Bible Pathway - Jan. 26, 2010
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Directions given for constructing the Tabernacle, court, furniture, and enclosure; plans for the altar; Aaron's priestly garments; plans for the ephod. Notice the progression from suffering, blood, and death — to beauty, holiness, and the glory of God in these chapters.
Verses for Today:
Thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty. . . . And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD (Ex. 28:2,36).God chose Aaron to be the high priest, a mediator between God and man. His holy garments, and the inscription on his forehead, HOLINESS TO THE LORD, signified that he was not to be involved in any other occupation but to be devoted to serving the Lord: Thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto Me in the priest's office (28:3).
But no man at best is good enough to stand before a holy God. Even the high priest needed to be cleansed before he could be the representative of God to His people and the people's representative before the Lord. Only after offering a sacrificial animal for his own sins could the high priest take the blood of the sacrificed lamb into the Holy of Holies to obtain the mercy and forgiveness of God, covering the people's sin for a year.
Through the high priest, God provided a way for sinful man to worship Him and for God to communicate His blessing to His people. The gold plate engraved with HOLINESS TO THE LORD was to be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord (28:38).
As Mediator, Christ fulfills not only the position of High Priest, but through His death on the cross, Christ also fulfilled the position of the Lamb whose blood was offered for sins. In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace (Eph. 1:7).
Apart from the blood of Christ, we would all be separated from God because of our disobedience and sins. But by faith we are fully forgiven because of His mercy and grace (Eph. 2:1; Rom. 3:24; 5:8; see also Heb. 10:1,10,12).
Thought for Today:
Rejoice in the Lord alway. . . . Let your moderation (gentleness) be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand (Phil. 4:4-5).
Christ Revealed:
Through the Brasen Altar, upon which the Sin Offering was burned (Ex. 27:1-8; Lev. 4:1-35). Jesus' offering of Himself as the final sacrifice was the fulfillment of all Old Testament altars as well as all sacrificial offerings. Jesus Christ. . . . In whom we have redemption through His blood (Eph. 1:5-7; John 1:29,36; Col. 1:14; Heb. 9:12).
Word Studies:
26:1 cunning work =skillful workmanship; 26:2 have one measure =be the same measurement; 28:2 holy garments =God-appointed clothing was required to participate in worship services; 28:8 curious girdle => skillfully made belt; 28:43 bear not iniquity =not be guilty of sin.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Helen Prater • Staff: Pam Pendergrast • Government Officials: Rep. Xavier Becerra (CA), Rep. Kevin McCarty (CA), and Rep. Albio Sires (NJ) • Country: Thailand (60 million) in Southeast Asia • Major languages: Thai and English • Limited freedom of Christian ministry; Buddhism is the state religion • 92% Buddhist; 4% Muslim; 2% Chinese folk-religionist; 1% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Can you say you are ready for the Lord's coming (Mal. 3:2)?
Optional Reading: Matthew 26
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 23:6
