God’s Design For His Temple – YOU
BRD REFLECTIONS:
Exodus 37, 38 and Psalm 76 (NIV)
(Barnabus Ng, Disciple Facilitator)
READ:
Exodus 37, 38 (N)V)
OBSERVE:
The Style of Interior defines the passions and personality of the one who planned it. (The Alchemy of Things by Karen McCartney) While that statement might be about interior decorations, likewise we can gain a better understanding of God’s desire for his creation as we explore the design of His Tabernacle.
- Ark of the Covenant – The Ark represented the presence of God. Hebrews 9:4 mentioned a golden urn holding the manna, Aaron’s staff, and the tablets of covenant inside the ark. These serve as reminders of God’s provision and faithfulness as He governs our lives and directs us by His authority.
- Table, Lampstand, and the Altar of Incense – The other three items within the tents were equally symbolic in nature. The table of showbread signified God’s providence and a reminder of the call to be of service to Him. The lampstand resembling a tree of life symbolized God as both a life-giver as well as a light-giver. Finally, the altar of incense symbolized the prayers of God’s people, rising to Heaven.
- Courtyard – The area outside the tent holds another two items of significance. One item was the Altar of Burnt Offering which symbolized the need for atonement, and reconciliation with God. The other item was the Bronze Wash Basin symbolizing the washing, cleansing and forgiveness of sin.
APPLY:
1 Cor 3:16-17 says that we are God’s temple so just as we gain a better understanding of the symbolism of the furniture placed in God’s temple, the following is how we can apply it in our lives.
- The Call to Reconcile and Forgive – An Altar of Burnt Offering and Wash Basin used for sacrifice for reconciliation and cleansing before entering the tent served as a reminder to us to seek reconciliation and forgiveness with God and with those whom we hurt.
- The Call to Pray – Like the Altar of Incense that symbolized the prayers and communion of God’s people, we called to take the mantle as His intercessors, God’s prayer warriors.
- The Call to Shine! – Be his Witness! Be his Light! The lampstand used to dispel the darkness within the tent, served as a call for His disciples to shine forth and dispel the darkness within our community.
- The Call to Serve – Just as the bread on the table serves as an offering to God, likewise, we called to present ourselves as His instrument, for service before God.
DO:
The symbolism of the furniture and layout placed in the temple revealed God’s desire for us to draw near to His presence. As I gain a better understanding of His characteristics and passion from the design of the temple, may I accept His call to pray, to shine and to be of service to further His kingdom.
PRAY:
Lord, thank you for allowing us to understand you better through your plans laid out for the temple. May it be a constant reminder of your love and providence to us. May I too be an instrument that would be of service to you. Amen.
