Highlights In Today's Reading:
Notice how precisely each detail is given of the Tabernacle and the clothes of the high priest. The Lord is also concerned with each detail of our lives. The rules and sacrifices for consecrating the priests; continual burnt offering; altar of incense; the ransom of souls; the holy anointing oil; sabbath regulations. Moses receives two tables of stone. Written by the finger of God (31:18).
Verses for Today:
This shall be a continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the door of the Tabernacle of the congregation before the Lord: where I will meet you, to speak there unto thee (Ex. 29:42).The Court of the Tabernacle was a rectangle measuring 50 cubits (75 feet) wide and 100 cubits (150 feet) long (27:18). It was screened or fenced off from the camp by a white linen curtain that hung 5 cubits (7 1/2 feet) high and was supported by 56 posts, which were equally spaced around the 420 feet of curtain.
This enclosure had only one entrance, or door, which occupied the remaining 30 feet of the 450-foot perimeter (27:9-18).
The door of the Tabernacle was sacred for other reasons in addition to the continual burnt offering (29:42). Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the door of the Tabernacle of the congregation, and shalt wash them with water (29:4). Thou shalt kill the bullock before the Lord, by the door of the Tabernacle of the congregation (29:11). Aaron and his sons shall eat the flesh of the ram and the bread that is in the basket, by the door of the Tabernacle of the congregation (29:32).
Neither the mixed multitude nor the Gentiles were allowed to enter this door or entrance. They could not so much as look over the curtain to observe what was going on inside the courtyard.
The white linen curtain also prevented unlawful entrance into the Tabernacle court. It was symbolic of the righteousness of Christ which separates those who have come to Christ from the unbelieving world. But we as believers have the privilege and opportunity to go out to those who do not know the love of God and share our love with them.
Our Savior said: I am The Door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved (John 10:9).
Although an unsaved person may go to church, hear a sermon, sing hymns, and read the Bible, only a true Christian can experience fellowship with God.
Thought for Today:
God has put a barrier between the world and the Christian and has called him to a life of separation.
Christ Revealed:
Through the Laver, Christ is revealed as both the container and the dispenser of Living Water (Ex. 30:18; John 4:10). Jesus . . . cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. . . . ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you (7:37, 15:3; compare I Cor. 10:4).
Word Studies:
29:2 unleavened bread =bread without yeast, a symbol of Christ as the sinless offering; 29:17 unto =on top of; 29:18 sweet savour =pleasant fragrance, acceptance; 29:27 heaved =set aside; 29:28 statute =perpetual obligation; 29:41 meat =grain, meal; 30:3 crown =olding; 30:18 laver =wash basin; 30:21 seed =descendants; 30:25 apothecary =perfume maker; 30:28 his foot =its base; 30:33 cut off =excluded; 31:6 are wise hearted =have understanding hearts.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Vincent & Rebecca Naughton • Staff: Ken Sharp • Government Officials: Rep. John Mica (FL), Chief Justice John Roberts, and Rep. Zach Space (OH) • Country: Tibet (province of China) (4.6 million, from 1990 census) in eastern Asia • Major language: Tibetan • The Chinese government is still committed to promoting atheism, while at the same time, officially permitting Lamaism (a form of Buddhism) • 97% Tibetan Buddhist; 1% Muslim; 1% Bon; 1% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that God will move His people to give faithfully to His work (Mal. 3:8-10).
Optional Reading: Matthew 27
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 23:6