When You Draw Near

God’s desire is to have a relationship with the people He created, both individually and collectively. He chose the Children of Israel specifically to be His people. He told them to build a Tabernacle for Him so He could dwell among them. When the Tabernacle was completed, God’s glory entered the Tabernacle. God was dwelling in the middle of the camp of the Children of Israel. But there was a problem; no one could approach the Tabernacle, not even Moses. Even though the physical Tabernacle of God was right in the center of the camp, no one could actually enter the Tabernacle. How could God have a relationship with man if no one could approach Him? How could man relate to God when they had to keep their distance? How could man know God and be able to trust Him to care for them when they couldn’t draw near?

The Day of Completion

After the construction of all the articles for the tabernacle and its furnishings, Moses gave an accounting of all the materials used. He verified that it was done according to all the instructions given to him by God! The Tabernacle of God was built from items willingly given for that purpose by the children of Israel. They gave so much that Moses had to stop them from bringing more! Gifted artisans among them, led by men chosen by God, carefully and lovingly constructed the tabernacle and all its furnishings according to the pattern God gave to Moses. This entire account is an incredibly deep and multi-faceted picture of Yeshua and His congregation.

The Scent of Sweet Incense

When we think of the altar of God, we think of the bronze altar outside the tabernacle or temple. All the offerings of the people were brought to this altar. But there was a second altar, a golden altar inside the tabernacle, and, later, the temple. The priests were to burn incense on it twice a day. The desire to bypass the priesthood and offer incense before the LORD led to the downfall of more than a few people in the Bible. Competing to light the lamps of the menorah, which were lit at the same time the incenses was burned, didn’t seem to inspire such desire. Why did the people have such a desire to bring incense before the LORD? Why is God so particular about who brings offers the incense? What do the incense and its altar represent?

 

Put on the Holy Garments

The apostle Peter wrote a letter to the sojourners of the diaspora who were among the elect who have received sanctification through the blood of Yeshua. Peter addresses many issues in this letter including the suffering of the believers for the sake of Yeshua. In spite of the suffering and the persecution they were facing, Peter exhorts believers to live holy and righteous lives. He reminds us that we are to be a royal priesthood and a holy nation. The garments of the High Priest reveal how we are to accomplish this.