the Day of Atonement. In front of the veil was a Gold Altar. This Altar was much smaller than the Brazen Altar, but was far more costly since it was covered with pure gold. Sacrificial animals were presented to God on the Brazen Altar to atone for sin. It was near the entrance to the courtyard.

Each morning, Aaron the high priest would refill the lamps of the Candlestick with pure olive oil and burn incense upon the altar. He would take a coal of fire from the Brazen Altar and place it on the Altar of Incense and then place the incense on it as a sweet fragrance that ascended toward heaven day and night. God alone was the source of fire on this Altar.

Today, only Jesus Christ can make it possible for us to approach the Holy Heavenly Father in prayer. An unsaved man may enter a church building, hear sermons, sing hymns and read a Bible, but only believers who have received Christ as Savior and Lord of their lives can experience a true relationship with God. Christ our High Priest is interceding for us each time we pray. We are encouraged: "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7).

Today's Psalm: 25:5
"Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day."

Today's Prayer comes from Psalm 25
"Dear Lord,
Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause. Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD. In Jesus' name, I pray.....Amen.

Have a wonderful bless filled day/night.
God Bless,
Christina

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Monday January 28, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Exodus. Please read Exodus 32-34. In today's lesson we will read and learn about Moses' delay on Mount Sinai; Aaron's golden calf; its destruction; the death of 3,000 Israelites; a Law renewed; God's Covenant; and three feasts.

Moses was on Mount Sinai when God gave him the two tables of testimony. At the same time, something tragic was taking place at the base of the mountain. When the people saw that Moses was delayed in coming down from the mountian, the people gathered themselves together to Aaron, and said to him, make us gods, which shall go before us, shortly after Aaron made a golden calf. "And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me. And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron. And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, To morrow is a feast to the LORD." (Exodus 32:1-5).

The Lord instucted Moses to get back down to the base of the mountain as they have corrupted themselves, then God withdrew His presence from Israel. "And the LORD said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves: They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people: Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation." (32:7-10).

God withdrew His presence from Israel partly in judgment, but it was also in mercy as we was angry and did not want to destroy them completely. His holy nature cannot remain in the presence of sin no more than a light can remain with darkness. Whenever we violate the will of God, His blessings leave us and we are left wandering in the wilderness until we realize that we need Him, not some foreign object. A true burnt offering was the delight of the Lord since it symbolized full surrender to Him; but these sacrifices were pure idolatry. God forbade anyone to make graven images and yet the first thing they do when they get anxious is think of their own ways to worship. What were they thinking? Did they think that a golden calf, which they could see, was better to worship than the invisible, yet ever present God?

False worship often leads to irresponsible, immoral conduct. Let us compare the Israelites' sins with our own behavior. Most of us would reject man-made idols; but think how easily money, possessions, talents, hobbies, and success become idols for many. The golden calf stands as a symbol of human intellect which devises its own system of devotion.

Upon hearing the judgment of God, Israel with great sorrow, stripped themselves of their ornaments and sought the Lord. In losing God's presence they had lost their greatest treasure and blessing, so putting away their ornaments was fitting evidence of their repentance. "And when the people heard these evil tidings, they mourned: and no man did put on him his ornaments. For the LORD had said unto Moses, Say unto the children of Israel, Ye are a stiffnecked people: I will come up into the midst of thee in a moment, and consume thee: therefore now put off thy ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee. And the children of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments by the mount Horeb." (33:4-6). The presence of God was their assurance of victory, and if He did not go up in the midst of them their failure was inevitable. God later assured them that they were forgiven and that He will remian with them. "And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest." (33:14)

In today's lesson Jesus Christ is revealed as the One Who is ever-present. Jesus said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27).

Today's Psalm: 16:11
"Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
In the maze of life's events where we're often a passenger on the rollercoaster of life's ups and downs, may we never lose sight of You, Jesus. You are the unseen, but ever-present Shepherd who protects, guides and tenderly comforts us in all our trouble. Thank You, Lord, that when change is constantly about us, You remain steadfast, faithful, and dependable. You are the Anchor that keeps us grounded in the unseen, but eternal truths we build our lives upon. Keep us faithful and help us to always put our trust and faith in you. In Jesus' name, I pray......Amen.

Have a wonderful day/night and week.
God Bless,
Christina

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