Then Bezalel made the table of acacia wood, 36 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 27 inches high. He overlaid it with pure gold and ran a gold molding around the edge. He decorated it with a 3-inch border all around, and he ran a gold molding along the border. Then he cast four gold rings for the table and attached them at the four corners next to the four legs. The rings were attached near the border to hold the poles that were used to carry the table. He made these poles from acacia wood and overlaid them with gold. Then he made special containers of pure gold for the table—bowls, ladles, jars, and pitchers—to be used in pouring out liquid offerings. [Exodus 37.10-16]
The table described here is the table of the Bread of the Presence in the Holy Place in the Tabernacle. When entering the Holy Place through the curtain separating it from the rest of the Tabernacle, this table would have been on the right (north) side directly across from the lampstand on the left (south) side.
As pointed out in the article In Exodus - Jesus, The Holy Spirit, And Those Who Pray, the table of the Bread of the Presence speaks of God's Son, Jesus, and the lampstand speaks clearly of the Holy Spirit. The altar of incense represents the prayers of God's people.
What might the bowls, ladles, jars and pitchers represent? Is it possible that they too give definition to the lives of God's servants as carriers of Christ to the world?
In that same vein of thought, consider the lampstand:
Then Bezalel made the lampstand of pure, hammered gold. He made the entire lampstand and its decorations of one piece—the base, center stem, lamp cups, buds, and petals. The lampstand had six branches going out from the center stem, three on each side. Each of the six branches had three lamp cups shaped like almond blossoms, complete with buds and petals. The center stem of the lampstand was crafted with four lamp cups shaped like almond blossoms, complete with buds and petals. There was an almond bud beneath each pair of branches where the six branches extended from the center stem, all made of one piece. The almond buds and branches were all of one piece with the center stem, and they were hammered from pure gold. He also made seven lamps for the lampstand, lamp snuffers, and trays, all of pure gold. The entire lampstand, along with its accessories, was made from 75 pounds of pure gold. [Exodus 37.17-24]
Is it possible that the seven lamps, lamp snuffers, and trays also speak of God's people's role in conveying the light of God? Consider the 2nd Chapter of Acts where the Holy Spirit manifested upon the people in "flaming" tongues of fire... A lamp has a flame!
On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. [Acts 2.1-4]
It is furthermore worth considering that "the Church" is confirmed in the number of the lamps, seven...
This letter is from John to the seven churches in the province of Asia. Grace and peace to you from the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come; from the sevenfold Spirit before his throne; and from Jesus Christ. He is the faithful witness to these things, the first to rise from the dead, and the ruler of all the kings of the world. All glory to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us. He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God his Father. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen. [Revelation 1.4-6]
While I am certain there are other far more academic explanations of these things discussed here, I find Jesus, the Holy Spirit and myself in them all.
For God's people - the Church, I see our role as intercessors (the incense) participating in God's will. I see our role as vessels from which to pour out Christ to the world (the utensils on the table of the Bread of the Presence) participating in God's work. I see our role as lamps (supported on the lampstand) to share God's Light - Himself and His Son expressed through the Holy Spirit participating in God's power.
As I believe God's Word (Jesus), I very much find myself - in Christ (a vessel on the table of the Bread of the Presence), in the Holy Spirit (a lamp on the lampstand), and in prayer (incense on the altar of incense)- right there in God's plan and design!
Father, I am grateful that You have allowed me today to once again see Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and even myself in the Tabernacle. Thank You for including me in Your plan!
No comments:
Post a Comment