Studies In The Tabernacle: Brazen Laver & Brazen Altar Series

Note: Thanks to Doug Small and Pastor Chuck from New Hope at newhope-ag.com

Title: The Brazen Altar & Laver

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.