12-10-17 Today in the Word

DEVOTION FOR SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2017
Exodus 25:8–22
A COPY OF HEAVENLY WORSHIP
One delightful attraction at Windsor Castle is Queen Mary’s Doll House, the largest doll house in the world. Equipped with electricity, running water, functioning elevators, and flush toilets, the Royal Collection Trust describes it as a “perfect replica in miniature of an aristocratic home.”
The Israelite tabernacle was a replica in miniature of God’s heavenly dwelling. Although God could not be contained in space, the tabernacle symbolized God’s intentional dwelling with His people on earth. The furnishings of the sanctuary reflected heavenly realities that God showed Moses on the mountain (v. 8; see Heb. 8:5).
First, notice God’s concern for beauty. The Ark of the Covenant (like the atonement cover and cherubim) was made “with pure gold, both inside and out” (v. 11). Later chapters reveal additional attention to beauty for the curtains, lampstand, and altars. The place of God’s dwelling reflected the worship of God in “the beauty of holiness” (Ps. 96:9, KJV). Second, the tabernacle reflected the cosmic reality of God’s heavenly dwelling. Just as God is surrounded in heaven by angelic beings (see Isa. 6:1–3), so too the ark was overshadowed by two massive cherubim (vv. 18–20). Third, the tabernacle underscored the centrality of God’s word for His people. Twice, Scripture repeats the instruction to “put in the ark the tablets of the covenant law” (vv. 16, 21). There, above the Ark of the Covenant, God would “meet with you and give you all my commands for the Israelites” (v. 22).
The tabernacle symbolized God’s dwelling with His people; but it required the acceptance and obedience of God’s word. God’s presence is most clearly manifested when His Word is established among His people.
APPLY THE WORD
When you join others in worship today, you participate in the beauty of worship, the cosmic dimension of worship, and the centrality of God’s Word in worship. As we look forward to celebrating the birth of Christ, give thanks that God has both revealed Himself to us and invited us into relational worship of Him.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

9-16-23 Little-Known Prophecies of Christmas, Pt 3: Genesis 17:19

Little-Known Prophecies of Christmas, Pt 3: Genesis 17:19 :: By Paul J. Scharf Published on: December 24, 2022 by RR10 Category:General Articles The Messiah was a descendant of Abraham. More than that, we considered last time how He was, in fact, promised within the covenant that God made with Abram (Gen. 12:1-3). According to the Apostle Paul in Gal. 3:16 and 19, He is the ultimate recipient of that covenant! Our Savior Jesus Christ is finally the One through whom “all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Gen. 12:3). Paul also quoted and discussed that portion of the covenant in Gal. 3:8-9. We ended last time with the realization that the promised Messiah would be the final Davidic king over Israel. As declared then, however, there are several intermediate steps, with accompanying prophecies, which are given between the times of Abraham and David and speak about His coming and the offices He would hold as the greatest prophet, priest, and king. And there are also more ance
Read more

9-17-23 Christians Using Science Badly: Part 2

Christians Using Science Badly: Part 2 :: By Wilfred Hahn Published on: December 24, 2022 by RR10 Category:General Articles, Wilfred Hahn Christians Using Science Badly: Part 2 :: By Wilfred Hahn Reviewing the “facts” that we cited in Part 1, we noted the hyperbole and downright dishonesty in some instances to support global warming claims. Why is there such bias? Money Precedes Truth Global warming has become big business. Armies of global consultants are peddling false information because it is profitable to do so. Many claimed urgencies are exaggerated by factors of 10X … indeed, 200X in some instances and more. Governments are particularly susceptible to this hype, promising infrastructure programs estimated to cost upwards of trillions of dollars. According to a new report,1 an estimated $3.4 trillion will be invested in renewable energy during the next decade, including $2.72 trillion in wind and solar. By 2030, 54.1% of installed capacity will be renewable (including hydropo
Read more

9-17-23 It's Coming

It Is Coming - By Daymond Duck - https://www.raptureready.com/2022/12/24/it-is-coming-by-daymond-duck/ On Dec. 17, 2022, it was reported that Rep. David Cicilline, a Democrat from Rhode Island, has introduced legislation to permanently bar former Pres. Trump from running for president again, and 40 Democrats have signed on. Cicilline is accusing Trump of orchestrating an insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021. At the time of this writing, it is debatable as to whether Cicilline’s legislation will get voted on before the new Congress takes office in 2023, but some conservatives have said from the beginning that the main purpose of the Jan. 6 fake show-trial was to stop Trump from being elected again. Some, including this writer, have said there is no telling what the U.S. shadow government will do to prevent making America great again (MAGA) because they want to surrender the sovereignty of the U.S. to the New World Order (coming world government). It was easy to see this comi
Read more