Exodus 29:36-46
THE SIN offering was to be offered each day for seven days, while Aaron and his sons were being consecrated. God would have His people—ourselves as believers, made priests unto God by the work of Christ—always to remember what it cost Christ to put our sins away from His sight.
Then we have the continual burnt offering — two lambs every day one in the morning, the other in the evening. The fire that was kindled of God upon the altar was never to go out. And this continual ascending or sweet savor offering speaks of the continued preciousness of Christ to God, and to His people. We need Christ in the morning and Christ in the evening all along our earthly pathway.
Then with this sacrifice there was also offered the fine flour mingled with oil, and the wine. In this we get the meat (or meal) offering, and the drink offering. Here again we have Christ in His perfect life as begotten by the Holy Ghost, while the drink offering speaks of joy. To be in counion with God in contemplating the perfections of His Son, is one of the joys of the Christian. We share with God His joy in Christ as the One in whom is all His delight.
“And there I will meet with the children of Israel, and the tabernacle shall be sanctified by My glory.” v. 43. The children of Israel were not allowed to go nearer than the gate of the tabernacle, but God in His grace did permit Moses to go into His presence before the mercy seat. Now that Christ has died and the veil is rent, we as believers can go into God’s holy presence without fear; and wonderful to think, God delights to have us there.
“The tabernacle shall be sanctified by My glory.” At that time that was the only spot on earth where God’s glory was manifested. But now, since the cross, the glory of God shines in the face of Jesus Christ. And it also shines in and through the hearts of all those who believe in Him as their Saviour.
From Hebrews 9 we learn that the tabernacle was a type of both the heavenly and earthly scenes. When Jesus comes to reign both heaven and the whole earth will be filled with His glory. This looks on to that blessed millennial day.
“And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God.” v. 45.
God’s purpose and desire from the beginning was to dwell with man. But how sad that man does not want God. Like the prodigal son, he will take all that God gives him with an unthankful heart, and then go off to the far country to enjoy it without any thought of God.
But God will not be frustrated in His purpose. He will have His joy and happiness in the joy of His redeemed people, surrounding Himself. The tabernacle in the wilderness is a picture of that which waits the coming day. In the meantime God has His joy now in those who have been redeemed, gathered around Christ as their Saviour, in His presence. This blessed thought of God will soon be displayed in glory when He has His heavenly people at home in His presence, when He will “show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness towards us through Christ Jesus.” Eph. 2:7.
ML-11/15/1970