Note: Thanks to Doug Small and Pastor Chuck from New Hope at newhope-ag.com/
Title: The Holy Place
Review
Introduction
Review:
When we are looking at the tabernacle we are not just looking at a history lesson. We are not here to try to study the worship system of the Jews. God used the tabernacle to show the Israelites and us a pattern to get into the presence of the Lord.
This is a shadow of something that is greater.
Why the tabernacle?
Exodus 25:8-9 And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. (9) According to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings, just so you shall make it.
Hebrews 8:4-5 For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law; (5) who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, "See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain."
1. He wanted to be near them! The tabernacle was all about access. Ex 25:8, Ex 29:44-46
John 1:14 "word became flesh and dwelt among us." dwelt (gk. Skenoo - tabernacle)
2. He wanted to bring this relationship to the world. In the shape of the cross. Numbers 22
Talking about making the enemy run.
3. The problem was that he was a holy God and they were a stiff necked people.
Pattern for worship, not a religious way but an entrance. As the Lord's prayer. Matthew 6:9-13
Hebrews 8-9 and Revelation give us description of a tabernacle in heaven.
“ A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.” (Hebrews 8:2-5 AV)
Révélation
The Altar - Ex. 27:1 … Revelation 8:3
The Laver - Ex. 30:18 … Revelation 4:6
The Table - Ex. 25:23 … Revelation 19:9
The Lampstand - Ex. 25: 31 … Revelation 1:12
The Golden Altar - Ex. 30:1 … Revelation 8:5
The Ark of the Covenant - Ex. 25:10
The Mercy Seat - Ex. 25:17 … Rev. 11:19
So there is a connection between this tabernacle and activities in heaven.
So tonight I want us to begin looking at this tabernacle in the context of worship. Getting into the presence of God. Getting into the Most Holy Place. That is our goal. It should be our goal. We should desire to get into his presence. We should desire to get to the Mercy of God and allow him to cleanse us and make us whole.
We are called to be priests:
1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
1. Carry to presence of God
2. Minister to God
3. Work the Tabernacle
Worship:
It so easy to get into the ritual of worship. Going through the motions with realizing the weight of what we do. If we are not careful we are just left with a religious shell.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 But know this, that in the last days perilous (terrible) times will come: (2) For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, (3) unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, (4) traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, (5) having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
God's Desire
John 4:23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.
God is looking, seeking for something.
The Lord told King Asa through the prophet in 1 Chronicles 16:9 "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. "
This is not about some ritualistic worship. It is not about God putting some restrictions on you but giving you a pattern to come into the presence of the Lord. Give us a model.
God wanted to be near the people.
Exodus 25:8-9 reminds us that God gave Moses a tabernacle so that he "dwell among us". And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. (9) According to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings, just so you shall make it.
Hebrews 8 - 9 reminds us that the tabernacle is a shadow of the Lord Jesus.
John 1:14 "word became flesh and dwelt among us." dwelt (gk. Skenoo - tabernacle)
Benefits of Worship
When we seek the giver, we get the blessings, the presence, the healing, the peace of mind.
Entering the Tabernacle
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. Psalm 100:4.
Tabernacle Overview
Three segments
Outer Court
Holy Place
Holy of Holies
The trinity is woven throughout the tabernacle.
Outer Court - Picture of Jesus and His work on the Cross
Holy Place - the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, the lampstand, the bread, wine, and prayers of incense
Holy of Holies
tradition says that the Jews referred to the three parts of the tabernacle also by a different name. The outer courts - the Way, the holy place - the truth, the Holy of Holies - the life
This would make sense. To get in to the Holy place you had to go through the way, only one way and that was through the gate (door) into the court yard by the altar and laver. Then you would see the truth, the word of God, the holy Spirit. Finally you could experience real life.
John 14:6 Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Curtains of Separation
Entrance Curtain - the gate, John 10:9
Entrance to Holy Place - the door
The veil to the Holy of holies - the vine, John 15:1
The Cross
Of the Tabernacle
Inside the Tabernacle
There is only one way and that is through Jesus Chris
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
We have now left the gates of praise. We are now into the outer courts. Again, remember, our desire is to get into the holy of holies. We want to get into his presence. We have this unction in our hearts that almost pushes us to get into his presence. There is something that draws us closer to God. If only we will listen and obey.
Notice it is not enough just to stand at the gates of praise. There is more to this relationship. Yes we were created to praise but as we will see praise is more than just action and emotion but it is a lifestyle. Too many people stay at the gates of praise. They sing there, they dance there, they pray there, they worship yet there is not a life change. They do this every weekend but there is no change. To see a change in your life you have to keep going in.
Worship is a lifestyle.
God has called us to be priests
1. Carry the prsence of God
2. minister to God
3. bless the people
Hebrews 10:22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
Outside is a more corporate, public place
Inside is a more private, intimate place
Introduction
So far we have taken the precautionary steps before entering into this Holy Place. We have begun with praise. I believe this is not the intimate praise that we will have when we get into the Holy of Holies. It is recognizing God and His role in our lives. It is as we say, “Ok God this is your life, your world and your day.” At the gates we have gotten the attention of God because of our praise. He has tuned his ear to us. We have next consecrated ourselves on the altar of sacrifice.
Here we have seen three deaths:
1. Death of Sin
2. Death of Self-giving of oneself to God
3. Death of Division-We have shared a meal with God and with others.
Finally we have passed by the Laver. The symbol for the “sanctified life”. Our works and walk have been cleansed by the Word of the Lord. We have examined our self. Don’t want to take any chances. So now we are ready.
The Holy Place
They are on the edge of His presence. Yet there is another room that we must go through. This is more than sacrifice but I believe it represents maturity. It is applying the disciplines of the Christian life.
This place is not a big place. It is only 45 feet long by 15 feet wide and high. It is a very narrow place. Yet the Bible tells us that the road to heaven is a narrow road.
Mt 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it. Not many people are qualified or are willing to make the sacrifices to get in there.
There are no other ways to go but through Christ. This room is filled with all kinds of wonder that tantalizes the senses:
Sight: the gold, the glitter, the color, the faces of the angels
Smell: Incense fills the air, fresh bread is on the table, lamb or beef is on the altar outside.
Taste: Taste buds come alive at the prospect of a meal with God
Sound: You are so close, your are excited listening for the voice of God.
Touch: You want to touch and embrace it all
When you enter into the holy place you will notice that there are three distinct pieces of furniture. The lamp stand or candlestick to the south, the table of showbread to the north, and the altar of incense stationed at the veil.
Candlestick - Ministry
Exodus 25:31 Lampstand
Exodus 25:31-40 "You shall also make a lampstand of pure gold; the lampstand shall be of hammered work. Its shaft, its branches, its bowls, its ornamental knobs, and flowers shall be of one piece. (32) And six branches shall come out of its sides: three branches of the lampstand out of one side, and three branches of the lampstand out of the other side. (33) Three bowls shall be made like almond blossoms on one branch, with an ornamental knob and a flower, and three bowls made like almond blossoms on the other branch, with an ornamental knob and a flower--and so for the six branches that come out of the lampstand. (34) On the lampstand itself four bowls shall be made like almond blossoms, each with its ornamental knob and flower. (35) And there shall be a knob under the first two branches of the same, a knob under the second two branches of the same, and a knob under the third two branches of the same, according to the six branches that extend from the lampstand. (36) Their knobs and their branches shall be of one piece; all of it shall be one hammered piece of pure gold. (37) You shall make seven lamps for it, and they shall arrange its lamps so that they give light in front of it. (38) And its wick-trimmers and their trays shall be of pure gold. (39) It shall be made of a talent of pure gold, with all these utensils. (40) And see to it that you make them according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain.
John 9:5 Jesus is the light of the world, while I am in the world
Matthew 6 "You are the light of the World"
Then the Holy Spirit
Revelation 1:20 Mystery of the 7 golden lampstands, they are the 7 churches
Oil & Fire - the Holy Spirit
Revelation 3 Church of Laodicea - do it or I will remove your lampstand
We are not a seeker driven church but a presence driven church.
Lampstand provided Illumination - Holy Spirit shines His light on to the word of God, Revelation showing things that are not normally shown
John 14 The advocate
Two arms of the Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit was given to us to show the fruit of the spirit
Holy Spirit was given to us to operate in the gifts of the spirit
Fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:22,23 - 9
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Spiritual Gifts 1 Corinthians 12:8-11 - 9
1 Corinthians 12:7-11 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: (8) for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, (9) to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same [39] Spirit, (10) to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. (11) But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
The golden candlestick is what we vision as a menorah. There are three branches on each side protruding our of the center branch. It is as if they are feeding off the center. As Christ is the vine and we are the branches.
As you look you see that these branches were designed to look like fruit. It is as the progression of fruit. From the stem to the buds to the flower. We know of the fruit of the spirit that God has given in our lives. How we are to walk in this. What interesting is the fact that Exodus 25 tells us that they are of a beaten. In other words it is developed through much pain and trials.
Now in Revelation we learn that Candlestick represents the church. Which a great analogy. Because this is the church as it protrudes out of Christ and develops the fruit of the spirit through its people. There is a balance here of fruit and fire. Fruit on the bottom and fire on the top.
Fruit is the character of Christ reproduced by the Sprit and fires is the supernatural gifts given by the spirit to the church.
To the North we see the Table of Shewbread.
The Table and the Lamp stand in Balance. - The Word
Table of Shewbread - Exodus 25:23
Exodus 25:23-30 "You shall also make a table of acacia wood; two cubits shall be its length, a cubit its width, and a cubit and a half its height. (24) And you shall overlay it with pure gold, and make a molding of gold all around. (25) You shall make for it a frame of a handbreadth all around, and you shall make a gold molding for the frame all around. (26) And you shall make for it four rings of gold, and put the rings on the four corners that are at its four legs. (27) The rings shall be close to the frame, as holders for the poles to bear the table. (28) And you shall make the poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold, that the table may be carried with them. (29) You shall make its dishes, its pans, its pitchers, and its bowls for pouring. You shall make them of pure gold. (30) And you shall set the showbread on the table before Me always
12 loaves of bread - set out each Sabbath
every Sabbath put our fresh bread, the reason we gather is because God wants to give us something fresh each day
pictures of wine
Also called: shew bread, bread of presence, bread of face
bread of face, God wants to meet us face to face, showing up
John 6:48 - Jesus said I am the bread of life
Matthew 26:26 Communion - everything leads to this, there was no reason to do this but God was preparing them for what was coming
Notice the balance of the Word and the spirit here. The Spirit and Truth of Worship there must be a balance. Too many times we lean from one side or the other.
7 Things about the table
1. It is an accessible table
2. It is a royal table-the kings table
3. It is a table always set
A table of nourishment, satisfaction of the hungry, provision, fellowship, place for the family of God.
4. It is a costly Table-a priceless bread, as the death of Christ on the cross
The Laver was the Word in Cleansing-Remediation
Now the Table is the Word Feeding-Edification
5. It is an Open Table
Any one can come and eat from the table of the Lord. Surely in the OT it was meant for the priest and probably could have been properly used only by the priest but God has called us his priest. It is used and understood by us. There is no special knowledge as we see going around. “I know something you don’t know, ha ha. You can’t handle it.”
6. It is a Place of Revelation
There is something about breaking bread and revelation. As we see in communion. Even more on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:15,30-31,32). He was revealed when they broke bread.
7. It is a Place of Fellowship
The Altar of Incense-Communion with God
Altar of Incense
Exodus 30:1-9 "You shall make an altar to burn incense on; you shall make it of acacia wood. (2) A cubit shall be its length and a cubit its width--it shall be square--and two cubits shall be its height. Its horns shall be of one piece with it. (3) And you shall overlay its top, its sides all around, and its horns with pure gold; and you shall make for it a molding of gold all around. (4) Two gold rings you shall make for it, under the molding on both its sides. You shall place them on its two sides, and they will be holders for the poles with which to bear it. (5) You shall make the poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold. (6) And you shall put it before the veil that is before the ark of the Testimony, before the mercy seat that is over the Testimony, where I will meet with you. (7) Aaron shall burn on it sweet incense every morning; when he tends the lamps, he shall burn incense on it. (8) And when Aaron lights the lamps at twilight, he shall burn incense on it, a perpetual incense before the Lord throughout your generations. (9) You shall not offer strange incense on it, or a burnt offering, or a grain offering; nor shall you pour a drink offering on it.
4 Horns - Judgment, power
Continual Incense
Passionate Prayer - Ps 141:2, Rev 8:3,4
Continual Prayer - Pray without ceasing
Sacred fire - Nadab and Abihu - maybe have been in a hurry, maybe innocence, not respectful
Fire - Holy Spirit, when he mixes
Hebrews 7:24-25 But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. (25) Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
Romans 8:26-27 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us [21] with groanings which cannot be uttered. (27) Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
As we conclude our study of the Holy Place and worship we see one last object and that is the Altar of Incense. There at the veil. You know the veil it is what separates those from the Holy of Holies. It is what separates those who could look into the Holy Place a separation of the very Holy presence of God. You see you have to be careful of his presence. You have to make preparation. Without the proper preparation there is death.
The last step of preparation is the Altar of incense. This special place with incense was offered twice daily. The fire came from the brazen altar. This was the only acceptable fire. If you offer strange, false, weak fire you could die ask Nadab and Abihu. This includes the Christian who could die spiritually.
But notice the incense. It represents prayer and praise. There is more to this walk than praise and sacrifice these are important. Just as the gifts and his word is important but there is a time to just pray and praise. Communion with God. Talking to the father.
Notice it is not about us and our needs. True praise separates us and worships God. It is not about a petition or bargain with God it is lifting our voice to God.
There is so much we could talk about but I want you to notice one point. Look at Hebrew 9:2
“ For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.
Where is the altar of incense.
And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;” (Heb 9:2-4 AV)
Notice the change.
Luke 1:11-17 Zacharias was offering up incense and the angel came and God turned a life around.
“ And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;” (Re 5:8-9 AV)
“ And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” (Re 5:10 AV)
“ And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.” (Re 8:1-2 AV)
“ And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand. And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.” (Re 8:3-5 AV)
“ And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.” (Re 11:15-19 AV)
Conclusion
It has been good to be into the Holy Place. Yet the Holy place is not a place of rest and holding. There is one more journey that we must take to get into this place.
