Bible Pathways - January 26, 2006

January 26, 2006

In Today's Reading:

Directions given for constructing the Tabernacle, court, furniture, and enclosure; plans for Altar; Aaron's priestly garments; ephod

Just inside the courtyard which surrounded the Tabernacle stood the Brazen Altar (Exodus 27:1-8; 38:30), also called the Altar of Burnt Offering (30:28). God had said to Moses: Thou shalt make an Altar of shittim (acacia) wood. . . . and thou shalt overlay it with brass (27:1-2). Throughout the Bible, brass is a symbol of the judgment of God upon sin (compare Numbers 21:6-9; John 3:14-16). Sacrifices were offered on the Brazen Altar, with its fire which was kindled by an act of God and which was never to be allowed to go out (Leviticus 6:13). This was a daily demonstration of the mercy of God because the fire of judgment, which was required by the holiness of God, accepted an animal as a substitute for the guilty sinner

In sacrificing an unblemished animal, the Israelite understood that the animal's life was being forfeited in his place because of sins he had committed. He knew that it was only through the sinless animal being slain on his behalf that he was restored to a right relationship with our holy God. The worshiper entered the one door into the outer court and approached the Brazen Altar. Then he placed his hands upon his sacrifice to signify his guilt being transferred to the innocent animal and then he killed it (Leviticus 1:4-5)

Between the Altar and the Tabernacle was the large Brass Laver made from many brass mirrors which the women of the camp had provided (Exodus 38:8). Each day after the priest had offered a sacrifice, he approached the Laver of Brass (30:17-21) and washed his hands and feet before ministering in the Holy Place. The mirrors and water symbolized the Word of God which both reveals our sin and is the cleansing power to remove that sin from our lives. Jesus revealed: Ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you (John 15:3; Titus 3:5; James 1:23-25).

God used the Romans to destroy Herod's Temple with its Brazen Altar, Laver of Brass, Candlestick of pure gold, Table of Showbread, and Altar of Incense. The Ark of the Lord's Covenant, with its Mercy Seat, had been missing since the Babylonian captivity. All of these symbolized Christ, who fulfilled them (Hebrews 9:1 — 10:22; 13:10-12). Since the crucifixion, bodily resurrection, and ascension of Christ, both Jews and Gentiles have but one God-appointed means of cleansing from sin — through Jesus Christ (John 14:6).

Christ gave Himself for the Church that He might sanctify (set apart for sacred service) and cleanse (make clean, purify) it with the washing of water by the Word (Ephesians 5:26).

Christ Revealed:

Through the Brazen Altar, upon which the Sin Offering was burned (Exodus 27:1-8; Leviticus 4:1-12). 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 (Ephesians 1:5-7; John 1:29,36; Colossians 1:14; Hebrews 9:12).

Word Studies:

26:6 taches = devices for fastening two parts together; 26:19 tenons = projections that fit into one another; 27:6 staves = poles for carrying; 27:21 order it = keep it burning; 28:8 curious girdle = skillfully made belt; 28:32 hole of an habergeon = neck in a jacket or protective armor.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of Linda Kennon · Staff: Ken Sharp · Government Officials: Rep. Xavier Becerra (CA) and Sen. Mark Dayton (MN) · Country: Gabon (1 million) in west-central Africa · Major language: French · Religious freedom · 66% Roman Catholic; 30% Protestant; 3% animism and ancestor worship · Prayer Suggestion: Call upon the Lord in adversity, for He will hear (Psalm 116:1-4,8).

Optional Reading: Matthew 25

Memory Verse for the Week: Colossians 1:15