The SanctuarySample

First Steps

On Mount Sinai, God gave Moses plans for the Tabernacle. This was a tent in which God would dwell with His people as they journeyed to the promised land. The Tabernacle would be the first step to restore the presence God had with humanity in Eden. His instructions to build this tent started at the center and worked outwards.

The mercy seat in the Holy of Holies was the central part of the tabernacle. We can think of it like God’s throne and it’s where God would meet with His people. In front of that was the golden lampstand that continually shone on the bread. This was to be a constant testament to the fact that God’s presence is with His people.

Outside the tent was an altar where sacrifices would be made because people cannot approach God as they are. Their sin must be dealt with through sacrifice.

God is Holy. He is set apart, glorious and perfect. Which is what makes Jesus’ coming to earth so magnificent. Jesus was the final tabernacle because He was the tent in which God fully dwelled in the flesh. He is the bread of life who is present for His people, the light of the world that shines on them eternally with His protection, the final sacrifice on the altar that allows us to enter the holy place of God. At Jesus’ death, the curtain covering the Holy of Holies was torn open to show there is no longer separation between God and His people. And eventually, Jesus will return and transform the whole world as a new tabernacle where He will dwell in it with His people forever.

Written by RAMONA ISHAC